Oke's Korean Cucumber Pickles
User Reviews
4.7
Oke's Korean Cucumber Pickles
Description
This recipe for Oke's Korean Cucumber Pickles starts with thinly sliced cucumbers that are salted and left to rest, drawing out moisture and preventing sogginess. After draining and gently squeezing excess salt, the cucumbers are tossed in a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, green onions, and optional ginger juice and hot pepper to taste. This brine imparts a crisp, refreshing tang with layers of mild spice and aromatic garlic flavor.
The pickling process is flexible: refrigerate for at least an hour to enjoy a fresh, lightly pickled side dish, or leave overnight for a stronger, more traditional pickle flavor. The texture remains crunchy while softened slightly by the salt and vinegar.
These Korean-style pickles work well as accompaniment to grilled meats, rice bowls, or as refreshing snacks. They keep well in the refrigerator for several days, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber (or 6 to 8 Persian or pickling cucumbers according to your preference)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp sugar (to ½ tsp, to taste)
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ tsp ginger juice (optional, press in a garlic press to extract the juice- to taste)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- ⅛ tsp hot pepper (as desired)
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers (I like to use an OXO mandoline and slice directly into a colander.) Sprinkle with a little Kosher salt but don’t make the cucumbers too salty.
- Put a plate underneath the colander and set aside for about 2 hours (or for a more pickled cucumber dish, leave overnight).
- After the allotted time, taste a slice to see if it’s too salty, and if so, squeeze them a little in paper towels to remove some of the saltiness.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger juice (if using), green onions and hot pepper, to taste.
- Add the cucumber slices to the mixture and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour (for a fresh tasting side dish) or for up to a few days (more flavorful, and pickled flavor).
Notes
- Choose fresh, organic cucumbers for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sugar and hot pepper levels to balance sweetness and spiciness to your taste.
- Longer refrigeration results in a more pronounced pickled flavor.
- Ginger juice is optional but adds a subtle aromatic note when included.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories 86 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bowl | |
| Calories | 86kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sodium | 1177mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 542mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 621IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 84mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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