Snappy Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber Recipe

Pickled cucumbers burst with tangy magic, transforming ordinary garden produce into culinary treasures.

These briny delicacies have danced through generations of cooking traditions.

Each crunchy slice carries a punch of vibrant flavor that electrifies your taste buds.

Artisan pickling techniques unlock secret layers of complexity in humble cucumbers.

Aromatic spices like mustard seeds and turmeric weave intricate taste narratives into every crisp bite.

Small cucumbers soak up intense marinades, creating a symphony of zesty sensations.

Get ready to elevate your plate with these addictive, homemade pickles that promise a flavor explosion.

Pickling Steps for Crisp Cucumbers

Craft Tangy Cucumber Pickles

Transform ordinary cucumbers into zesty, crisp pickles that will make your taste buds dance. This simple method creates a delightful condiment perfect for sandwiches, salads, or enjoying straight from the jar.

• Prep Veggie Base

Slice cucumbers into elegant, slender strips and delicately chop shallots. Sprinkle sea salt over the vegetables and let them rest for 30-45 minutes. This magical step draws out excess moisture, ensuring your pickles remain wonderfully crunchy.

• Brew Flavor Magic

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, and star anise. Heat the mixture, stirring until sugar melts completely. The aromatic spices will create a vibrant, complex flavor profile that elevates these pickles from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Jar and Preserve

Rinse the salted vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Pack them into a clean glass jar, then pour the hot, spice-infused liquid over the top. Make sure every cucumber strip is completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and let the pickles rest for at least 24 hours to develop their full, tangy personality.

Pro Tip: These pickles become more flavorful over time and will stay crisp and delicious in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy your homemade culinary creation as a zesty side or flavor-packed garnish!

Customize the Brine Flavor Easily

Creative twists that elevate this classic recipe

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the pickling liquid for a fiery kick that transforms the flavor profile.

Toss fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary sprigs into the jar for an aromatic herbal dimension that brightens the pickle’s taste.

Experiment with rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar to create unique flavor variations that surprise your taste buds.

Mix in thinly sliced carrots or radishes for added texture and a colorful presentation that makes your pickles pop.

How to Serve Pickled Cucumbers Well

• Pair with Crisp Companions: Serve these tangy pickles alongside grilled meats, charcuterie boards, or as a zesty sandwich topping for an extra flavor punch.
• Create Condiment Magic: Chop the pickles finely and mix into potato salads, deviled eggs, or use as a bright garnish for rich, creamy dishes to add a refreshing crunch.
• Elevate Cheese Platters: Arrange these pickles next to sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or aged gouda to create a stunning appetizer spread that balances rich and tangy flavors.
• Transform Salad Dynamics: Slice pickles into thin rounds and sprinkle over green salads or grain bowls for an unexpected burst of acidity and texture that wakes up every bite.

Store Pickles Long-Term at Home

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• -Preserve Peak Freshness: Store pickles in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator to maintain optimal crispness and flavor for up to two weeks.
• -Smart Portion Planning: These tangy pickles work perfectly as a zesty side dish or condiment for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and grilled meats.
• -Temperature Control Matters: Keep pickles consistently chilled between 34-40°F to prevent bacterial growth and preserve their crunchy texture.
• -Quick Serving Strategies: Remove pickles from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and reach ideal serving temperature.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

• Cucumber: Select firm, bright green cucumbers without blemishes or soft spots for the best crunch.
• Shallots: Choose shallots that feel heavy and have smooth, tight skin without any sprouting.

• Vinegar: Opt for white or apple cider vinegar with clear, bright appearance for clean, sharp flavor.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for smooth dissolution and balanced sweetness.

• Mustard Seeds: Select whole, plump seeds with rich golden-brown color for intense, nutty undertone.
• Turmeric: Pick fresh, vibrant yellow powder with strong earthy aroma for deep color and warmth.
• Star Anise: Choose whole pods with intact, glossy appearance and strong licorice-like fragrance.

What Tools to Use for Pickling

• Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for slicing vegetables safely.
• Sharp Knife: Helps create precise, even cucumber and shallot cuts.
• Strainer: Essential for draining and rinsing salted vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sugar quantities.
• Cooking Pot: Used for heating and dissolving pickling liquid ingredients.
• Glass Jar with Lid: Perfect for storing and preserving homemade pickles.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring liquid while heating on stove.
• Measuring Cup: Helps track liquid measurements accurately.

Tangy Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pickled cucumber by jamie oliver brings zesty crunch to summer salads and sandwiches. Quick pickling method delivers tangy flavor that elevates simple dishes with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 pickling cucumbers (gherkins), or 2 regular-sized cucumbers
• 2 banana shallots
• 75 g (2.6 oz) caster sugar
• 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) vinegar
• 2 tsp mustard seeds
• 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 star anise

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Slice cucumbers lengthwise or into slender segments, and create delicate shallot slivers.
2. Salt Treatment: Distribute sea salt over cucumber and shallot pieces in a strainer, allowing moisture release for 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove salt.
3. Pickling Liquid Creation: Combine mustard seeds, turmeric, star anise, sugar, and white vinegar in a pot. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar completely dissolves and ingredients meld together.
4. Boiling Process: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, ensuring sugar integration and flavor development. Maintain consistent temperature throughout.
5. Jarring Technique: Transfer prepared vegetables into a sterilized glass jar, arranging compactly. Pour scalding pickling liquid over vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Preservation Method: Seal jar tightly with lid. Allow pickles to mature and develop robust flavors for at least 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark environment to maximize taste and longevity.

Notes

• Salting Technique: Drawing out excess moisture from cucumbers and shallots intensifies flavor and creates a crunchier texture, crucial for perfect pickles.
• Spice Balancing: Mustard seeds, turmeric, and star anise create a complex flavor profile that transforms ordinary cucumbers into gourmet pickles.
• Pickling Temperature: Boiling the vinegar mixture ensures complete sugar dissolution and helps infuse spices effectively into the liquid.
• Marination Magic: Letting pickles rest for at least 24 hours allows flavors to develop fully, resulting in a more robust and sophisticated taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg