Description
This refreshing Mexican-Style Cucumbers recipe features thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy vinegar and spice mixture, delivering a perfect blend of crispness and zest. Ideal as a light side dish or appetizer, these cucumbers complement a variety of meals with their vibrant flavors and a hint of heat from optional dried chili.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 500 g cucumbers
Marinade
- 250 ml vinegar
- 250 ml water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 dried chili (optional for heat)
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- A small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a bowl to begin the process.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumber slices and leave them to sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps release excess moisture, keeping the cucumbers crisp and ensuring better absorption of the marinade.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine 250 ml vinegar, 250 ml water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and crushed garlic cloves. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then add the black peppercorns, bay leaf, and dried chili if you prefer some heat in the dish.
- Combine Cucumbers and Marinade: After salting, drain any liquid released by the cucumbers thoroughly. Add the cucumbers to the prepared marinade and gently stir until all slices are well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly, resulting in a deliciously tangy and crisp dish.
- Serve: Enjoy these Mexican-style cucumbers chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. They pair wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or as a crisp snack alongside chips.
Notes
- For extra heat, include the dried chili in the marinade; remove before serving if desired.
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro add a bright flavor; dill can be used for a milder, more herbal note.
- Adjust sugar and salt levels according to taste preferences.
- Marinate longer for more intense flavor; they can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- To keep cucumbers crunchy, draining the liquid thoroughly after salting is essential.
