10 minutes
A quick and easy brine for making crisp and tangy pickles that can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.
cups
tablespoons
Hot Water
cups
tablespoons
tablespoons
1. Mix Brine Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients and a pot or big pitcher. Pour in the rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, hot water, sugar, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt completely dissolve; this step is crucial because it ensures that your pickling brine is evenly seasoned. You'll know it's ready when the liquid looks clear and there are no granules at the bottom.
2. Prepare Jars and Vegetables
Next, take your clean canning jars and fill them with your chosen vegetables. Arrange the vegetables thoughtfully, as this will not only make your pickles look beautiful but also help them stay submerged in the brine.
3. Pour Brine Over Vegetables
Now, carefully pour the brine over the vegetables in the jars. Make sure the vegetables are completely covered by the brine to ensure they pickle evenly. Seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator.
4. Refrigerate and Enjoy
Your pickles will develop their flavor over time. While they can be stored for up to 2 months, you can start tasting them after the first day to monitor their flavor and texture. Enjoy your pickles once they reach the taste that you love!
The quality of your pickles starts with the quality of the vegetables. Use the freshest produce you can find. Farmers' markets are ideal for sourcing top-notch, seasonal vegetables.
The longer the vegetables sit in the brine, the more flavor they absorb. Taste-test at regular intervals to find your perfect pickle point.
When prepping your vegetables, ensure they are cut uniformly. This promotes even pickling and texture. A mandoline can be a valuable tool for achieving consistent thickness.
Toast whole spices like mustard seeds, peppercorns, or coriander seeds before adding to the brine for more intense flavors. Avoid ground spices as they can make the brine murky.
Experiment with different vinegars. White vinegar is common for its clean, sharp taste, apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note, or rice vinegar for a milder tang. Vinegar should have at least 5% acidity.
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