Easy Homemade Pickled Jalapenos

Pickled jalapenos are the king of all pickles! They are tangy, spicy and full of flavor. Once you make these quick pickled jalapenos, there’s no going back.

Homemade pickled jalapenos are far tastier (and cheaper!) than their supermarket counterparts. They are quick to make, do not have any harmful additives and last for upto two months in the refrigerator. So, if you enjoy slapping those pickled jalapenos on your tacos, sandwiches or burgers, you need to get pickling!

Pickled Jalapenos Recipe

Pickling jalapenos is extremely easy. This method of pickling can be used for other peppers too. Please refer to the recipe card at the end for detailed meaurements.

Ingredients

• Jalapenos: Use fresh green or red jalapenos. Pick firm and glossy jalapeno peppers.
• Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar is the best choice for pickling jalapenos
• Salt & Sugar: They are both essential to enhance and balance the flavor of pickled jalapenos
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds pungency and aroma
• Water: Water reduces the acidity of the vinegar

How to Make Pickled Jalapenos

1. Prep the jalapenos: Cut the jalapenos into even slices that are neither too thick nor too thin. Wash the cut jalapenos in a bowl of cold water to release excess seeds. Strain out the jalapenos and set aside.
2. Make the brine: Add water, vinegar, salt, sugar and garlic cloves to a small pot. Bring it to a light boil.
3. Simmer the jalapenos: Add the sliced jalapenos and simmer for 1 minute. Take off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Sterilize the jars: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add in 17 oz/ 500 ml heatproof glass jar and simmer for 15 minutes. Simmer the lid for 2 minutes. This will help sterilize the jar and prevent contamination. Carefully remove from the pot and let it dry.
5. Store pickled jalapenos: Pour the jalapenos and brine into the jar. Ensure that the jalapenos are completely submerged in the brine. Store in the refrigerator for upto 2 months.

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Tweak to Your Liking

When you make your own pickled jalapenos, you have complete control over the ingredients and texture. Let’s look at a few ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preference.

• Low Spice: To reduce heat, soak the cut jalapenos in cold water for 60 minutes and increase the sugar to 3 tbsp.
• Extra Flavor: Add dried oregano, bay leaves, coriander seeds and black peppercorns for added flavor.
• Sweet Pickes: If you enjoy sweet pickled jalapenos, add 1/3 cup of sugar and follow the remaining recipe as is.
• Mexican Style: Add sliced carrots and onions to make Mexican style pickled jalapenos.

How to Use Pickled Jalapenos

Pickled jalapenos add a spicy kick and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are several ways to use them:

• Tacos and Nachos: Sprinkle over tacos, nachos, or other Mexican dishes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Salads: Add them to whole or dice and mix them into the dressing.
• Sandwiches and Burgers: Layer on sandwiches or burgers to add heat and a zesty flavor.
• Salsas and Dips: Add them to homemade salsas, guacamole, or other dips for an extra kick.
• Pizza Topping: Sprinkle on top of pizzas to add a spicy element.
• Soup and Chili: Stir into soups or chili to add acidity and give them a spicy kick.