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How To Make Spicy Pickles From Store-Bought

How To Make Spicy Pickles From Store-Bought: DIY Guide

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Many folks love munching on pickles or using them for that extra crunch. **Store-bought pickles** sure are handy, but they often don’t have that unique **tang** or lively flavor.

If you love spicy foods and want to add some kick to your pickles, making spicy pickles from store-bought ones is the perfect solution.

You can quickly transform your plain pickles into a spicy and delicious snack with a few simple ingredients and some creativity. 

We’ll explore some tips and tricks on how to make spicy pickles from store-bought ones, so get ready to spice up your snack game.

5 Steps On How To Make Store-Bought Pickles Spicy

Mt Olive Dill Pickles
  1. Choose your pickles: Pickles that are firm and have a good crunch work best for spicy pickles. You can use whole pickles or sliced pickles, depending on your preference.
  2. Prepare the brine: In a pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add your desired spices, such as garlic, mustard seeds, dill, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to ensure the sugar and salt fully dissolve.
  3. Pack the pickles: Pack your pickles [1] tightly into a jar, leaving a little space at the top. You can add additional spices or garlic to the jar for more flavor.
  4. Pour the brine: Cover the hot brine over the pickles completely. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature.
  5. Store and wait: Once the jar has cooled, put the lid on and store it in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit in the brine for at least 24 hours before consuming them. The longer you wait, the more flavor the pickles will have. Enjoy your homemade spicy pickles!

Read: What Happens If You Eat A Bad Pickle?

What Ingredients Do You Need?

  1. Store-bought pickles – You can use any pickles you like, but it is recommended to use pickles with a firm texture to avoid them getting too soft after pickling.
  2. Spices – You can use spices to add heat and flavor to your pickles. Some popular options include red pepper flakes, cayenne, black pepper, garlic, and dill.
  3. Vinegar – The acidity of the vinegar is essential to the pickling process, and it also helps to preserve the pickles.
  4. Water – Water is needed to dilute the vinegar and create the pickling solution.
  5. Salt – Salt is essential for flavor and helps draw out excess moisture from the pickles, which helps them stay crisp.
  6. Sugar – Sugar is optional, but it can help balance the vinegar’s acidity and add a touch of sweetness to the pickles.
  7. Jalapeno – Jalapenos [2] are commonly used to add spice to pickles, and they can be sliced or diced and added to the pickling solution.

How Do You Slice and Prepare Pickles for Spicy Seasoning?

Canning Spicy Garlic Pickles

To slice and prepare pickles for spicy seasoning, first wash the pickles thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry the pickles with a paper towel to remove excess water.

“Ham and cheese between two slices of bread do not make a great sandwich. But add some creamy mayonnaise, maybe some bright pickles, and some crunchy vegetables, and we got a decent lunch going on.”

– J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, American Chef

Then, slice the pickles into thin rounds or spears, per your preference. 

Next, place the sliced pickles in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle salt over them. Mix the salt with the pickles using your hands or a spoon until the pickles are coated evenly. Let the salted pickles rest for about an hour. 

Rinse the pickles with cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry again.

How Do You Store Spicy Pickles for Later Consumption?

  1. Refrigeration: Store your spicy pickles in an airtight container and refrigerate them. Depending on the recipe and the ingredients’ quality, they will last for several weeks to a few months in the refrigerator.
  2. Canning: If you want to store your spicy pickles for longer, consider canning them. Canning will help preserve the flavor and texture of the pickles for up to a year or more. You can follow a canning recipe to ensure safety and proper preservation.
  3. Freezing: Another option is to freeze your spicy pickles. Put them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze them. They will last for several months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming them.
  4. Use vinegar: If you prefer to store your spicy pickles at room temperature, consider using vinegar. The acidic nature of vinegar helps prevent bacterial growth and preserve the pickles. Follow a recipe that calls for vinegar and use a clean, sterilized jar for storage.
  5. Keep away from sunlight: Regardless of your chosen storage method, keep your spicy pickles away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to heat and light can cause spoilage and loss of flavor.

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eCan you reuse store-bought pickle juice to make pickles?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, you can reuse store-bought pickle juice to make pickles. The leftover pickle juice can be used as a brine for new vegetables or sliced cucumbers. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMake sure to strain out any seeds or spices before using the brine again. Also, avoid reusing pickle juice that has been sitting for an extended period or shows any signs of spoilage.

u003cstrongu003eHow long do you need to wait before eating spicy pickles?u003c/strongu003e

After making spicy pickles, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming them. This allows the pickles to absorb the flavors from the spicy seasoning, resulting in a better taste. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, the longer you wait, the more the pickles’ flavor will develop. It’s recommended to store the pickles in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh.

Final Thoughts

Making spicy pickles from store-bought is a simple and easy process that allows you to customize the spiciness and flavor according to your liking. 

By following the steps outlined above and experimenting with different spices and seasonings, you can create a delicious and tangy snack that is perfect for any occasion. 

Whether you prefer them with a kick of heat or a subtle hint of spice, homemade spicy pickles are a great way to add variety to your meals and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

References:

  1. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25101333/how-to-make-pickles-recipe/
  2. https://fsi.colostate.edu/jalapeno-peppers/
Shari Mason

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