Description
This Sweet Heat Pickles recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spicy heat with a tangy vinegar base. Quick to prepare and kept in the refrigerator, these pickles combine crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and optional jalapeños for a refreshing, homemade condiment that enhances any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3–4 cups sliced pickling cucumbers (about 4–5 small cucumbers)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for extra heat)
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, mustard seeds, celery seed, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved, creating a flavorful pickling brine.
- Layer the Vegetables: In a large heatproof jar or container, layer the sliced pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced yellow onion, and jalapeño slices if you desire extra heat, arranging them evenly to ensure an even pickle.
- Pour the Brine Over Vegetables: Carefully pour the hot brine over the layered vegetables until they are completely submerged. This hot liquid will start the pickling process and infuse the vegetables with the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar or container to cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid. Once sealed, refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours to develop their full flavor. The pickles will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For extra crunchy pickles, salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 1 hour before rinsing and patting dry, then proceed with pickling.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeño slices based on your preferred spice level.
- Use a heatproof container to avoid cracking when pouring hot brine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
