Quick Asian Pickled Cucumbers – Acar Timun
This post may contain affiliate links.Asian pickled cucumbers, or acar timun in Indonesia, are a tangy and refreshing side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Marinated in vinegar, sugar, and spices, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
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Asian Pickled Cucumbers – Acar Timun
Asian Pickled Cucumber, or acar timun, a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, is a blend of sliced cucumber, carrot, shallots, and green chilies marinated in seasoned vinegar. This refreshing condiment pairs well with hearty meals such as Nasi Goreng Kampoeng or Soto Betawi.
This refreshing side dish is also found in many Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and even in some Dutch cuisines.
Making these pickled cucumbers is quick and simple, but they do need time to pickle in the fridge.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What Does Pickled Cucumber Taste Like?
Indonesian Pickled Cucumber or Acar Timun has sweetness and tanginess in it. It is sweet, and sour at the same time. It gives refreshing sensation when you eat meals like Nasi Goreng Kampung, Indonesian Beef Stew (Soto Betawi) or Soto Tangkar, Bihun Goreng, Bakmi Goreng, Lumpia Goreng, Martabak Telur and many more.
It is similar to Thai Achat, a condiment in Thailand. There is also another similar condiment from Vietnam that tastes like Acar. You can find it in Banh Mi.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Vinegar – You can use regular vinegar or rice vinegar. Adjust the sourness to your liking.
Sugar – Use regular table sugar.
Water – If it is possible, use distilled water to make the pickled cucumber stay fresh longer.
How to Make
- Wash clean the cucumber. Cut in the middle, throw away the seed part (image 1), so only the white part is used. Cut it into dice size.
- Peel the carrot and dice it (image 2).
- Cut the shallots in small pieces (image 3).
- Toss all the vegetables including the fresh green chilis in a bowl or a container.
- Add the seasoning and water (image 4, 5, 6). Mix well until sugar dissolves.
- Keep in a container in the chiller overnight.
- After 1-2 days, the acar timun will taste even better. Enjoy with spicy meals.
Pro Tips
- Wash clean all vegetables before cutting them.
- Keep all the vegetables in a closed container during marinating process. You can also cling wrap the bowl if you are using a bowl.
- Remember to take out the center part of the cucumber so the cucumber stay fresh longer.
- Use distilled water to keep the freshness longer.
Storage
Acar Timun is best kept in a closed container in the chiller. The vegetables will absorb the seasoning liquid day after day. As a result, it tastes even better after a few days.
This pickled vegetables can last for two weeks in the chiller. Every time you want to use it, take it out from the chiller. It is best served cold.
Our Favorite
Indonesian Recipes to Pair with
Acar Timun
Ingredients
- 1 pcs cucumber
- 1 pcs carrot
- 5 pcs shallots
- 20 pcs pcs fresh green chilis
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp mushroom powder
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 100 ml water
Instructions
- Wash clean the cucumber. Cut in the middle, throw away the seed part, so only the white part is used. Cut it into dice size.
- Peel the carrot and dice it.
- Cut the shallots in small pieces.
- Toss all the vegetables including the fresh green chilis in a bowl or a container.
- Add the seasoning and water. Mix well until sugar dissolves.
- Keep in a container in the chiller overnight.
- After 1-2 days, the acar timun will even taste better.
- Enjoy with other Indonesian meals.
This is the easiest pickled cucumber recipe that I like. I often make this to pair with other spicy meals. The tanginess and sweetness is just right!