Best Spicy Pickles Recipe

Have you ever found yourself craving that perfect, crunchy, tangy pickle with just enough kick to keep things interesting? Well, I did—and that led me to dive headfirst into creating these homemade spicy pickles that pack a flavorful punch. Grab your jars and let’s turn those cucumbers into sheer magic!

If you’re trying to snack with some heat, look no further than my recipe for the Best Spicy Pickles. They pack a tangy punch, thanks to distilled white vinegar, and a kick that just won’t quit, courtesy of red pepper flakes.

They get spicy, but they don’t forget about flavor. With fresh dill and garlic, plus a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar, these pickles absolutely sing.

Best Spicy Pickles Recipe Ingredients

• Pickling Cucumbers: Low-calorie, hydrating, and great for crunch.
• Distilled White Vinegar: Essential for tangy pickling, preserves vegetables.
• Kosher Salt: Draws out moisture, enhances flavor, and preserves texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds spicy heat, boosts metabolism.
• Mustard Seeds: Crunchy texture, earthy flavor, aids digestion.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, adds aromatic depth.
• Fresh Dill: Herbal notes, antioxidant-rich, complements pickles perfectly.

Best Spicy Pickles Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4-5 pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
• 2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 2 teaspoons whole mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1-2 sprigs fresh dill

How to Make this Best Spicy Pickles Recipe

1. A jar of quart size should be made sterile by being washed well and then dunked in boiling water for a few minutes. After that, it should be left to dry in the open air.

2. Cut the cucumbers into spears or rounds, according to your preference, and pack them firmly into the jar.

3. In a medium saucepan, blend the distilled white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

4. In the saucepan, combine the smashed garlic cloves, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and bay leaf. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. After the brine is at a rolling boil and all components are judiciously mixed and mingled, pour it, with utmost care, over the pickles in the jar. See to it that the brine overswells the pickles.

6. Place the fresh dill sprigs in the jar. Tuck them in among the cucumbers.

7. Secure the jar tightly with the lid and allow it to cool to room temperature.

8. After cooling, put the jar in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let the pickles sit and marinate for a minimum of 24-48 hours.

9. Prior to serving, gently shake the jar to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

10. Savor your spicy pickles! Store them in the refrigerator for up to four weeks for maximum deliciousness.

Best Spicy Pickles Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (for sterilizing the jar)
2. Quart-sized jar with lid
3. Medium saucepan
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Stirring spoon or spatula
9. Tongs (optional, for handling the jar during sterilization)

FAQ

• Can I use other types of cucumbers?Certainly, you can use different types of cucumbers, but it’s best to use pickling cucumbers for their size and firmness.
• What if I want the pickles less spicy?Use less in the way of red pepper flakes, or avoid them completely if you want a not-so-spicy pickle.
• How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?For the best flavor, keep the pickles in the refrigerator for 24 hours before eating. They get better the longer you let them sit.
• Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?If fresh dill is available, it’s preferred for its bright flavor. If it’s not, use about half a teaspoon of dried dill.
• Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?If you are storing jars long-term, it is a good practice to sterilize them, but for short-term storage in the fridge, it is sufficient to clean the jars thoroughly.
• Can I reuse the brine for another batch?It’s not advised, as the flavors will be diminished. To get the best taste, craft a new batch.
• Can I add other spices or herbs?Certainly, you can personalize it with other spices such as turmeric or herbs like thyme to create distinct flavors.

Best Spicy Pickles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

instead of distilled white vinegar, use 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt instead of kosher salt.
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup, rather than granulated sugar.
2 teaspoons celery seeds, instead of coriander seeds
Two sprigs of fresh tarragon rather than fresh dill

Pro Tips

1. Slice Uniformly: Ensure the cucumber pieces are sliced uniformly to ensure even pickling. This helps all pieces absorb the brine at the same rate, leading to consistent flavor and texture.