Quick Tangy Pickled Dill Cucumbers
A fast, no-canning method to make crunchy, tangy pickled dill cucumbers perfect for busy nights and quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including 30 minutes salting and 10 minutes cooling brine)
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium fresh cucumbers (preferably Kirby or pickling cucumbers)
- 4–5 fresh dill sprigs
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher or pickling salt
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick rounds or spears.
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Toss gently and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- While cucumbers sit, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar and salt dissolve, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Rinse cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Layer cucumbers and fresh dill sprigs into sterilized glass jars or airtight containers. Distribute garlic cloves and peppercorns evenly.
- Pour warm brine over cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Ensure cucumbers are fully submerged.
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before tasting. Flavor deepens up to 3 days.
Notes
Use kosher or pickling salt to avoid clouding the brine. Do not skip salting cucumbers first to keep them crisp. Heat brine just enough to dissolve sugar and salt without boiling. Store pickles refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 grams)
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
Keywords: quick pickles, dill pickles, no canning, tangy pickles, crunchy cucumbers, refrigerator pickles, easy pickles