Crispy and Refreshing Homemade Pickles
Ultra-Simple Golden Ratio Homemade Pickle Recipe: Boost Your Appetite!
Perfect for when you lack appetite or crave something rich! Make these homemade pickles with their wonderfully sweet and sour taste easily at home. Their crisp texture and refreshing aroma will make your dining table even more delightful.
Pickle Ingredients
- 1 medium radish
- 3 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 5 cucumbers
- 1 carrot
Pickle Brine (Golden Ratio)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (or adjust to taste)
- A pinch of whole peppercorns (or coarsely ground pepper)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (or adjust to taste)
- A pinch of whole peppercorns (or coarsely ground pepper)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before preparing the container for the pickles, it’s crucial to wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Use baking soda or coarse salt to effectively remove any dirt and residual pesticides from the skin. Scrub them well and rinse under running water.
Step 2
All vegetables for the pickles (cucumbers, carrots, radish, bell peppers, Korean green chilies) should be fresh for the best flavor. Wash them under running water, pat them dry, and prepare them into shapes that will make beautiful pickles. (Cinnamon powder is optional and can be omitted.)
Step 3
Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots and radish into thick sticks about 0.5-1cm thick. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and cut them into large squares. For the Korean green chilies, remove the stems and either cut them in half or slice them into rounds for a spicier kick. (Use about 3 chilies.)
Step 4
This is the key to delicious pickles! Let’s make the pickling brine. In a bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, and water in a 1:1:1 ratio. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Add a pinch of pepper to taste for enhanced flavor. (The salt balances the vegetables’ taste, so adjust the amount as needed.)
Step 5
When adjusting the total amount of brine, using a paper cup as a reference is convenient. For instance, with the vegetable quantities listed above, use 1 paper cup each of sugar, vinegar, and water, then add salt and pepper. (Make sure to maintain the 1:1:1 ratio!)
Step 6
Pour the prepared brine into a pot and heat over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, continue to boil for about 1-2 minutes to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely and the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to boil for too long, as the brine can thicken and alter the taste.
Step 7
Once the brine boils, immediately turn off the heat and pour it over the prepared vegetables in their container. Let it sit for a moment to allow the hot brine to penetrate the vegetables. (It’s important to ensure the vegetables are fully submerged in the brine.)
Step 8
To keep the pickles extra crispy and fresh, a rapid cooling process is necessary. After pouring the brine, place the container in a larger bowl filled with cold running water or ice to quickly cool down the heat. This helps preserve the vegetables’ crisp texture, making the pickles even more delicious.
Step 9
Once cooled, transfer the pickles to an airtight container and refrigerate. Letting them sit for about a day will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you delicious Baek Jong-won style homemade pickles. Serve them with burgers, sandwiches, fried dishes, or anything you like to cut through richness and add a burst of flavor!
