Mexican-Style Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

Introduction

Mexican-style pickled cucumbers are a delightful accompaniment that adds a refreshing zesty flavor to any meal. This recipe combines the crispness of cucumbers with a tangy marinade perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes or enjoying as a snack. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to prepare, making them a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 500 g cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
• 250 ml vinegar
• 250 ml water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 dried chili (optional, for heat)
• 5 black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• A small handful fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumber slices. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, drain the liquid.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, olive oil, maple syrup, and lime juice until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the crushed garlic, chopped red onion, chopped chili (if using), black peppercorns, bay leaf, and fresh herbs to the marinade. Stir to mix.
5. Step 5: Add the drained cucumber slices to the marinade and gently toss until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.
7. Step 7: Serve chilled as a zesty, refreshing side dish or appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your taste preference.
• Try using different fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a unique flavor twist.
• For a sweeter touch, increase the maple syrup slightly or substitute with honey.

Storage

Store the marinated cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, serve chilled straight from the fridge. These pickles are best eaten fresh as their texture softens over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How long will the pickled cucumbers last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these pickled cucumbers can last for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispness and flavor.

Can I use other vegetables for pickling?

Yes, many vegetables such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers work well for pickling. Adjust the pickling time based on the density of the vegetable for best results.

Mexican-Style Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

Mexican-style cucumbers are a refreshing, zesty pickle that combines crisp cucumber slices with a tangy, flavorful marinade including vinegar, lime juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. This easy-to-make side dish or snack delivers a vibrant twist to any meal, offering a delightful balance of acidity, spice, and freshness.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 500 g cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small dried chili (optional, for heat)
• A small handful fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped

Marinade and Seasonings

• 250 ml vinegar (white, apple cider, or rice vinegar)
• 250 ml water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 5 black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large bowl to begin the pickling process.
2. Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumber slices. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps maintain their crispness in the marinade. Afterward, drain the liquid thoroughly.
3. Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, olive oil, maple syrup, and lime juice until well combined to create a balanced tangy and slightly sweet pickling base.
4. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: To the marinade, add the crushed garlic, finely chopped red onion, chopped dried chili (if using), black peppercorns, bay leaf, and fresh herbs. Stir gently to evenly distribute flavors.
5. Combine Everything: Add the drained cucumber slices to the marinade and toss gently until all slices are thoroughly coated with the flavorful liquid and seasonings.
6. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the cucumbers properly. For a stronger, deeper flavor, let them marinate for up to 4 hours.
7. Serve: Enjoy the pickled cucumbers chilled as a zingy, refreshing side dish or appetizer that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a snack alongside tortilla chips.

Notes

• You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or reducing the dried chili or by using fresh chilies according to your taste preference.
• Store the marinated cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• These pickled cucumbers complement grilled meats beautifully or can be served with tortilla chips as a zesty dip alternative.
• For longer storage, consider using sterilized jars to prevent spoilage, although it is not necessary for short-term refrigerator pickles.

Keywords: Mexican cucumbers, pickled cucumbers, zesty side dish, vinegar pickles, easy cucumber recipe, tangy cucumber salad