Quick pickled cucumbers

Test Kitchen tips for making quick pickled cucumbers:

• This recipe is easy to customise with different aromatics. You could add dill, mustard seeds, peppercorns or finely sliced chilli to the jar, depending on what you are serving the cucumber with.
• Giving the cucumber some time to sit after pickling makes a noticeable difference. Even 20-30 minutes will add plenty of flavour, but it's even worth preparing it a few hours ahead when you can for a stronger sweet-and-sour taste. Giving everything an occasional stir helps the slices pickle evenly if they're not completely covered in the liquid.
• A few thin slices of red onion or radish are an easy addition when you want more colour and crunch. They pickle in much the same way as the cucumber and make a particularly good topping for salads and bowls.
• We love serving these pickles with burgers, sandwiches and barbecued meats, but they're particularly good with rich or spicy dishes. You can also add them to rice bowls, tacos or salads whenever something needs a fresh, sharp crunch.