Sweet and sour taste, they unfold a wonderful. The mustard seed gives a spicy undertone. The cucumber pieces have a crunchy bite and yet almost melt in your mouth.
The perfect side dish for German Brotzeit - pickled gherkins!
Senfgurken are German sweet-sour mustard cucumbers. These sweet-tangy pickles are delicious and very popular in Germany. They are difficult to find in the US but you can make them yourself, fast, easy and very affordable.
This is the perfect recipe for you, if you always wanted to make some pickled cucumbers but hesitated because you did not want to buy canning equipment or go through a huge process. You can use your own garden cucumbers for the recipe, but you also can buy cucumbers from the farmer´s market or supermarket.
What does "Senfgurken" mean in English?
"Senf" is the German word for mustard and "Gurken" means cucumbers.
How to pronounce "Senfgurken"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Senfgurken" in German.
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Senfgurken" in German.
Video Tutorial - How to make Senfgurken at home
Easy Homemade German Mustard Pickles
Best Cucumbers for Mustard Pickles
Slicing/English cucumbers are perfect for these sweet & sour pickles. Make sure to use ripe cucumber which are fresh and firm.
Where to buy German mustard pickles?
You can find different brands of Senfgurken on Amazon and in European specialty stores or German deli shops. The brand Hengstenberg is on of the most popular and beloved brands for Senfgurken in Germany.
How long can I store the pickles in my fridge?
The pickles stay good for several month in a cool and dark environment.
Authentic German Mustard Pickles Recipe
Recipe
Senfgurken - German Sweet & Sour Mustard Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds cucumbers
- ½ tbsp. salt
- ¾ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tbsp. mustard seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 whole all-spice
- ¼ tsp. coarse black pepper optional
Instructions
- Peel the cucumbers and cut into halves.
- Remove seeds with a small spoon.
- Cut into finger think slices.
- Sprinkle with salt, mix well and set aside for about 2 hours.
- After the resting time the cucumbers will have released some liquid.
- Add them to a colander to drain.
- Add the water, vinegar, sugar and spices to a small sauce pan and bring it to a light simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, place the cucumber slices to the mason jars.
- Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and immediately close with a lid.
- Store in the fridge for at least one week, better 4 weeks.
This will result in softer and more flavorful cucumbers.
Notes
Nutrition
Tip
If you prefer your pickles less firm add them to the pickling prime while simmering for 5 minutes.
Robert says
Will try to get my wife to try making these sometime in the future. Years ago the Atkins Pickle Company of Atkins, Arkansas made many style of pickles and their senf gherkins, made with small cucumbers of about 2 to 21/2 inches long were the absolute best pickles I have ever tasted. Their dill slices were also very good. I have never eaten any pickles that compared to those made by Atkins. Vlasic pickles are about 1/2 as good as the Atkins were.
Angela Schofield says
I hope you can convince your wife to make them. Thank you for sharing your experience with the senf gherkins, I did not know that someone in the US produced them. I just love them and you can adjust the recipe to your taste. Happy to help if you need some input.
Vija Cox says
Absolutely the best. I just can’t seem to get enough of these pickles. I’ve been buying them from the German store and making them. SUPER!
Angela Schofield says
So glad you enjoy these pickles too!
Jan says
I know it's been a couple of years since most of these comments were made. Where in the recipe to you peel the cukes? The pictures shows them peeled. I don't haven any teeth (waiting on dentures) so I would love to try these pickels. Can you hot water bath can them or will that make them into mush?
Angela Schofield says
Hallo Jan, this is a great question. The cucumbers for Senfgurken are usually peeled. You can either hot water bath them or blanch the peeled cucumbers before adding the brine to make them softer.
Bea says
Taste like the ones my Oma made. Amazing!
Angela Schofield says
Awesome, thank you for making the recipe and take the time to leave a comment.