This marinated cucumber recipe is a refreshing and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. The crispness of the cucumbers combined with the sweet and sour marinade creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds wanting more. It's quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to check your stock for white vinegar. This ingredient is essential for creating the tangy marinade. If you don't have it at home, you can easily find it in the condiment aisle of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Marinated Cucumbers Recipe
Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, these are the main ingredient providing the base for the dish.
White vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the marinade, balancing the sweetness and saltiness.
Water: Used to dilute the vinegar and create the marinade.
Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps to draw out the moisture from the cucumbers.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to the marinade.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect texture for your marinated cucumbers, make sure to slice them as thinly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices, which ensures that each piece absorbs the vinegar mixture evenly. Additionally, consider letting the cucumbers marinate overnight for a more intense flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
2 large sliced thin cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can absorb the marinade well, providing a slightly different but still refreshing taste.
¼ cup white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a milder flavor and adds a slight sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
¼ cup water - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the marinade.
2 tablespoon sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile that pairs well with the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can also provide the necessary saltiness for the marinade.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness that can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- For optimal freshness, store your marinated cucumbers in an airtight container. This helps maintain the crispness and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Keep the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will enhance the flavors and keep the cucumbers crunchy.
- If you plan to enjoy your marinated cucumbers over several days, make sure to stir them occasionally. This ensures that all slices are evenly coated with the marinade.
- For those who love to meal prep, you can store the marinated cucumbers for up to a week. Just ensure they are always submerged in the marinade to prevent drying out.
- Freezing marinated cucumbers is not recommended. The freezing process can alter their texture, making them mushy upon thawing. Instead, enjoy them fresh from the fridge.
- If you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers, consider making smaller batches more frequently. This way, you always have a fresh supply without compromising on texture and flavor.
- When serving, use a slotted spoon to drain excess marinade. This keeps your marinated cucumbers from being overly soggy on the plate.
- If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating other vegetables like thinly sliced red onions or carrots into the marinade. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.
- Always taste your marinated cucumbers before serving. If they need a bit more zing, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish.
- For a delightful presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh dill. This adds a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
If you must reheat, consider a quick sauté: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated cucumbers and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until they are slightly warm. This method helps retain some of the crunch while warming them up.
Microwave with caution: Place the marinated cucumbers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Warm water bath: Place the container of marinated cucumbers in a larger bowl filled with warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cucumbers reach the desired temperature. This gentle method helps maintain their texture.
Room temperature option: Simply take the marinated cucumbers out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This method avoids any risk of overcooking and preserves their crispness.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper with the sliced cucumbers.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the precise amounts of vinegar and water needed for the marinade.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the sugar, salt, and ground black pepper.
Knife: Used to slice the cucumbers thinly.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the cucumbers.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the cucumbers with the marinade to ensure even coating.
Refrigerator: Necessary for marinating the cucumbers for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving bowl: Used to serve the marinated cucumbers once they are ready.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the cucumbers and measure out the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper ahead of time.
Use a mandoline slicer: This tool helps you achieve uniformly thin slices of cucumber quickly and efficiently.
Mix marinade in a jar: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake well. This saves time on cleanup.
Marinate overnight: Prepare the cucumbers the night before and let them marinate overnight for a more intense flavor, saving time on the day of serving.

Marinated Cucumbers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Cucumbers sliced thin
- ¼ cup White Vinegar
- ¼ cup Water
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper ground
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and mix well.
- 3. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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