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homemade pickles recipe

Homemade Pickles Recipe – Crisp, Tangy, and Totally Customisable

Make your own crunchy homemade pickles in just 24 hours! This easy refrigerator pickle recipe delivers fresh, tangy flavour without canning.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pickles

  • Quick & Easy – No special canning gear needed; the fridge does all the work.
  • Cost-Effective – Cucumbers + pantry staples = jars of flavour for pennies.
  • Customisable Flavour – Adjust sweetness, spice, or herbs to your taste.
  • Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Fits a wide range of diets.

Ingredient Checklist

Yields: 2 x 16-oz (500 ml) jars | Prep: 10 min | Pickling Time: 24 hrs

Ingredient Purpose
4–5 small Persian or Kirby cucumbers (about 450 g) Crunchy base
1 cup (240 ml) distilled white vinegar Tang
1 cup (240 ml) water Dilutes brine
1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (pickling salt preferred) Preserves & flavours
1 Tbsp granulated sugar Balances acidity
2 cloves garlic, smashed Savoury depth
1 tsp black peppercorns Gentle heat
1 tsp mustard seeds Classic pickle bite
½ tsp red-pepper flakes (optional) Extra spice
Fresh dill sprigs (4–6) Signature herbiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice & Pack

Wash cucumbers and slice into spears or ¼-inch rounds. Pack tightly into two clean 16-oz jars, tucking in fresh dill sprigs and garlic cloves as you go.

2. Make the Brine

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red-pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.

3. Pour & Cool

Carefully pour hot brine over cucumbers, covering them completely. Tap jars gently to release air bubbles.

4. Seal & Chill

Cover jars with tight-fitting lids. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 24 hours (48 hrs for best flavour). Pickles keep up to 1 month under refrigeration.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pickles

  1. Use Firm Cucumbers – Soft cucumbers mean soggy pickles.
  2. Trim the Blossom End – Removing ⅛ inch from the blossom side stops enzyme-induced softening.
  3. Spice It Your Way – Try coriander seeds, bay leaves, or a pinch of turmeric for colour.
  4. Sweet-Heat Twist – Add 2 Tbsp honey and a sliced jalapeño for honey-hot pickles.

Variations

  • Bread-and-Butter Pickles: Increase sugar to ¼ cup and add ¼ tsp ground turmeric.
  • Dill Pickle Chips: Use all dill, omit sugar for classic deli flavour.
  • Asian-Inspired: Swap half the vinegar for rice vinegar, add 1 Tbsp soy sauce and fresh ginger slices.

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Refrigerator: 1 month (ensure cucumbers stay submerged).
  • Freezer: Not recommended—texture degrades.
  • Canning: For long-term pantry storage, process jars in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes (follow USDA guidelines).

FAQs

Can I use apple-cider vinegar?
Yes—expect a slightly sweeter, fruitier tang.

Why are my pickles soft?
Likely over-ripe cucumbers or a weak brine. Use fresh, firm cucumbers and stick to the salt ratio.

Do I need pickling salt?
Pickling salt dissolves easily and has no additives, but coarse sea salt works in a pinch.

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