Description
This recipe uses fresh kirby cucumbers, dill, garlic, and a flavorful brine to create perfect pickles in just a few easy steps. With no canning required, these refrigerator pickles are a quick and easy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 medium kirby cucumbers, ends trimmed and each cut into 6 spears (450 g)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (15 g)
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar (240 ml)
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- Approx. 1/4 bunch fresh dill fronds
- 4 garlic cloves, cut in half
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (1.5 g)
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers
- Trim and Cut Cucumbers:
- Trim the ends off 3 medium kirby cucumbers and cut each cucumber into 6 spears.
- Salt the Cucumbers:
- Toss the cucumber spears with 1 tbsp kosher salt in a large bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
Prepare the Brine
- Heat the Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Cool the Brine:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the cucumbers stay crisp when pickling.
Assemble the Pickles
- Prepare the Mason Jar:
- In a clean 1-quart mason jar (or any container that fits the cucumbers), layer the salted cucumber spears, approximately 1/4 bunch fresh dill fronds, 4 halved garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add the Brine:
- Pour the slightly cooled vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, making sure all spears are fully submerged.
Pickling Process
- Initial Sitting:
- Let the mason jar sit open on the counter for about 20 minutes to cool to room temperature.
- Seal and Refrigerate:
- Close the mason jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The pickles can be eaten after a few hours, but for the best flavor, let them sit for a few days.
Notes
- Crispier Pickles: For extra crispy pickles, add a few grape leaves or a pinch of calcium chloride (pickle crisp) to the jar before adding the brine.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding other spices like mustard seeds, black peppercorns, or bay leaves to the brine for different flavor profiles.
- Storage: These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American