Crispy Salted Cucumbers
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy salted cucumbers that are crunchy, refreshing, and flavorful. This method uses salting and ice water soaking to lock in the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium cucumbers (Kirby or English cucumbers recommended)
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt (15–22 grams)
- Ice water (enough to soak cucumbers)
- Optional: rice vinegar (for a tangy kick)
- Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic (adds depth)
- Optional: fresh dill or mint leaves (for herbal freshness)
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place cucumber slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let the salted cucumbers rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until water pools at the bottom.
- Drain cucumbers in a colander and rinse well with cold water to remove excess salt.
- Transfer rinsed cucumbers to a bowl of ice water and soak for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Drain cucumbers from ice water and pat dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Toss cucumbers with a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of garlic powder, fresh dill or mint, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes.
Notes
Do not salt cucumbers for more than 30 minutes to avoid sogginess. Pat dry thoroughly after rinsing to maintain crispness. Use Kirby cucumbers for best texture. Adjust seasoning to taste and try variations like chili oil or toasted sesame seeds for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup of slice
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: crispy cucumbers, salted cucumbers, cucumber snack, quick cucumber recipe, crunchy cucumber, easy side dish, vegan snack, gluten-free snack