Mexican-Style Pickled Cucumbers Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large bowl to begin the pickling process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/mexican-style-pickled-cucumbers-recipe/
