Spicy Pickled Garlic

Spicy Pickled Garlic

8 servings
This easy spicy pickled garlic is the perfect way to add flavor to dishes and use up a big harvest of garlic cloves.

Ingredients

  • heads of garlic)

    separated (about 40 small cloves

    3 large
  • apple cider vinegar
    ¾ c
  • sugar
    2 tbsp
  • pickling or kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • chili powder
    ½ tsp
  • red pepper flakes
    ½ tsp

Directions

Blanch the garlic (with peels on)

  1. 1

    Fill a bowl with equal parts ice and water and set aside. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or Dutch oven.

  2. 2

    Add garlic cloves (unpeeled) and cook for 1 minute, then transfer garlic to ice bath and let cool for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Drain and peel garlic cloves. This process makes the garlic much easier to peel and also prevents it from turning blue while pickling.

Make the brine

  1. 1

    In the now-empty sauce pan, bring the vinegar, salt, sugar, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Once boiling, add the peeled garlic and cook for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. They will become slightly tender but not too soft.

  3. 3

    Using a slotted spoon, pack garlic into the clean jar. Then, pour the hot brine over the garlic to completely cover the cloves.

  4. 4

    Let the jars cool completely and refrigerate for 1 week before consuming.

Spicy Pickled Garlic

Spicy Pickled Garlic

55 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Transform Your Kitchen with Easy Spicy Pickled Garlic

Looking for a delicious and vibrant way to elevate your meals and make the most of a garlic harvest? Our Spicy Pickled Garlic recipe is exactly what you need! This incredibly easy recipe transforms humble garlic cloves into a tangy, sweet, and perfectly spiced condiment that's bursting with flavor. Forget bland, store-bought options – this homemade pickled garlic brings a delightful kick to any dish.

Crafted with just a few simple ingredients like apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, dried chili powder, and red pepper flakes, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. It's an excellent method for preserving garlic, ensuring you always have those zesty, piquant cloves on hand. The process is quick, with only 15 minutes of prep time, making it achievable for even the busiest home cooks.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Pickled Garlic Recipe

What makes this spicy pickled garlic truly special is its unique balance of flavors. The bright acidity of the apple cider vinegar perfectly cuts through the natural pungency of the garlic, while the sugar adds a subtle sweetness. The star of the show, of course, is the bold spice from the chili powder and red pepper flakes, giving each clove an irresistible warmth. It's a versatile ingredient that's far more than just a garnish.

Tips for the Best Pickled Garlic

  • Garlic Quality: Start with fresh, firm heads of garlic for the best texture and flavor.
  • Spice It Up (or Down): Feel free to adjust the amount of dried chili powder and red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference. For an extra fiery batch, consider adding a fresh sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the jar!
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding other aromatics like a bay leaf, a few black peppercorns, or a sprig of fresh dill to your pickling liquid for an extra layer of complexity.

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful pickled garlic is fantastic on its own as a snack, but its true magic shines when incorporated into various dishes. Try it:

  • Chopped and added to salads or potato salads.
  • Alongside charcuterie boards and cheese platters.
  • As a vibrant addition to sandwiches and wraps.
  • Finely minced into marinades or dressings.
  • Stirred into roasted vegetables or pasta dishes for an instant flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions