Microwave Pickles
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
6 minsFree Time
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Craving a crunch? Pickle your summer veggies with Anyday's microwave-friendly method! It's fast, fun, and lets you savor the garden-fresh flavors all year long. No fuss, no mess, just pure pickle perfection.
With Anyday, you can whip up pickling brine in the microwave in half the time of traditional stovetop methods. Plus, our clever sealing knob lets you pickle and store in the same container.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) white distilled vinegar
- ¼ cup (60ml) sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 black peppercorns
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 3 sprigs of fresh dill (optional)
- 1 cup (150g) English cucumber, thinly sliced (see other vegetable suggestions below)
Preparation
- Make the brine: Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and garlic to an Anyday dish and stir to combine.
- Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook for 6 minutes, or until the liquid comes to a simmer.
- Add the fresh dill and sliced cucumber (or vegetable of choice) into the Anyday. Cover with the lid, and push the knob down in a closed position.
- Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours. The longer the pickles sit in the brine, the more flavorful they will become! Pickles keep in the fridge for up to 15 days.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Switch up the vegetables! Swap sliced cucumber for small cauliflower florets, sliced red onion, green beans, sliced radishes, or cucumber wedges.
- Add chopped pickled vegetables to potato salad.
- Blend pickled vegetables into salad dressings for extra flavor.
- Add chili flakes or sliced fresh peppers for a spicy kick.
Recipe notes
- This recipe is for fresh pickles; store in the refrigerator for up to 15 days.
- Some hard vegetables like Brussels sprouts or beets need to be cooked prior to pickling. Steam them gently in an Anyday to crisp-tenderness.
- When the vinegar heats up, it creates a strong-smelling vapor that can bother your nose. When you go to open the lid after microwaving the hot brine, turn your head to avoid the intense smell.
- Avoid pickling thin and delicate vegetables like lettuce or kale.
- If canning, make sure to follow basic canning guidelines.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Pickles in the Microwave
Can You Make Pickles in the Microwave?
Yes, you can make pickles in the microwave! The microwave method is quick and easy. Plus, using Anyday dishes helps keep the process mess-free and straightforward.
How Long Does It Take to Make Microwave Pickles?
It takes about 5-10 minutes to make pickles in the microwave, depending on the batch size. While the pickles will taste better if they rest overnight, quick pickling also works for a fast snack.
What Vegetables Can Be Pickled in the Microwave?
You can pickle a variety of vegetables in the microwave, including cucumbers, red onions, carrots, bell peppers, and radishes. Some fruits like grapes, peaches, watermelon, and pineapple can also be pickled, but it's a good idea to cool the pickling liquid before adding the fruit to prevent it from getting overly mushy.
Do Microwave Pickles Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, microwave pickles should be refrigerated to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Store them in an airtight like an Anyday dish. Keep in mind that although pickling is a form of preservation, our recipe does not include directions for jarring or pasteurizing, which would make them shelf-stable.
How Long Do Microwave Pickles Last?
Microwave pickles can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, consume them within the first week. If you want to preserve the pickles in mason jars, follow any expert guidance for pasteurization at home.
Are Microwave Pickles as Good as Traditional Pickles?
Microwave pickles are just as flavorful and crunchy as traditional pickles, but they’re much quicker and easier to make. They are so hassle-free that you’ll be making pickles out of all sorts of veggies in no time!