Easy Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber Recipe for Fresh Crunch

Pickled cucumbers transform ordinary vegetables into tangy, crunchy delights that spark excitement in every bite.

These zesty preservation techniques have roots in traditional culinary practices across multiple cultures.

Briny, aromatic pickled cucumbers offer a sharp contrast to rich and creamy dishes.

Jamie Oliver’s approach elevates this simple ingredient with carefully selected spices that dance on your palate.

Mustard seeds, turmeric, and star anise create a complex flavor profile that makes these pickles irresistible.

Small, crisp cucumbers absorb the vibrant marinade, developing intense taste and satisfying texture.

Homemade pickling allows you to control seasoning and experiment with unique combinations that store-bought versions cannot match: dive into this culinary adventure now!

Why Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Cucumber Crunches Just Right

• Quick Flavor Transformation: Transform ordinary cucumbers into a tangy, vibrant pickle that bursts with complex spices in just a few simple steps.
• No-Fuss Pickling Method: Enjoy an incredibly easy pickling technique that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to explore homemade preserves.
• Versatile Condiment Magic: Create a zesty pickle that elevates sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and adds instant gourmet flair to everyday meals with minimal effort.
• Nutrient-Packed Healthy Snack: Craft a low-calorie (only 37 kcal) condiment that delivers exciting flavor while providing a crunchy, refreshing alternative to store-bought pickles.

Crucial Items for Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

• Cucumber, Small Cucumber: Fresh and crisp cucumbers that provide the main body for pickling, best when firm and without soft spots.
• Regular Cucumber: Large cucumbers that can be sliced into long, finger-like pieces for pickling.
• Shallots: Delicate onion-like vegetable that adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the pickle.

• Sea Salt: Helps draw out moisture from cucumbers and shallots, enhancing the pickling process.
• Mustard Seeds: Provides a subtle spicy and nutty undertone to the pickle.
• Turmeric: Adds warm color and earthy flavor to the pickling liquid.
• Star Anise: Introduces a sweet and licorice-like aromatic note to the pickle.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and helps create a harmonious flavor profile.

• Vinegar: Creates the tangy base for the pickle, essential for preservation and flavor.

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Slice small cucumbers in half lengthwise. For regular cucumbers, cut in half and then into long, slender strips. Peel shallots and slice them into delicate, thin pieces.

Step 2: Salt and Drain Vegetables

• Place sliced cucumbers and shallots in a strainer
• Sprinkle of sea salt over the vegetables
• Let sit for 45 minutes to remove excess moisture
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water

Step 3: Create Pickling Liquid

• Mustard seeds
• Turmeric
• Star anise
• Sugar
• Vinegar

Heat the mixture over medium heat.

Step 4: Bring Liquid to Boil

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves.

Step 5: Jar and Preserve Pickles

• Transfer rinsed vegetables into a clean jar
• Pour hot liquid over vegetables, ensuring complete coverage
• Seal jar tightly
• Allow pickles to rest for at least 24 hours before enjoying

Tip: Refrigerate for enhanced flavor and crispness. Pickles will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Tips for Crisp Jamie Oliver Pickles

• Preserve Perfectly: Refrigerate pickles in airtight containers to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors for two delightful weeks.
• Flavor Fusion: Experiment with peppercorns, dill, or unique spices to create your signature pickle personality.
• Vinegar Versatility: Swap traditional vinegars like white wine or apple cider to introduce subtle taste transformations.
• Patience Perfection: Allow 24 hours for flavors to dance and mingle, turning simple cucumbers into a mouthwatering condiment.
• Jar Mastery: Select spotless, sterilized glass containers with secure lids to protect your pickle's quality and prevent unwanted bacteria.

Proper Storage for Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

• Refrigerate in Airtight Glass Jar: Seal pickled cucumbers tightly in a clean glass container to lock in freshness and prevent flavor loss. Maximize preservation by choosing a jar with a secure, tight-fitting lid that blocks air and moisture completely.
• Cool Storage Zone: Tuck the jar into the coldest section of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf away from temperature fluctuations. Position the container upright to maintain pickle integrity and prevent potential leakage or flavor mixing.
• Consumption Timeline: Enjoy your pickled cucumbers within 10-14 days for peak crispness and flavor intensity. Monitor the jar regularly, checking for any unusual changes like odd smells, discoloration, or mold growth that might indicate spoilage. Discard immediately if any suspicious signs appear.

Tweaks & Twists for Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

• Spicy Pickle Fusion: Add red chili flakes or sliced jalapeños to the pickling liquid for a fiery kick that transforms the traditional cucumber recipe.
• Herb-Infused Pickle Blend: Incorporate fresh dill, tarragon, or thyme into the pickling mixture to create aromatic and garden-fresh flavors that elevate the classic pickle.
• Asian-Inspired Pickle Remix: Replace regular vinegar with rice vinegar and add ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for an exciting East Asian-style pickle experience that brings complex, umami notes to the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Pickle Variation: Mix in crushed coriander seeds, lemon zest, and a touch of oregano to give the pickles a bright, Mediterranean-inspired profile that transports your taste buds to coastal regions.

Concluding Words on Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber

Pickled cucumbers from Jamie Oliver’s kitchen emerge as more than mere condiments – they are culinary art pieces.

Crisp cucumber slices swimming in aromatic vinegar create sensory symphonies for palate adventurers.

Mustard seeds and star anise whisper complex flavor narratives beyond simple preservation techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired pickling methods showcase ingredient respect and cultural culinary wisdom.

Homemade pickles elevate ordinary meals into extraordinary gastronomic experiences.

Crafted with passion, these pickles invite you to explore, savor, share, comment, and spread pickle love across social platforms with enthusiastic zeal.

Jamie Oliver Pickled Cucumber Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s pickled cucumber brings zesty Mediterranean flair to any plate. Quick and simple preparation delivers a tangy side dish that elevates salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards with crisp, refreshing flavor you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 pickling cucumbers (gherkins), or 2 regular-sized cucumbers
• 2 banana shallots

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 star anise

Liquids and Sweeteners:

• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) caster sugar
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) vinegar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables by carefully halving small cucumbers lengthwise or cutting regular cucumbers into slender, elongated segments. Delicately peel and create gossamer-thin slices of shallots.
2. Transfer cucumber and shallot pieces into a fine-mesh strainer. Generously distribute 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of sea salt across the vegetables, allowing them to release excess moisture for 45 minutes. Thoroughly rinse with chilled water to eliminate salt residue.
3. Combine mustard seeds, ground turmeric, whole star anise, granulated sugar, and white vinegar in a sturdy cooking pot. Position the vessel over medium heat, stirring ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
4. Elevate the liquid mixture to a rolling boil, continuously whisking until sugar completely dissolves and integrates into the pickling solution. Maintain a steady temperature to ensure proper flavor infusion.
5. Select a sanitized glass preservation jar. Meticulously pack the rinsed cucumber and shallot mixture, ensuring compact arrangement. Carefully pour the piping hot liquid over the vegetables, guaranteeing complete submersion.
6. Securely seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the pickle mixture to marinate and develop complex flavors for a minimum of 24 hours before serving. Store in a cool, dark location to enhance preservation.

Notes

• Experiment with different pickle variations by swapping cucumber types or adding personal spice blends for a unique twist.
• Crisp refrigeration keeps these tangy pickles fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, ready to enhance any meal.
• Quick pickling eliminates complicated preservation techniques, delivering gourmet flavor in just a few simple steps.
• Sterilized jars guarantee food safety and maintain the pickles’ vibrant taste and crunchy texture.
• Allowing pickles to rest for 24 hours intensifies their complex flavor profile, creating a more sophisticated condiment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 50 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg