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Kuhlyk
CucumbersEasylightly salted cucumbersfermented cucumbers

Lightly Salted Cucumbers (Cold Brine Method in a Jar)

This method of making lightly salted cucumbers does not require boiling. Using a cold brine and natural fermentation keeps the cucumbers crisp and gives them a mild tangy flavor.

Best in season: Summer
Time
24 min
Yield
2 jars
Difficulty
Easy
Updated
March 28, 2026
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Kukhlyk recipe
Recipe at a glance

Lightly salted cucumbers made with the cold brine method are a quick fermented snack with a fresh flavor and crisp texture.

Ingredients

What you will need

Below is the ingredient list for this recipe with the base proportions. It is convenient to prepare everything you need in advance so the cooking process goes more smoothly and without rushing.

Before you start

There are 6 items in the list. It is convenient to check that everything is ready first and only then move on to the cooking steps.

  • cucumbers
    500 g
  • water
    500 ml
  • salt
    1 tbsp
  • dill
    1 bunch
  • horseradish leaves
    1–2 leaves
  • garlic
    2–3 cloves
Step by step

How to make it

The recipe is broken down into clear steps so it is easy to follow right in the kitchen. Move through them in order to keep the process under control and avoid missing important details.

Preparation path

This recipe has 5 steps. It is easiest to follow them in order without jumping between stages.

Recipe time: 24 min
1

Prepare the cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. For extra crispness, soak them in cold water for 1–2 hours.

2

Prepare the brine

Dissolve the salt in cold water to make a simple brine.

3

Assemble the jar

Place dill, garlic, and horseradish leaves at the bottom, then pack the cucumbers tightly on top.

4

Pour and ferment

Pour in the brine and leave at room temperature for 12–24 hours until lightly fermented.

5

Chill

Once the desired flavor develops, transfer to the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions

What people often ask about this recipe

How long does fermentation take?

Usually 12–24 hours depending on room temperature.

Can I add vinegar?

No, this recipe relies on natural fermentation without vinegar.

What to watch for

Common problems for this recipe

These pages help with situations that often come up during preparation, drying, or storage. Each one opens a separate page with an explanation.

Why Fermented Cucumbers Become Soft Too Early
Helpful nearby

What may help after this recipe

A strong recipe page does not end with ingredients. The next step should be logical: a calculation, an explanation, a troubleshooting page, a guide, or a closely related section.

Marinade calculator

Quickly recalculate water, salt, sugar, and vinegar for a different jar count.

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Vinegar converter

Useful when the recipe calls for one vinegar strength and you have another.

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Problems and solutions

Cloudy brine, soft vegetables, lids, mold, and other frequent situations.

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Important for safety

Home preserving always depends on cleanliness, correct proportions, sterilization, and storage conditions. If the result seems doubtful, it is safer not to take risks and to open the related troubleshooting pages and explanations.