Easy Crisp Refrigerator Pickles
Super crunchy cucumber pickles made in under 15 minutes without any heat canning required.
These quick refrigerator pickles stay crisp and flavorful for weeks! Made with fresh Kirby cucumbers, garlic, dill, and a quick tangy brine.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave room between ingredients. If the pan is overloaded, the moisture will steam the food instead of browning it.
Ingredients
8
servings
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2 lbs Kirby or English cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
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1.5 cups distilled white vinegar
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1.5 cups water
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2 tbsp pickling salt or kosher salt
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
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1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
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1 tbsp mustard seeds
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6 sprigs fresh dill
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Cucumber & Jars
Wash and slice cucumbers into uniform rounds. Pack tightly into two clean 1-quart glass jars along with smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and fresh dill sprigs.
Simmer Quick Brine
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white vinegar, water, pickling salt, and sugar. Stir until salt and sugar are fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
Fill & Chill
Pour the warm brine evenly over the cucumbers in the jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal with lids, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.