This Easy Korean Pickles recipe brings a burst of flavor to your meals with crunchy veggies and a tangy brine. It’s simple enough for anyone to try and adds a tasty kick to any dish!
I love how quickly these pickles come together! Just mix, jar, and wait a bit—then enjoy them on everything from rice to sandwiches. They’re my go-to side for a flavor boost! 🥒💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumber: A large cucumber works well, but if you can find Korean cucumbers, they are even better! They are thinner and crunchier. If you have zucchini on hand, it’s a good alternative too.
Daikon Radish: This is optional, but it adds a nice crunch. You can substitute with regular radish or skip it altogether if you can’t find any.
Rice Vinegar: This gives the pickles their signature tang. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar will also work, but you may want to adjust sugar for sweetness.
Chili: Fresh red chilies add a mild heat, but you can skip these if you prefer milder pickles. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also work!
How Do You Make Sure Your Pickles are Crunchy?
To keep your pickles crunchy, the slicing technique and salting process are key. Make sure you slice the cucumbers and other vegetables thinly for quicker absorption of flavors and a nice firm texture. Salting helps draw out excess water which can make the pickles soggy.
- Before mixing, toss the sliced vegetables in a little salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps to crisp them up.
- Make sure to use enough salt in your brine, as this enhances flavor and keeps the pickles crunchy.
Easy Korean Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large cucumber (or Korean cucumbers if available), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small daikon radish, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours for the pickles to chill in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let them sit overnight! In total, you can expect to invest a little more than 2 hours to make this delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine:
In a mixing bowl, combine the water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well until both the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. This mixture will create the tangy flavor of your pickles!
2. Cut Your Veggies:
Next, prepare the vegetables by slicing the cucumber, julienning the carrot, and thinly slicing the daikon (if using). Don’t forget to slice the garlic, chop the green onions, and slice the chilies if you’re using them. This colorful mix will make your pickles both beautiful and tasty!
3. Mix It All Together:
Place all your sliced vegetables into a clean jar or container. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, so every bite gets that flavorful brine.
4. Pour the Brine:
Now, pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Ensure that all the veggies are fully submerged in the brine to get the best flavor. If you like, you can add the soy sauce and sesame seeds at this point for extra flavor.
5. Chill and Let It Sit:
Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Let your pickles chill for at least 2 hours; for the best taste, let them pickle overnight. The longer they sit, the better they’ll taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pickles are ready, serve them as a refreshing side dish with rice, Korean BBQ, or any meal that needs a tangy, crunchy bite. Enjoy your homemade Korean pickles!
These pickles will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week, but trust me, they won’t last that long! Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Vegetables for This Pickle Recipe?
Absolutely! While cucumbers are traditional, you can use a variety of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just ensure they are cut thinly to absorb the brine effectively!
How Long Do These Pickles Last in the Refrigerator?
Your homemade Korean pickles will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. For the best taste, enjoy them within the first few days!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! If you prefer mild pickles, simply omit the fresh chilies. For more heat, you can add extra chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the brine.
Is It Necessary to Use Soy Sauce?
No, using soy sauce is optional. It adds a nice umami depth, but if you’re avoiding it for dietary reasons, you can skip it without compromising too much on flavor!
