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Easy Korean Pickles Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This Easy Korean Pickles recipe features crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy mixture of rice wine vinegar, sugar, and gochugaru. Enhanced with the aroma of toasted sesame oil and optional garlic and sesame seeds, these quick pickles bring a refreshing crunch and vibrant Korean flavors to any meal. Ready in just 10 minutes and no cooking required, they make a perfect side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber

  • 1 large English cucumber (about 1 lb.), thinly sliced (⅛ inch thick)

Pickling Mixture

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 large clove), optional
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru, or to taste (or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes)
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl, ensuring even layering to allow for uniform coating.
  2. Mix Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, combine the kosher salt, minced garlic (if using), gochugaru (or crushed red pepper flakes), rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar and salt fully dissolve into the liquid.
  3. Toss Cucumbers: Pour the prepared seasoning mixture over the sliced cucumbers. Gently toss the cucumbers in the bowl to evenly coat all slices with the marinade.
  4. Let Pickle: Allow the cucumbers to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best taste and texture, refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Serve: Optionally sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For spicier pickles, increase the amount of gochugaru or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Use English cucumbers for their thin skins and fewer seeds, which create a better texture for pickling.
  • These pickles are best consumed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and crunch.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Adding minced garlic is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the pickling liquid.
  • Ensure cucumbers are sliced uniformly for even flavor absorption.

Keywords: Korean pickles, cucumber pickles, quick pickles, easy Korean recipes, no-cook pickles, spicy pickles, Korean side dish

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/easy-korean-pickles-recipe/