Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 4–6 small cucumbers (pickling cucumbers preferred)
- 4–6 garlic cloves (peeled, optional)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh dill (or 1 tsp dill seeds)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Optional: red pepper flakes, bay leaves, or coriander seeds
Instructions
- Wash and slice cucumbers into spears, chips, or leave them whole for classic pickles. Trim off the blossom end to ensure crispiness. Pack cucumbers tightly into sterilized jars along with garlic, dill, peppercorns, and mustard seeds.
- Combine water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. Place in the refrigerator for at least 24–48 hours before enjoying for optimal flavor infusion. Quick pickles will keep in the fridge for up to 2 months.
- For fermented pickles, omit the cooking step and use a 2% salt brine (e.g., 20g salt per 1 liter of water). Let the jars sit at room temperature for 3–7 days, burping daily to release gas. Once fermented, refrigerate to slow the process.
Notes
- For low-sodium options, reduce or omit salt and use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if needed.
- Experiment with vegetables like carrots, green beans, radishes, or cauliflower for variety.
- Reuse pickle brine for a second batch or as a base for salad dressings and marinades.
- Ensure jars are sterilized properly to prevent spoilage during storage.
- Quick pickles last up to 2 months in the fridge; fermented pickles last longer when refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Preserving
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spear or chip (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg