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
