Mexican-Style Pickled Cucumbers Recipe
Mexican-style cucumbers are a vibrant, zesty pickled side dish that combines crisp cucumber slices with a tangy and slightly sweet marinade infused with garlic, chili, and fresh herbs. Perfectly simple to prepare, this recipe offers a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or as a spicy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 500 g cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- A small handful of fresh herbs (dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
Marinade
- 250 ml vinegar (white, apple cider, or rice vinegar recommended)
- 250 ml water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 dried chili, optional
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cuts. Place the slices in a large bowl to prepare for salting.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt evenly over the cucumber slices. Let them sit for 30 minutes; this draws out excess moisture, which helps the cucumbers maintain crispness. Afterward, drain and discard the liquid.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, olive oil, maple syrup, and lime juice until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir the crushed garlic, finely chopped red onion, chopped dried chili (if using), black peppercorns, bay leaf, and fresh herbs into the marinade to infuse flavor.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained cucumber slices to the marinade bowl, gently tossing them to ensure each slice is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the cucumbers to soak up the vibrant flavors. For a stronger taste, marinate up to 4 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy the Mexican-style cucumbers chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or tortilla chips.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer dried chilies or substituting fresh chili peppers to suit your spice preference.
- Store the marinated cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- These cucumbers make a perfect accompaniment for grilled dishes, tacos, or as a tangy snack served with tortilla chips.
Keywords: Mexican-style cucumbers, pickled cucumbers, cucumber side dish, tangy cucumber salad, easy pickled cucumbers, refreshing cucumber recipe, Mexican appetizer
