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Flavorful Pickled Banana Peppers

pickled banana peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for sweet and tangy pickled banana peppers that are crisp, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh banana peppers, sliced into rings or strips
  • 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) kosher salt
  • 23 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450g) of banana peppers thoroughly. Slice into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) rings or strips, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar, 1 cup (240ml) water, 1/4 cup (50g) sugar, and 1 tablespoon (15g) kosher salt. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt over medium heat.
  3. Add 2-3 smashed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and optional 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to release flavors.
  4. Using tongs or a fork, pack the sliced peppers into clean, sterilized quart-sized mason jars. Pour the hot brine over the peppers, ensuring they’re fully submerged but leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) headspace. Tap jars gently to release air bubbles.
  5. Screw lids on tightly and let jars cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let flavors develop fully. Peppers will keep well refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

If the brine is too harsh, add a splash more water next time to soften acidity. Do not cram peppers too tightly in jars to allow brine circulation. Crushing garlic cloves releases more flavor. Simmer brine gently without boiling vigorously to preserve sharpness. Sterilize jars to prevent spoilage. For crunchier peppers, reduce soaking time to 12 hours but flavor will be less developed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled banana peppers, quick pickles, sweet and tangy, easy pickling, refrigerator pickles, banana pepper recipe