Crisp and Refreshing Summer Delight! How to Make Melon Pickles (Lee Jung-hyun’s Recipe)
Chef Lee Jung-hyun’s Sweet and Tangy Melon Pickle Recipe from Fun-staurant
Introducing an unusual pickle recipe using melons, a quintessential summer fruit. The crisp texture and sweet and sour flavor of melon pickles are perfect as a side dish for pasta or meat dishes. Enjoy this unique side dish made with melons, which are low in calories and high in water content, aiding in weight management. Following Chef Lee Jung-hyun’s secret method introduced on Fun-staurant, anyone can easily create delicious melon pickles.
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean melon
- 300ml water
- 100ml apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar (approx. 80g)
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (approx. 5g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If you want your pickles to have a beautiful color, choose a melon with a vibrant yellow peel. This will enhance the visual appeal of your finished pickles.
Step 2
Since we’ll be using the melon peel, thorough cleaning is essential. Sprinkle baking soda generously on the peel and gently rub it clean. Then, soak the melon in cold water for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under running clear water afterward.
Step 3
Trim off both ends of the melon. Then, cut the prepared melon in half lengthwise.
Step 4
Using a spoon, carefully scoop out and remove the seeds from the melon. Leaving seeds in can result in a mushy pickle texture.
Step 5
Slice the halved melon into uniform pieces, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might make them mushy during pickling, while slices that are too thick may not absorb the flavor well.
Step 6
To create the delicious pickling brine, combine 300ml water, 100ml apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/3 Tbsp salt in a pot.
Step 7
Stir the ingredients in the pot until well combined, and bring to a boil over medium heat. It’s important to ensure the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 8
Once the brine begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 more minute. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the brine.
Step 9
Instead of pouring the hot brine directly over the melon, it’s best to let it cool down to lukewarm. Pouring very hot liquid can compromise the crispness of the melon.
Step 10
Arrange the prepared melon pieces attractively in a glass jar that has been sterilized and completely dried. Make sure the jar is clean and dry.
Step 11
Slowly pour the lukewarm pickling brine over the melon pieces in the jar, ensuring they are submerged.
Step 12
A word of caution: do not fill the brine all the way to the brim of the jar. The melon will naturally release some moisture, increasing the liquid volume. Leave a little space at the top.
Step 13
Securely close the lid and refrigerate for one day to allow the pickles to mature. Your delicious melon pickles will be ready to enjoy! They can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
Step 14
Your sweet, tangy, and delightfully crisp melon pickles are ready! They are perfect for serving alongside pasta or meat dishes, as they cleanse the palate and enhance the overall flavor of the meal. Be sure to try this unique summer treat!
