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Easy Refrigerator Pickled Jalapeño Rings: 5-Minute Recipe

easy refrigerator pickled jalapeño rings - featured image

These quick and easy refrigerator pickled jalapeño rings take just 5 minutes of hands-on time and deliver a perfect crunch with a bright, garlicky kick. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re the ultimate condiment for tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh jalapeños (about 810 medium peppers)
  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 teaspoons table salt, or 1 ½ tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 34 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Optional: pinch of dried oregano, black peppercorns, bay leaf, or slice of red onion

Instructions

  1. Wash the jalapeños thoroughly under cool water and pat dry. Cut off the stems, then slice into ¼-inch thick rings. For less heat, remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon (optional). Wear gloves or wash hands immediately after handling.
  2. Place the smashed garlic cloves at the bottom of a clean 1-quart mason jar. Pack the jalapeño rings tightly into the jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeño rings in the jar, ensuring they are completely submerged. Tap the jar gently on the counter to release air bubbles. If any rings are poking above the brine, use a clean spoon to push them down.
  5. Let the jar cool to room temperature on the counter (about 5 minutes). Once cool enough to touch, screw on the lid and refrigerate.
  6. Wait at least 24 hours before eating, but for best flavor, wait 48 hours. The flavor peaks around day 3.

Notes

For extra-crunchy rings, soak sliced jalapeños in ice water for 10 minutes before packing. Uniform ¼-inch slices ensure even pickling. The brine should be tangy, slightly salty, and a little sweet—adjust to taste before pouring. These are refrigerator pickles and must stay refrigerated; they are not shelf-stable. Label the jar with the date. For best flavor, consume between day 3 and day 14. Remove garlic cloves after a week to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

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