Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Kosher salt (for sweating)
  • 1 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns

Instructions:

  1. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, toss with 1 tbsp Kosher salt, and let sit to sweat. Rinse briefly under cold water and pat dry.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  3. Remove the brine from heat and stir in the smashed garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Pack the salted cucumbers tightly into a 1-quart Mason jar and pour the hot brine over them until completely submerged.
  5. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid and refrigerate for the remaining chilling time.