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Crispy Sweet & Spicy Candied Jalapeño Pickles

crispy sweet & spicy candied jalapeño pickles - featured image

A quick, 5-minute easy recipe for homemade candied jalapeño pickles that are crunchy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. No long fermentation or boiling required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds fresh jalapeños
  • 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt or pickling salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash jalapeños thoroughly and wear gloves. Slice into thin rounds or half-moons, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
  2. Pack the sliced peppers tightly into clean, dry half-pint jars.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
  5. Once boiling, let it simmer for one minute to ensure full dissolution.
  6. Carefully pour the hot brine over the peppers in the jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Ensure peppers are fully submerged.
  7. Wipe the jar rims clean with a cloth to remove sticky residue.
  8. Place lids on top and screw bands on fingertip-tight.
  9. Let the jars cool to room temperature on the counter (about 1 hour).
  10. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating to allow flavors to meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Notes

Use firm, fresh jalapeños with shiny skin for the best crunch. Avoid wrinkled peppers. Wiping the jar rims is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure a good seal. Do not rush the cooling process to avoid cracking the glass jars. For a milder version, remove all seeds and ribs. For extra heat, leave seeds in or add serrano peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño pickles, candied jalapeños, quick pickle, spicy snack, sweet and spicy, homemade pickles, vegan snack, gluten-free snack