Get ready to transform ordinary cucumbers into a tangy, sweet sensation that'll make your taste buds dance! These Quick Sweet Refrigerator Pickles are the ultimate no-fuss, maximum-flavor side dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Whether you're a pickle lover, a home cook looking for an easy recipe, or someone who wants to impress friends with minimal effort, this refrigerator pickle recipe is your secret weapon to culinary greatness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice cucumbers into uniform rounds, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent cuts.
- Peel and slice onions into thin half-moon or ring shapes to complement the cucumber slices.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, salt, and mustard seeds. Whisk thoroughly until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth pickling brine.
- Layer sliced cucumbers and onions alternately in a clean glass jar or airtight container, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the prepared vinegar mixture over the cucumber and onion layers, making sure all vegetables are completely submerged in the brine.
- Seal the container tightly and gently shake to distribute the ingredients and ensure even coating.
- Refrigerate immediately for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and pickle to develop.
- For best taste, let pickles marinate in the refrigerator overnight. These pickles will keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Serve chilled as a side dish, sandwich topping, or refreshing summer condiment.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure consistent cucumber and onion thickness. This helps pickles marinate evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp, firm cucumbers and fresh onions for the best texture and flavor.
- Dissolve Sugar Completely: Whisk the brine thoroughly to ensure sugar is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, well-integrated pickling liquid.
- Chill Properly: For maximum flavor, let pickles marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they sit, the more intense the taste becomes.
- Storage Tip: Store in a clean, airtight glass container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination.
- Customize Your Pickles: Experiment with adding fresh dill, garlic, or red pepper flakes to create your unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg