Sweet and Sour Asian Pickled Cucumbers

These tangy and oh-so-simple-to-make sweet and sour Asian cucumbers take only about 5 minutes to make, and are one of our favorite pickle snacks. They’re also oh so good served as a cooling side or a crunchy, puckery salad all on their own.

I’ve never met a pickle I didn’t like. And when a pickle recipe does double duty as a tangy salad or a puckery snack, I look like that little emoji girl with my hand held high 🙋. Actually, my hand is more likely IN the pickle jar instead of being raised even though my mom ALWAYS told me, “USE A FORK!”

When will I ever learn to listen? Asking for my mom, because, you know, she’s still wondering.

This easy cucumber pickle is exactly one of those recipes I will disregard all of my mom’s Emily Post etiquette teachings for. It’s the perfect topping on a sandwich or burger (like my Korean BBQ Burgers), or served alongside my Grilled Chicken Satay, or for simply snagging from the fridge for a little afternoon cure-all snack. Fork, or no fork, it’s totally your choice but I bet you know how I’ll be digging for them.

These pickles are a classic served alongside spicy food, hence why they work so well with Thai, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian savory flavors. They’re cooling and puckery and play well with other spicy bites.

I use English cucumbers for this recipe because they have a thinner, more tender skin so there’s no need for peeling. They also have fewer seeds and don’t leave a bitter bite. You could try making them with Persian or Kirby cucumbers, but, if using a regular garden or grocery store style cucumber, consider peeling them first.

I prefer these cucumber pickles as paper thin slices and for that job I rely on my handheld mandoline to keep things tidy and uniform. I also use it for slicing my shallots as well.

For a chunkier pickle, follow these instructions:

• Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, and then cut in half
• Use a spoon to scoop out all of the seeds and discard
• Slice the pickle into 1/4-inch pieces
• Allow for more refrigerator time for the flavors to infuse the cucumbers, at least 2 hours minimum.

I use seasoned rice vinegar in my pickling dressing solution because it already has a bit of sweetness to it. If you’re using regular rice vinegar, taste as you go and add more sugar if desired.

Also, if serving this as a salad, you’ll want to drain off most of the pickling liquid when serving and consider doubling the number of cucumbers and shallots to the same ratio of liquid I give in the recipe.

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.

3.94 from 16 votes

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Sweet and Sour Asian Cucumbers

Servings 4 cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dried red chile flakes
• 2 seedless English cucumbers
• 1 shallot

Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers into very thin coins (a mandoline works well for this job) and thinly slice the shallot as well. Add both to the quart jar or medium size bowl. In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk the rice vinegar, sugar, grated ginger, salt and chile flakes together until the sugar has dissolved and pour over the cucumbers, tossing lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.

Recipe Ideas for Serving with These Sweet and Sour Pickled Cucumbers

Traditional Thai and Korean cuisine often delivers a bite of savory heat. These pickles deliver the cool down to perfectly contrast that heady bite. Here’s a few ideas of what to eat with your pickles.

Chicken Satay with Lighter Almond Dipping Sauce

Marinated chicken that’s skewered and grilled is a classic main meal or appetizer that wouldn’t be quite the same without a few cukes by it’s side. Get the recipe.

Korean BBQ Burgers

Korean flavors are famous for kicking up the heat, and these cucumbers are one way to cool it down with crunch. Get the recipe.

Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls

These bowl babies topped with a spicy sriracha sauce are begging for a crunchy, vinegary bite. Go on. Get in there and deliver. Get the recipe.

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