Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and addictive? Look no further than these Sweet and Sour Cucumber Slices! This quick and easy Asian-inspired recipe combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with a perfect balance of tangy vinegar and sweet sugar, making it an irresistible side dish or appetizer. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to create this vibrant dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. For best results, use a mandoline slicer if available to ensure consistent thickness.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Place the cucumber slices into the vinegar mixture, ensuring that all slices are well-coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a sealed container.
- Refrigerate the cucumber slices for at least 30 minutes to allow them to marinate and absorb the sweet and sour flavors. For more intense flavor, let them sit for 1-2 hours.
- Before serving, gently stir the cucumber slices to redistribute the marinade.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cucumber slices to a serving dish, allowing excess liquid to drain.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, firm cucumbers. English cucumbers are a great choice as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Uniform Slicing: To ensure even marination, slice your cucumbers uniformly. A mandoline slicer can help achieve perfectly thin slices, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor absorption.
- Marination Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marination time, letting the cucumbers sit for 1-2 hours will intensify the sweet and sour flavors, making the dish even more delicious.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you prefer a tangier taste, reduce it slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: These cucumber slices pair wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a refreshing topping for rice dishes. Get creative and use them to add a crunchy element to your salads!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
