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To make your tangy Asian pickled cucumbers, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup rice vinegar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro, for garnish These ingredients work together to create a refreshing, crunchy side dish. You can easily mix things up with these variations: - Add a splash of lime juice for extra tang. - Include sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick. - Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. - Mix in sliced carrots or radishes for added crunch and color. Feel free to experiment and find what suits your taste! Make sure you have the right tools: - A large mixing bowl - A whisk for mixing the dressing - A clean glass jar or airtight container - A knife and cutting board for slicing cucumbers These tools will help you prepare and store your pickles with ease. For a complete guide on making these savory delights, check out the Full Recipe. Start with 2 large English cucumbers. Wash them well and cut them into thin slices. Place the slices in a big bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers. Toss them gently so the salt mixes well. Let the cucumbers sit for about 15 minutes. This helps them lose extra water and become crisp. While the cucumbers rest, make the pickling dressing. In a separate bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup rice vinegar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Whisk all these ingredients until the sugar dissolves. The dressing should be well blended and fragrant. After 15 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water. This washes away the salt. Drain them and pat them dry with a clean towel. Now, add the cucumbers to the pickling dressing. Stir gently to coat every slice. Next, transfer the cucumbers into a clean glass jar or an airtight container. Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in the dressing. This step is key for great flavor. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top. Seal the jar tightly. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to infuse fully. When you are ready to serve, enjoy these tangy delights as a side dish or topping! Choose firm cucumbers for pickling. Look for English cucumbers or pickling cucumbers. These types have fewer seeds and a thicker skin. Fresh cucumbers should feel smooth and bright. Avoid any that are soft or have dark spots. Freshness will help your pickles taste great. To keep your cucumbers crunchy, start by salting them. Salt draws out water, making them crispier. Let them sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse them. This step removes excess moisture and salt. Pat them dry to ensure they stay crunchy when pickled. You can change the flavor of your pickles by adjusting the sugar and spice. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For spice, use more red pepper flakes. Taste your dressing before adding it to the cucumbers. This way, you can find the right balance for your taste. For more details on making these pickles, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} Korean-style pickled cucumbers, or Oi Muchim, bring a spicy twist to the table. You start with the same fresh cucumbers. Add gochugaru, which is Korean red pepper flakes, for heat. A splash of fish sauce gives it umami. You can mix in sesame seeds for crunch. This version has a bright red color and a bold taste. It works great as a side dish for Korean BBQ or rice bowls. For a lighter touch, try Japanese tsukemono pickles. Use the same cucumbers but add mirin and soy sauce for sweetness. You can include kombu, a type of seaweed, for extra flavor. The cucumbers soak in the mix, making them sweet and salty. Serve them with rice or as part of a bento box. They add a refreshing crunch to any meal. Southeast Asian pickles bring heat and tang. Start with your cucumbers, then add sliced chili peppers and garlic. Use rice vinegar and a bit of lime juice for brightness. A touch of sugar balances the spice. This mix creates a vibrant, zesty pickle that pairs well with grilled meats or as a side for curry dishes. The flavors dance on your palate, making every bite exciting. When you want to switch it up, try these variations on the full recipe. Each one offers a unique spin on the classic Asian pickled cucumbers. Store your pickled cucumbers in a clean glass jar. I like to use an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and crunchy. Always make sure the cucumbers are submerged in the pickling liquid. This ensures they stay flavorful and crisp. Keep the jar in the refrigerator. This will help them stay fresh longer. Your pickled cucumbers can last about two weeks in the fridge. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. Always check for changes in smell or color. If anything seems off, don't eat them. Use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination. This keeps your pickles safe and tasty. I don’t recommend freezing pickled cucumbers. Freezing can change their texture. They may become mushy and lose their crunch. Refrigerating is the best way to keep them fresh. Enjoy your pickled cucumbers straight from the fridge for the best taste and crunch. For the full recipe, check out Tangy Sesame Asian Pickled Cucumbers. Asian pickled cucumbers last about one to two weeks in the fridge. Make sure to keep them sealed in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen as they sit. After a week, check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration. Yes, you can use many other vegetables for pickling! Carrots, radishes, and green beans work well. Just cut them to a similar size as cucumbers for even pickling. Feel free to mix different veggies to create your own twist. Asian pickled cucumbers are great with many dishes. They add a fresh crunch to rice bowls, salads, or grilled meats. You can serve them as a side with sushi or as a topping for sandwiches. Their tangy flavor brightens up any meal! Absolutely! If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes to the pickling mix. You can also try adding sliced fresh chili peppers. Just remember, you can always start with a little and add more to taste. Serve them chilled as a side dish or on top of rice. They also work well in tacos or as a garnish for noodle dishes. For a fun presentation, place them in small bowls and drizzle with the pickling liquid. Yes! They are low in calories and packed with flavor. Cucumbers are hydrating, and the pickling process adds probiotics. This can be good for gut health. Just watch out for the sugar in the pickling mix if you're monitoring your intake. Yes, you can! If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar. Start by cutting it in half. You can also substitute with honey or a sugar alternative. Just taste as you go to ensure it suits your liking. You can make Asian pickled cucumbers a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe and store them in the fridge. The flavors will have more time to blend and become tastier. They are perfect for meal prep or gatherings! Leftover pickled cucumbers stay great for snacks or toppings. You can toss them into salads or serve them with grilled meats. They make a delicious addition to any meal, so don’t let them go to waste! You can check out the full recipe for Tangy Sesame Asian Pickled Cucumbers for detailed steps. Enjoy the process and happy pickling! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for Asian pickled cucumbers, including variations to boost flavor. We detailed step-by-step instructions for preparing, pickling, and storing your cucumbers. Plus, we shared tips on choosing the best cucumbers and achieving the perfect crunch. Making pickles can be easy and fun. With the right tools and techniques, you can enjoy bursting flavors. Now, feel free to experiment with variations or adjust the sweetness to your taste. Your crunchy, tangy pickles await!

- Asian Pickled Cucumbers

Discover the perfect balance of tangy and crunchy with these Tangy Sesame Asian Pickled Cucumbers! In just over two hours, you can whip up a delightful side dish that's full of flavor. Our easy recipe combines fresh cucumbers with a zesty pickling dressing featuring sesame oil, ginger, and a kick of spice. Perfect for adding a refreshing touch to your meals. Click to explore this irresistible recipe and elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the thinly sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and toss gently to combine. Let the cucumbers sit for about 15 minutes. This process will draw out excess moisture, making them crispier.

    In a separate bowl, prepare the pickling dressing by combining the rice vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and all ingredients are well blended.

      Once the cucumbers have rested, rinse them under cold water to wash away the salt. Drain them well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid.

        Add the cucumbers to the vinegar dressing and gently stir to ensure every slice is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.

          Transfer the coated cucumbers to a clean glass jar or an airtight container. Ensure that the cucumbers are fully submerged in the pickling liquid for maximum flavor absorption.

            Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the cucumber mixture, then seal the jar or container tightly. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, although overnight is recommended for a more intense flavor infusion.

              When ready to serve, dish out the pickled cucumbers as a refreshing side or use them as a zesty topping for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before enjoying.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pickles in small bowls or as part of a platter. Drizzle with the pickling liquid for an inviting appearance and add a few cilantro sprigs for a pop of color!