Description
This Mexican-Style Cucumbers recipe offers a tangy, refreshing side dish perfect for warm weather or to complement spicy dishes. Thinly sliced cucumbers are salted to release moisture, then marinated in a zesty vinegar-based mixture infused with garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and optional dried chili for a mild heat. Finished with fresh herbs like cilantro or dill, this no-cook dish is quick to prepare and adds vibrant flavor to tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 500 g cucumbers
Marinade
- 250 ml vinegar (white or apple cider 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
Herbs
- A small handful of fresh herbs (such as dill or cilantro), roughly chopped
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds and place them in a large bowl.
- Salt the cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps release excess moisture, resulting in crispier cucumbers.
- Prepare the marinade: In a separate bowl, combine 250 ml vinegar, 250 ml water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and crushed garlic cloves. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the black peppercorns, bay leaf, and dried chili if using, to infuse the marinade with aromatic flavors.
- Drain cucumbers and mix: After 30 minutes, drain any liquid released by the cucumbers. Add the drained cucumber slices to the marinade and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from the fridge and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or dill. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. These cucumbers pair wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, include the dried chili in the marinade or add sliced fresh jalapeño.
- You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
- If you prefer less salt, rinse the cucumbers lightly after salting and draining.
- Marinate cucumbers longer for more intense flavor; they keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro provide a traditional Mexican flavor, but dill can be used for a milder, herbaceous twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
