Quick Pickled Cucumbers | Easy Refrigerator Pickles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to pickle a cucumber in fridge? ›

Cover the cucumbers with the chilled brine. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, then serve. The pickles will keep in the fridge for up to one month. These pickles will disappear quickly and you'll likely get requests for more.

The basic ratio for quick pickles is 1:1 vinegar to water, and includes some combination of salt and sugar. Another ratio that is commonly followed is the 3:2:1 method, using three parts vinegar, two parts water, and 1 part sugar.

The cucumbers will start off bright green, but will become darker and more "pickle-colored" as they cool. Place them in the refrigerator. Wait at least 24 hours before eating the pickles in order to let the flavors develop. Enjoy them within 1 month.

You want to choose a milder rice or white wine vinegar when pickling pears or pineapple but could use something bolder such as red wine vinegar to pickle onions or cauliflower. One quick thing to caveat is that if you use red wine or sherry vinegar, it can give a soft pink hue to your pickles.

Wax-coated cucumbers bought from supermarkets or eating varieties sold at farm markets are not suitable for making high quality pickles. For best quality, pickle fruits or vegetables within 24 hours of harvest, or refrigerate for no more than a few days.

Soaking cucumbers in ice water for four to five hours prior to pickling is a safer method for making crisp pickles. Another safe option for firming pickles is Pickle Crisp®),a product containing calcium chloride; use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can I use tap water for refrigerator pickles? Make sure to use filtered or bottled water, the chlorine in tap water can make the pickles mushy.

Why are pickles shriveled? This can happen when you add too much salt, sugar or vinegar to the cucumbers all at once.

Place 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (if using) in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Pour the brine over the vegetables, filling each jar to within 1/2 inch of the top.

Don't use waxed cucumbers; wax stops pickling liquid from penetrating the cucumber. Don't use bruised or damaged cucumbers. Cucumbers go bad quickly, particularly at room temperature. Remove blossom and stem, and cut about 1/16 inch off the blossom end.

Is pickle brine the same as pickle juice? ›

Whilst the base of both pickle brine and Pickle Juice is vinegar, that is where the similarity ends. Pickle brine contains sugar, protein and other nasty items which are not helpful for athletes. It's rough and raw. Pickle Juice is USDA certified organic and has been strenuously tested since 2001.

Homemade refrigerated pickles last at least three to four weeks in the fridge, McClellan says. Any longer and the quality will start to decline. You'll notice the brine goes from clear to murky and cloudy, and the pickles start to lose their texture.

The Method

You take all of your ingredients, apart from the product that is being pickled, and bring them to a boil. The heating process helps activate the flavors in the brine and marry them together. This hot brine is then poured over what is to be pickled and then stored in the refrigerator.

This is a basic 3-2-1 pickle recipe—three parts vinegar, two parts water, one part sugar. Salt and spices are totally up to you.

Apple cider vinegar made from fermented apple juice is a good choice for many pickles. It has a mellow, fruity flavor that blends well with spices. But it will darken most vegetables and fruits. Cider vinegar may be substituted for white vinegar of the same acidity.

Top the cucumbers with a few stacked lids or a resealable plastic bag filled with extra brine to keep them submerged. Place the airlock on top and secure it to the jar with the band. Store in a cool area (between 60 and 75F [15 and 24C]) for 3 to 5 days, or until the cucumbers taste like pickles.

These guys aren't ready right away – they need some time in the fridge to soak up the brine and become really flavorful. Dill pickle chips will be ready in 24 hours, while spears will take at least 48. They'll keep in the fridge for several weeks, and they get better as time goes on. For best flavor, wait about 5 days.

Label and date your jars and store them in a clean, cool, dark, and dry place such as a pantry, cabinet, or basem*nt. Don't store in a warm spot! To allow pickles to mellow and develop a delicious flavor, wait at least 3 weeks before eating!