17 Japanese Cucumber Pickles Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Cucumber pickles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, with a long history dating back to the 17th century. These tangy and crunchy pickles are a popular accompaniment to meals, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of Japanese dishes. While there are many variations of Japanese cucumber pickle recipes, the most traditional and authentic one involves using a simple brine of salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making your own delicious and authentic Japanese cucumber pickles.
Main Ingredients: Pickling Cucumbers, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Sesame
Looking for a unique twist on traditional pickles? Try this recipe for fermented Japanese cucumber pickles. These pickles have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that will add a burst of flavor to any dish.
To make these pickles, you'll need to start by slicing cucumbers into thin rounds and layering them in a jar with a mixture of salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. The cucumbers will sit in this mixture for a few days, allowing the fermentation process to take place and infuse the pickles with delicious flavor.
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Crispy Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Minced Garlic, Pickle, Dried Dill, Red
If you love dill pickles, you have to try this recipe for crispy dill pickles. These pickles have the perfect balance of tanginess and crunch, making them the perfect addition to sandwiches, burgers, or just on their own.
What sets these pickles apart from others is the addition of apple cider vinegar to the brine. This gives them a unique and delicious flavor that will leave you wanting more. They're also easy to make and will keep in the fridge for a few weeks, so you can enjoy them anytime.
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Old Fashion Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Water, White Vinegar, Pickling Salt, Cucumbers, Garlic
If you're a fan of classic dill pickles, you'll love this recipe for old-fashioned refrigerator dill pickles. These pickles have a traditional flavor and are made using simple ingredients like dill weed, garlic, and peppercorns.
The best part about this recipe is that you don't need any special equipment or canning skills. Simply mix the ingredients together, let the pickles sit in the brine for a few days, and then enjoy the delicious taste of homemade dill pickles.
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Garlic Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Canning Salt, Fresh Dill
For a pickle with a bold and flavorful kick, try these garlic dill pickles. The combination of fresh garlic, dill, and coriander seeds gives these pickles a deliciously intense flavor that will wake up your taste buds.
To make these pickles, simply pack cucumbers, garlic, and spices into a jar and cover with a mixture of vinegar and water. Let the pickles sit in the fridge for a few days and then enjoy them as a snack or as a topping for your favorite burger.
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Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Granulated Sugar, Canning Salt, White
If you're looking for a classic and simple dill pickle recipe, this is the one for you. These pickles have a traditional flavor and are made with just cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, dill, and salt.
One key to making these pickles perfectly crispy is to use pickling cucumbers, which are smaller and have a thinner skin. This allows them to absorb the brine and maintain their crunchiness. Enjoy these pickles as a side to your favorite sandwich or chop them up to add to a potato salad.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
For a healthy and flavorful meal, try this recipe for a Japanese salmon bowl. This dish combines salmon, avocado, and rice with a delicious marinade made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
The marinade gives the salmon a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and fluffy rice. This dish is also easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like cucumber slices or pickled ginger. Serve it hot or cold for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Bread and Butter Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickling Cucumbers, Onions, Pickling Salt, Vinegar
If you prefer a sweeter pickle, these bread and butter pickles are a must-try. Made with cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, and a combination of sugar and spices, these pickles have a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with sandwiches or as a snack.
One unique twist in this recipe is the addition of mustard seeds, which add a subtle tanginess to the pickles. These pickles are also easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, so you can enjoy them anytime.
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Spicy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Cloves, Garlic, Onion, Dill Seed, Salt
If you like a little heat in your pickles, try this recipe for spicy garlic dill refrigerator pickles. These pickles have a spicy kick from the addition of red pepper flakes, and the garlic and dill add a classic flavor that perfectly balances the spiciness.
The best part about these pickles is that they only take 10 minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed after just a few hours in the fridge. Serve them with your favorite sandwiches or chop them up to add a kick to your salads.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
For a tasty and convenient lunch option, try this recipe for a Japanese fried chicken bento. Chicken karaage, a popular Japanese dish, is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and mirin before coating it in flour and frying it until crispy.
In this recipe, the chicken is served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a side of mayo for dipping. This bento box is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal on the go.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
In this recipe, fresh salmon is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar before being seared and served over a bed of rice and avocado. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the marinade pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and fluffy rice.
These rice bowls are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and protein, making them a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
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Old-Fashioned Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Celery Seed, Dried
If you love sweet pickles, this recipe is for you. These old-fashioned sweet refrigerator pickles are made with cucumbers, white vinegar, sugar, and spices like cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
The cucumbers sit in the brine for a few days, allowing them to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors. These pickles are perfect for snacking on or adding to a cheese plate for a burst of flavor.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and light Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a staple in many Japanese meals. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a delicious and tangy flavor.
This salad can be served as a side dish or as a topping on rice bowls or sushi. It's a great way to add some crunch and freshness to any meal.
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How to Make Perfectly Crunchy Homemade Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickling Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Pickling Salt
If you've always wanted to make your own pickles but weren't sure where to start, this recipe is for you. These homemade dill pickles are easy to make and have the perfect crunch and tanginess.
The key to making these pickles perfectly crunchy is to use pickling salt and a combination of fresh dill and dill seeds. These pickles can be stored in the fridge for a few weeks, so you can enjoy them all summer long.
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Vegan Japanese Fried Oysters (Kaki Fry) カキフライ
Main Ingredients: Kewpie Mayonnaise, Medium Firm Tofu, Pickles, White
In this recipe, oyster mushrooms are coated in a crispy batter and fried until golden brown, creating a vegan version of the popular Japanese dish kaki fry. The mushrooms are then topped with a spicy mayo sauce for a delicious and flavorful dish.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and unique appetizer or for a main dish served with rice and vegetables. It's also a great option for those following a vegan diet.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
If you love sushi but want a more convenient way to enjoy it, try this recipe for a sushi burrito. This dish combines all the flavors of sushi, including rice, salmon, avocado, and cucumber, in a tortilla wrap for a handheld and delicious meal.
The best part about this recipe is that it's customizable, so you can add your favorite sushi ingredients to create your perfect sushi burrito. It's a fun and tasty twist on traditional sushi rolls.
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Miso Marinated Grilled Chicken with Japanese Pickles
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, White Miso, Mirin, Sake, Soy
This recipe for miso marinated grilled chicken is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of miso paste, mirin, and sake before being grilled to perfection.
The chicken is then served with a side of homemade Japanese pickles, made with cucumber, carrots, and rice vinegar. This dish is not only delicious but also full of protein and healthy probiotics from the pickles.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
For a fun and interactive meal, try making your own sushi rolls at home. This recipe walks you through the steps of making traditional sushi rolls, including how to cook and season the sushi rice and how to roll the sushi using nori sheets.
You can customize these rolls with your favorite fillings, such as crab meat, cucumber, and avocado. Serve them with soy sauce and wasabi for a delicious and authentic sushi experience.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
This recipe for a Japanese fried chicken bento is a tasty and convenient lunch option. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and cornstarch before being fried until crispy and served over a bed of rice.
The bento box also includes edamame, pickle slices, and rice seasoning for a delicious and balanced meal. It's a great option for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying lunch.
This simple and flavorful Japanese spinach salad is a great side dish to any meal. The spinach is lightly steamed and then dressed in a sesame dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds.
The combination of the warm spinach and tangy dressing creates a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs well with any protein. It's also a great way to incorporate more green vegetables into your diet.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
This creamy Japanese potato salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. It's made with potatoes, carrots, and cucumber, and dressed in a flavorful mixture of mayo, rice vinegar, and mustard.
The addition of hard-boiled eggs and sweet corn gives this potato salad a unique and delicious twist. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a side to your favorite Japanese dish for a tasty and satisfying meal.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Cucumbers
When it comes to making Japanese cucumber pickles, choosing the right type of cucumber is crucial. The most commonly used variety is the Japanese or Persian cucumber, also known as kyuri or kyuri-uri in Japanese. These cucumbers are smaller in size, with a thin and tender skin, making them perfect for pickling. They also have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to English cucumbers, which can be too bitter for pickling. Using the right type of cucumber will ensure that your pickles have the perfect texture and flavor.
Other Essential Ingredients
Apart from cucumbers, there are a few other key ingredients that are essential for making Japanese cucumber pickles. These include salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. In traditional recipes, Japanese pickles are made with a type of salt called "koji no moto," which is a fermented salt made from rice. This adds a unique umami flavor to the pickles. However, if you can't find this type of salt, regular table salt will also work. As for the sugar, it is used to balance out the saltiness and add a touch of sweetness to the pickles. Finally, rice vinegar is used to give the pickles its signature tangy and slightly sweet taste.
Optional Additions
While the basic recipe for Japanese cucumber pickles involves only cucumbers, salt, sugar, and rice vinegar, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Some popular additions include ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. These ingredients can be added to the pickling brine or placed in the jar with the cucumbers to infuse their flavors. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
With this simple and authentic recipe, you can make your own Japanese cucumber pickles at home and enjoy them with your favorite Japanese dishes. So, the next time you're craving some tangy and crunchy pickles, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese pickles.
