Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican-style cucumbers are the perfect combination of crunch and tang, with a refreshing citrusy bite from lime juice and a little heat from dried chili. The pickling process brings out the natural sweetness of the cucumber, while the vinegar and spices offer a delicious contrast. These cucumbers are versatile, working as a side dish, topping for tacos, or even a quick snack. With minimal prep and a short marination time, you’ll have a tasty, zesty treat in no time!
Ingredients
- 500 g cucumbers
- 250 ml vinegar
- 250 ml water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 dried chili (optional for heat)
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- A small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a bowl.
- Add the Salt: Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, water, sugar, and crushed garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the black peppercorns, bay leaf, and dried chili (if using) to the marinade.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the cucumbers have released moisture, drain any excess liquid. Add the cucumbers to the marinade and gently stir until the cucumber slices are fully coated with the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: After marinating, serve the cucumbers as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. They’re great on their own or paired with tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Cucumbers: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference. For an extra spicy kick, try using a couple of fresh jalapeños.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the marinade, such as mint, thyme, or oregano, to change the flavor profile.
- Sweet and Sour: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the sugar by 1 tablespoon for a more pronounced sweetness in the pickling liquid.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These marinated cucumbers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
- Reheating: Mexican-style cucumbers are best served cold, straight from the fridge. They do not need to be reheated, as their flavors are enhanced through the pickling process.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers will work just fine. You may want to peel them to reduce the bitterness, especially if they have thick skin.
How long should I let the cucumbers marinate?
Allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate them for 2-3 hours. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
Can I make these cucumbers spicier?
Yes, you can easily adjust the level of heat by adding more dried chili or even some fresh sliced chili peppers. For an extra kick, try using jalapeños or serrano peppers.
How do I store leftover Mexican-style cucumbers?
Store the cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe without vinegar?
Vinegar is essential for the tangy flavor, but if you don’t have vinegar, you can try substituting with lime juice or lemon juice. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform, thin slices that will absorb the pickling liquid more effectively.
Can I use different herbs for the marinade?
Yes, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
It’s not necessary to peel the cucumbers, but you can peel them if you prefer a milder taste or if the skin is thick or bitter.
What can I serve with Mexican-style cucumbers?
These pickled cucumbers pair wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a fresh topping for sandwiches and wraps. You can also enjoy them as a snack with tortilla chips.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the ingredients according to your serving size. Just keep the same ratio of vinegar to water, and feel free to tweak the spices to your taste.
Conclusion
Mexican-style cucumbers are a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings a refreshing kick to any meal. With their tangy, zesty marinade and the option to adjust the heat level to your liking, they make the perfect accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or as a stand-alone snack. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, these cucumbers are a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire.
Print
Mexican-Style Cucumbers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Mexican-style cucumbers are a tangy, zesty pickled side dish with a burst of citrus and heat, perfect as a snack or an accompaniment to tacos and grilled meats.
Ingredients
500 g cucumbers
250 ml vinegar
250 ml water
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 dried chili (optional for heat)
5 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
A small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes to release excess moisture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, water, sugar, and crushed garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the black peppercorns, bay leaf, and dried chili (if using) to the marinade.
- Once the cucumbers have released moisture, drain any excess liquid. Add the cucumbers to the marinade and gently stir until the cucumber slices are fully coated with the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve the cucumbers as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. They’re great on their own or paired with tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Notes
Leftover cucumbers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
For spicier cucumbers, adjust the amount of dried chili or add fresh chili peppers.
Slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible for the best pickling effect. A mandoline slicer can help.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like mint, thyme, or oregano to change the flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar by 1 tablespoon in the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
