If you’re looking for a quick and refreshing side dish or snack, these Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers are the perfect option. With a light, tangy marinade and the unique addition of sesame seeds, these cucumbers bring a delightful crunch and fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. Whether you’re serving them with grilled meats, on a sandwich, or enjoying them on their own, they offer a satisfying balance of flavors that are sure to please your taste buds.

The first time I made these cucumbers, I was inspired by the tangy pickled vegetables I’d tasted in Asian cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients, I was able to create this quick pickling recipe that’s packed with flavor and texture. “These cucumbers are so refreshing!” my family commented after their first bite. Since then, they’ve become a regular side dish in my kitchen, often made in batches for easy meal prep throughout the week.

What makes these cucumbers truly special is their versatility. You can adjust the level of sweetness and tang to your preference, making it easy to customize. Plus, the addition of sesame seeds gives them a nutty richness that elevates the dish without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why These Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers?

Selling Points:

• Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick snack or a simple side dish.
• Crisp and Refreshing: The cucumbers stay crunchy even after being pickled, giving you a satisfying texture with every bite.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, tang, and sesame flavor to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy access to a healthy, flavorful snack throughout the week.

What You Need for Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

How to Make Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. For a slightly different texture, you can also cut them into half-moons or thin matchsticks. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl.

Step 2: Make the Pickling Liquid
In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, you can adjust the amount of sugar.

Step 3: Add Flavors
To the pickling liquid, add the toasted sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic (if using). Stir well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Toss the Cucumbers
Pour the pickling liquid over the cucumber slices and toss gently to coat. Make sure all the slices are evenly covered in the marinade.

Step 5: Let it Marinate
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. The longer you let the cucumbers marinate, the more flavorful they will be.

Step 6: Serve
Serve the pickled cucumbers chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, snack, or topping for other dishes like rice bowls or tacos. Enjoy the refreshing crunch and delicious flavor!

Tips for Perfect Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

• Adjust the sweetness: If you like a sweeter pickle, add more sugar. For a more savory flavor, reduce the sugar and use a bit more salt.
• Use freshly toasted sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and gives them a more aromatic quality.
• Let them marinate longer: For the best flavor, let the cucumbers marinate for at least a few hours, but they’ll be ready to eat after just 30 minutes.
• Use a mandoline for uniform slices: A mandoline slicer helps create even, thin slices that pickle more evenly.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the pickling liquid.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a few slices of fresh chili to the marinade.
• Use Different Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different tang.

Closing for Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

These Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers are a light, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy cucumbers in a new way. The combination of tangy vinegar, savory sesame oil, and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or as a side to your favorite dishes, they’re sure to add a burst of flavor to your table. Give them a try, and enjoy the balance of crunch, tang, and umami in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

Can I make these pickles ahead of time?
Yes, these pickled cucumbers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as they marinate.

How long do these pickles last?
Pickled cucumbers will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. After that, they may begin to lose their crispness, but they will still be flavorful.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes! You can use regular cucumbers, but keep in mind they may have larger seeds and a thicker skin. If you prefer, peel them before slicing.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like radishes, carrots, or bell peppers to create a variety of pickled snacks. Just adjust the pickling time as needed.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
If you prefer a sweeter pickle, simply add more sugar to the pickling liquid. Taste it before adding the cucumbers to ensure it’s to your liking.

Can I use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil?
Yes! Toasted sesame oil will add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the pickles, so feel free to use it for an even more aromatic dish.

These Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers are a simple and flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire. With their refreshing crunch and savory-tangy flavor, they’re the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.

Easy Pickled Sesame Cucumbers

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

Directions

• Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
• Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. For a slightly different texture, you can also cut them into half-moons or thin matchsticks. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl.
• Step 2: Make the Pickling Liquid
• In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, you can adjust the amount of sugar.
• Step 3: Add Flavors
• To the pickling liquid, add the toasted sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic (if using). Stir well to combine the flavors.
• Step 4: Toss the Cucumbers
• Pour the pickling liquid over the cucumber slices and toss gently to coat. Make sure all the slices are evenly covered in the marinade.
• Step 5: Let it Marinate
• Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. The longer you let the cucumbers marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
• Step 6: Serve
• Serve the pickled cucumbers chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, snack, or topping for other dishes like rice bowls or tacos. Enjoy the refreshing crunch and delicious flavor!