This easy Korean pickles recipe is a refreshing way to add crunch and flavor to your meals. With just some cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and a few spices, they come together quickly!
I love making these pickles on a lazy afternoon. They brighten up any dish and are so tasty that I sometimes eat them straight from the jar—shhh, don’t tell anyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Korean cucumbers are ideal for their crispness, but if you can’t find them, English cucumbers do a great job too. For a fun twist, try using radishes instead for a slightly different flavor!
Rice Vinegar: This vinegar adds a mild tang, but apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute if you don’t have rice vinegar. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Sugar: I prefer using regular granulated sugar, but you can swap it for honey or agave syrup if you want to keep it natural. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Korean Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru): The flakes add a nice kick, but if you want less spice, you can omit them or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Do You Make the Perfect Salty Crunch in Your Pickles?
The key step for crunchy pickles is salting the cucumbers. Salt draws out moisture, keeping them crisp and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice cucumbers and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle salt over the slices, toss, and let them sit for 30 minutes.
- After soaking, rinse under cold water to remove extra salt. This step prevents the pickles from being too salty.
This method ensures your pickles have that perfect crunch and delicious flavor everyone loves! Refrigerate them in a sealed container, and they’ll be great for up to a week!
Easy Korean Pickles Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pickles:
- 2 medium cucumbers (Korean or English cucumbers work well)
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Pickling Liquid:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) — optional for mild spice
For Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, slice them into thin rounds or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. You want them to be bite-sized for easy eating!
2. Salt the Cucumbers:
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Toss the slices well, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture, making your pickles nice and crunchy!
3. Rinse and Drain:
After 30 minutes, rinse the cucumber slices under cold water to get rid of the excess salt. Drain them well in a colander to ensure they aren’t watery when you mix them with the pickling liquid.
4. Make the Pickling Liquid:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sliced garlic, and Korean red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Mix well until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined nicely.
5. Combine and Toss:
Add the drained cucumber slices and sliced green onions to the bowl with the pickling liquid. Toss everything together gently until the cucumbers are well coated in the mixture.
6. Chill the Pickles:
Transfer the pickles to an airtight container, making sure to pour all the pickling liquid over them. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. For the best flavor, let them chill overnight!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pickles are ready, give them a little shake and garnish with sesame seeds if you like. Serve them as a side dish or a crunchy condiment alongside your meals. Enjoy your easy Korean-style pickles!
FAQ for Easy Korean Pickles Recipe
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, radishes, or even napa cabbage. Just adjust the salting time accordingly, as different vegetables have varying moisture content.
How Long Do the Pickles Last in the Refrigerator?
These pickles can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. As they sit, they may become softer but will still be tasty!
Can I Adjust the Level of Sweetness?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer them less sweet, you can reduce the sugar by half or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Pickles?
These Korean pickles are versatile! Serve them as a refreshing side dish, a condiment for grilled meats, or as part of a rice bowl. They also pair well with spicy dishes to balance out the flavors!