Today, we’re exploring a tasty recipe that’s all about freshness, tanginess, and herbal goodness – Marinated Cucumbers! So, grab your ingredients, because we’re about to embark on a delicious cooking journey.
Are you ready to make your dill-icious marinated cucumber masterpiece? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Marinated Cucumbers
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:
Cucumbers: 1 lb (500 g)
Fine Salt: 1/2 tsp
Raw Cane Sugar: 1/2 Tbsp. If you don’t have raw cane sugar, regular sugar can be a good substitute.
Garlic: 2 cloves
Fresh Dill: 3 Tbsp
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 Tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 Tbsp. It is optional. If you prefer a slightly richer taste and texture.
Pinch of Black Pepper
How to Make Marinated Cucumbers
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers to remove any dirt. Check out this article for the tips ⇓⇓⇓
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2. Cut the cucumbers into long slices.
3. Finely chop the dill.
4. Crush the garlic using a press or finely chop it, or use a grater.
5. Mix cucumbers with chopped dill and garlic. Add salt, sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper and mix everything well. Add olive oil if using.
6. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
7. Enjoy!
Optional Additions and Variations
One of the beauties of this marinated cucumber recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some optional additions and variations to consider, allowing you to personalize your marinated cucumbers:
Red Onion Slices: Add thinly sliced red onions for a pop of color and a mild, sweet crunch.
Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes.
Peppercorns: Whole black or colorful peppercorns can infuse your marinated cucumbers with bursts of spicy, and aromatic flavor.
Soy Sauce: For an Asian-inspired twist, incorporate a bit of soy sauce. It adds depth and a savory umami flavor to the marinade.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds will provide a delightful nutty flavor to the marinated cucumbers.
Honey or Agave Syrup: If you prefer a sweeter taste, a touch of honey or agave syrup can balance out the tanginess. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Lemon or Lime Zest: For a citrusy twist, add some lemon or lime zest.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. Each herb brings a unique aroma and flavor profile to your dish.
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Feel free to mix and match these suggestions, or come up with your unique combinations. With each variation, you’ll create a new and exciting version of marinated cucumbers that suits your culinary style perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Marinated Cucumbers
Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, unwrinkled cucumbers. Freshness is key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
Slice Uniformly: This ensures even marination, allowing all the slices to absorb the flavors consistently.
Control the Salt: Be mindful of the salt quantity. A little goes a long way. You can always add more later if needed, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
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Mind the Marination Time: Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 25-30 minutes. However, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully if you can refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight.
Adjust Sweetness: If your cucumbers are particularly bitter, you might need a touch more sweetness. Adjust the raw cane sugar to balance the flavors.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill are fantastic, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like mint, chives, or tarragon. Each herb lends a unique character.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When marinating, ensure there’s enough space in the container for the cucumbers to mingle with the flavors. Overcrowding can result in uneven marination.
Use a Clean Container: If transferring the marinated cucumbers to a different container, make sure it’s clean and dry. Any residual flavors from previous use might affect the taste.
Serve Chilled: Marinated cucumbers are most refreshing when served cold. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy them, especially on a hot day.
Storage: Consume your marinated cucumbers within a few days for the best quality. While they keep for a short period, the fresher, the better!
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When marinating cucumbers, it’s essential to use the right type of salt to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Best Salt to Use
Kosher Salt: It has a pure, clean taste and dissolves well. It doesn’t contain additives like iodine, which can sometimes affect the taste of the final dish.
Sea Salt: It’s made by evaporating seawater and retains natural minerals, enhancing the overall flavor.
Pickling Salt: This is a fine-grained salt without any additives. It’s specifically designed for pickling and marinating, ensuring clear brines and vibrant colors.
Salt to Avoid
Table Salt (Iodized Salt): Often contains iodine and anti-caking agents. Iodine can impart a slightly bitter taste, which may not be desirable in marinated cucumbers. Additionally, the fine texture can lead to uneven distribution and might make your cucumbers too salty.
Rock Salt: It’s not suitable for cooking or marinating due to its large, uneven crystals.
Flavored or Seasoned Salt: Often contains additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or even dehydrated vegetables. While these are great for certain dishes, they can overpower the delicate flavors of marinated cucumbers.
How to Eat Marinated Cucumbers
Refreshing Side Dish: Serve marinated cucumbers as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or barbecued meats.
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Sandwich Topping: Elevate your sandwiches by adding a layer of marinated cucumbers. Try them in burgers, wraps, or even a classic cucumber sandwich.
Salad Booster: Toss marinated cucumbers into green salads. Pair them with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Garnish for Soups: Float a few marinated cucumber slices on top of chilled summer soups like gazpacho.
Sushi Rolls Filling: Roll marinated cucumbers into homemade sushi rolls, alongside avocado and crab or smoked salmon.
Picnic Essential: Pack marinated cucumbers for your picnics. Pair them with some crusty bread and cheese for a complete picnic treat.
Top Your Hors d’oeuvres: Top them with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or a dollop of tzatziki sauce for elegant and tasty hors d’oeuvres.
Stir Into Yogurt: Mix chopped marinated cucumbers into plain yogurt. It creates a delightful dip or spread for pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Grilled Dish Accompaniment: Serve marinated cucumbers with grilled vegetables.
Taco Filling: Add marinated cucumbers to your tacos. They bring a burst of freshness that balances the richness of meat or beans.
Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite way to savor these dill-icious marinated cucumbers!
Happy Marinating!
Best Marinated Cucumbers (Ready in 15 minutes)
Equipment
- 1 glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby cucumbers 500 g
- 3 Tbsp of fresh dill chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp raw cane sugar
- 1/2 tsp fine salt not iodized salt
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil optional
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers to remove any dirt.
- Cut the cucumbers into long slices. Finely chop the dill. Crush the garlic using a press or finely chop it, or use a grater.
- Mix cucumbers with chopped dill and garlic. Add salt, sugar, vinegar, black pepper and olive oil (if using), mix everything well.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!