Name: Spicy Lightly Pickled Cucumbers
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lb. medium Persian cucumbers (about 12), cut lengthwise into spears; 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 tsp. sugar; 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more; 2 Tbsp. chopped dill; 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Cucumber spears on a goldrimmed white platter lightly covered in spices and herbs.

Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Sue Li

These quick pickles have just the right amount of sweet, salt, and tang going on. The brine can work with any crunchy veg, but we like them best with cucumbers. We guarantee they'll be the sleeper hit of your next party spread.

Recipe information

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients

2 lb. medium Persian cucumbers (about 12), cut lengthwise into spears

1/4 cup white wine vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more

2 Tbsp. chopped dill

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1
Toss cucumbers in a large bowl with vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and 2 tsp. salt. Chill, tossing once, at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
Step 2
Just before serving, add dill and lemon juice and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt if needed.