Name: Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ lb jalapenos; 1 red bell pepper; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup water; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tsp salt

Taking a step into the world of pickling, this quick pickled peppers recipe is the perfect start. This recipe is an easy and speedy way to preserve your peppers while adding a tangy spice that can enhance a variety of dishes. From topping off a killer sandwich to adding some zing to a boring salad, these pickled peppers are sure to come in handy.

Photos of Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe

The main ingredients for this recipe are jalapenos and red bell peppers. If you don't have these in your kitchen, they can easily be found in the produce section of any supermarket. Apple cider vinegar, a crucial ingredient for pickling, may not be readily available at home, but it's easily spotted in the vinegar section of your local market. Lastly, honey is used as a sweetener to balance the acidity, which is also a common pantry item.

Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe Ingredients

Jalapenos: These are medium to hot chili peppers that are perfect for pickling. They add a spicy kick to any dish.

Red bell pepper: This adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor to counterbalance the heat of the jalapenos.

Apple cider vinegar: This is your essential pickling ingredient. It preserves the peppers and adds a tangy flavor.

Water: Water is used to dilute the vinegar.

Honey: Honey acts as a sweetener, balancing out the tartness from the vinegar.

Garlic: Garlic adds depth of flavor, making the pickles more savory.

Salt: Salt acts as a preservative and also enhances flavor.

One reader, Horatia Gipson says:

This quick pickled peppers recipe is a game-changer! The tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors are a perfect addition to any dish. The process is simple and the results are delicious. I love adding these pickled peppers to sandwiches, salads, and even as a topping for tacos. Highly recommended!

Horatia Gipson

Techniques Required for Making Quick Pickled Peppers

How to slice the peppers: Use a mandoline or a sharp chef's knife to thinly slice the jalapenos and red bell pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell pepper before slicing.

How to prepare the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, and salt. Heat the mixture until it is close to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey and salt into the liquid.

How to pack the peppers into the jar: After placing the sliced peppers and smashed garlic in a 28-ounce glass jar, use a butter knife to pack down the peppers to ensure they all fit and there are no hidden air pockets.

How to store the pickled peppers: Once the pickles have cooled to room temperature in the jar, screw on a lid and refrigerate them. They can be stored in the refrigerator and used as desired.

How To Make Quick Pickled Peppers

A spicy and tangy taste surrounds these pickled peppers which are superb with grilled dishes. The apple cider vinegar adds a little sweetness to it as well.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½lbjalapeños
1red bell pepper
1cupapple cider vinegar,or white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1cupwater
2tbsphoney,or sugar of choice
2clovesgarlic,peeled and smashed
1tspsalt

Instructions

Slice the pickles thin with a mandoline or chef’s knife. Slice off the top of the bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Chop the bell pepper.
Combine the prepared peppers and smashed garlic in a 28-ounce glass jar. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey, and salt.
Bring the mixture close to a boil on the stove, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sweetener into the liquid. Remove from heat and carefully pour the liquid over the peppers.
Use a butter knife to pock down the peppers so they all fit and there are no hidden air pockets.
Let the pickles cool to room temperature in the jar, then screw on a lid and refrigerate the pickles.
Use as desired and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Depending on how thinly you sliced the peppers, they could be ready to eat immediately or might need a couple of days in the refrigerator before they taste fully pickled.
Choose larger jalapeños for less spicy pickles.
Wear gloves to prevent your fingers from feeling burned.

Nutrition

Calories: 144.74kcal
Fat: 0.61g
Saturated Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.18g
Carbohydrates: 30.37g
Fiber: 4.53g
Sugar: 24.92g
Protein: 1.87g
Sodium: 1011.35mg
Calcium: 37.00mg
Potassium: 517.16mg
Iron: 0.93mg
Vitamin A: 154.65µg
Vitamin C: 211.51mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Quick Pickled Peppers

When making quick pickled peppers, it's important to slice the peppers as uniformly as possible. This ensures that they pickle at the same rate and have a consistent texture. Using a mandoline can help achieve even slices. Also, remember to handle jalapenos with care as they can cause skin irritation. Wearing gloves while slicing them can help avoid this.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Quick Pickled Peppers

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the peppers and garlic in advance to save time when you're ready to pickle them.

Quick cooling: Speed up the cooling process by placing the jar of pickled peppers in an ice bath to bring it to room temperature faster.

Efficient slicing: Use a mandoline to quickly and uniformly slice the peppers for pickling, ensuring consistent texture and flavor in the final product.

Multi-task: While the pickles are cooling, clean up your kitchen or prepare other ingredients for your meal to make the most of your time.

Substitute Ingredients For Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe

jalapenos - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos, making them a suitable substitute for pickling.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a slightly milder flavor compared to apple cider vinegar, but it can still provide the acidity needed for pickling.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the pickled peppers as honey.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild onion flavor similar to garlic, adding depth to the pickling liquid.
red bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers can offer a similar mild heat and sweetness to the pickled peppers, adding a unique flavor to the recipe.

Best Way to Present These Pickled Peppers

Elevate the dish with a stunning plating: When presenting the quick pickled peppers, arrange them in a visually appealing manner on the plate. Consider using contrasting colors and shapes to create an eye-catching display that will impress the judges.
Incorporate edible garnishes: Introduce microgreens or delicate edible flowers to add a touch of elegance to the dish. These subtle additions can enhance the overall presentation and demonstrate attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the pickled peppers to stand out. A well-balanced composition with strategic placement can emphasize the beauty of the dish.
Highlight texture and contrast: Create a visually dynamic presentation by incorporating elements that offer textural contrast. Consider pairing the pickled peppers with a complementary component, such as a crisp crostini or a drizzle of balsamic reduction, to add depth to the dish.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Aim for a symmetrical arrangement of the pickled peppers and accompanying elements on the plate. This attention to balance will showcase precision and finesse in the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Select sophisticated ceramic plates or glass platters to showcase the pickled peppers. The choice of serving ware can elevate the overall presentation and contribute to the professional and refined aesthetic.

Essential Tools for Making Quick Pickled Peppers

Mandoline: A mandoline is a slicing tool with an adjustable blade, perfect for achieving thin, uniform slices of vegetables and fruits.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen essential, the chef's knife is used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a wide variety of ingredients.
28-ounce glass jar: A glass jar with a capacity of 28 ounces is ideal for pickling and storing the peppers, ensuring a secure and airtight seal.
Small saucepan: A small saucepan is used for heating and combining the pickling liquid ingredients, allowing for easy pouring and handling.
Butter knife: A butter knife is used to gently press down the peppers in the jar, ensuring they are submerged in the pickling liquid without causing damage to the glass.

Storing and Freezing Quick Pickled Peppers

These quick pickled peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month in a tightly sealed jar.
Make sure the peppers are completely submerged in the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the pickled peppers for up to 3 months.
To freeze, transfer the cooled pickled peppers and liquid into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
When ready to use the frozen pickled peppers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and use them within 1 week for the best quality and texture.
Keep in mind that the texture of the peppers may soften slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious in your favorite dishes or as a tangy condiment.

Interesting Fact About Quick Pickled Peppers

The quick pickled peppers recipe is a great way to add a spicy kick to your dishes. The vinegar used in the recipe not only adds flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, allowing the peppers to last longer. This pickling process also helps to enhance the natural crunch of the peppers, making them a delicious and versatile addition to many dishes. Plus, the addition of honey provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from the peppers. So, next time you're looking to spice up your meals, consider making these quick pickled peppers!

Is Making Quick Pickled Peppers at Home Cost-Effective?

This quick pickled peppers recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of pickled peppers adds value, as they can be used in various dishes, enhancing flavors and adding a zesty kick. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7, depending on the local market prices. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, flavor enhancement, and versatility in culinary applications.

Are Quick Pickled Peppers Healthy or Unhealthy?

The quick pickled peppers recipe is relatively healthy, as it uses natural ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives. The peppers themselves are low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and overall health. Apple cider vinegar, a key component in the pickling liquid, is known for its potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting weight loss. The recipe also uses honey as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar, which is a healthier alternative.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content
Use a high-quality, unrefined salt like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to provide additional trace minerals
Add more garlic or other herbs and spices, such as oregano or thyme, to increase the antioxidant content and provide additional flavor without the need for extra salt or sugar
Experiment with using different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, to vary the flavor profile and potential health benefits

By incorporating more vegetables, reducing the sugar content, and using high-quality, natural ingredients, this quick pickled peppers recipe can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a balanced diet. The fermentation process involved in pickling also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can support gut health and boost the immune system. Overall, this recipe is a great starting point for those looking to include more fermented foods in their diet, and with a few simple tweaks, it can be made even healthier.

Editor's Opinion on This Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe

The quick pickled peppers recipe is a delightful balance of heat and tanginess. The combination of jalapenos and red bell peppers creates a vibrant mix of flavors and colors. The use of apple cider vinegar and honey adds a sweet and sour complexity that complements the peppers beautifully. The addition of garlic infuses a subtle savory note, enhancing the overall profile. The pickles are quick and easy to prepare, making them a versatile condiment for various dishes. This recipe is a winner for anyone who enjoys a touch of heat and a burst of flavor in their meals.

Enhance Your Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing the heat of the pickled peppers.

Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of grilled vegetables, adding a smoky flavor to complement the tangy pickled peppers.

Honey Glazed Ham: Juicy, tender ham with a sweet and sticky honey glaze, a delicious contrast to the spicy pickled peppers.

Similar Recipes to Quick Pickled Peppers

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: This dish combines the heat of Thai chilies with the fresh flavor of basil, creating a delicious and aromatic stir-fry.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This refreshing salsa is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with juicy mango and creamy avocado mixed with zesty lime and cilantro.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of this soup, made with roasted red peppers and a touch of cream for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon: Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet decadent grilled pineapple, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon for a sweet and smoky treat.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Quick Pickled Peppers

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a light and flavorful main course.

Mushroom Risotto: Create a creamy and indulgent mushroom risotto by slowly adding broth to the rice until it reaches a rich and velvety consistency. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Berry Parfait: Layer fresh berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a light and refreshing parfait that's perfect for a summer treat or a guilt-free dessert option.

Why trust this Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe:

This quick pickled peppers recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of jalapenos and red bell pepper creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The use of apple cider vinegar and honey adds a delightful tangy and sweet flavor. The addition of garlic infuses a subtle depth to the pickles. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of delicious and vibrant pickled peppers that can elevate any dish. Trust the quality of this recipe and indulge in the wonderful flavors it offers.

Have you tried this Quick Pickled Peppers Recipe? Share your experience and discuss variations in the Food Preservation forum.

FAQ:

How long do the pickled peppers need to sit before they are ready to eat?

The pickled peppers will be ready to eat after they have been refrigerated for at least 24 hours. However, for the best flavor, I recommend letting them sit for 3-5 days.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the pickled peppers?

Absolutely! You can control the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapenos you use. For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before pickling them.

How long will the pickled peppers last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the pickled peppers will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Can I use different types of vinegar for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar to achieve different flavor profiles. White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes for apple cider vinegar.

Are the pickled peppers suitable for canning?

This recipe is designed for refrigerator pickling, so it's not suitable for canning. However, the pickled peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for an extended period.