Description
This Mexican-Style Cucumbers recipe offers a refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy side dish perfect for summer or to complement grilled meats and tacos. Thinly sliced cucumbers are salted to release moisture, then marinated in a flavorful mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and optional dried chili, flavored further by fresh herbs like dill or cilantro. Easy to prepare, this dish requires minimal cooking and is served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 500 g cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- A small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
Marinade
- 250 ml vinegar
- 250 ml water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 dried chili (optional for heat)
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a bowl to prepare for salting.
- Salt the cucumbers. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring the cucumbers maintain a crisp texture.
- Prepare the marinade. In a separate bowl, combine 250 ml vinegar, 250 ml water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the crushed garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the 5 black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, and dried chili if using, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Drain and marinate cucumbers. After the cucumbers have released their moisture, drain off any excess liquid. Add the cucumber slices to the marinade and gently stir to ensure all slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Refrigerate to marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb the tangy, spicy notes.
- Serve chilled. Serve the marinated cucumbers as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. They pair excellently with tacos, grilled meats, or crispy chips, offering a crisp and flavorful contrast.
Notes
- For extra crunch, slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible.
- The dried chili is optional and can be adjusted based on heat preference.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or dill to enhance the flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- The cucumbers can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor.
- If you prefer a less salty dish, reduce the salt to 2 teaspoons.
- Use white vinegar for a clean, sharp flavor or experiment with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier twist.
