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    Home » Recipes » Condiments and Sauces » How to Make Pickled Jalapenos – Quick & Easy Recipe

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: June 10, 2020 By Toni Dash 43 Comments

    How to Make Pickled Jalapenos – Quick & Easy Recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pickled Jalapenos in a glass jar

    Pickled Jalapenos add a spicy crunch to many dishes and are SO easy to make at home! Whip up this 10 minute recipe and have a jar in the fridge to add to tacos, sandwiches, burgers and more.

    You’ve had these at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

    Pickled Jalapenos in a glass jar

    Tangy, spicy pickled jalapenos are the topping that gives almost any dish that special pop of flavor!

    This recipe is a favorite because the pickles are crunchy!

    Jump to:
    • Crisp Refrigerator Pickles
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Selecting Jalapenos
    • What Type of Vinegar to Use?
    • What Type of Salt to Use?
    • What Jars to Use?
    • No Sugar Recipe
    • Slicing the Jalapenos
    • How to Make It – Step-by-Step
    • Pro Tips
    • How Soon Can They be Eaten?
    • How Long do They Last?
    • How to Use Pickled Jalapenos
    • Recipe

    Crisp Refrigerator Pickles

    These delicious spicy homemade jalapeno pickles don’t require any canning or fancy preparation.

    Slice up the jalapenos and add them with a simple brine to jars to store in the refrigerator. 

    They are waiting anytime you have the urge to add them to your favorite recipes.

    And that will be often after the first crunchy bite!

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Jalapeno Peppers
    • Distilled White Vinegar
    • Water
    • Salt
    • Whole Peppercorns
    • Coriander Seeds
    • Jars
    Pickled Jalapenos ingredients

    Selecting Jalapenos

    Jalapeno peppers are a medium-sized hot pepper ranging from 2-inches to 6-inches in length.

    They are a medium green color and are considered hot but more ‘medium-hot’ compared to other spicier chile peppers.

    Because they will be sliced for this recipe the length doesn’t matter. Select jalapenos that are a size you’d prefer for the size of the slices. 

    Also select fresh, ripe and unblemished peppers.

    The skin should be smooth and shiny. Refer to the photos in this post.

    What Type of Vinegar to Use?

    Traditional canning recipes require a specific acidity level to ensure shelf-stable food safety.

    Because this recipe is a refrigerator pickle recipe, any vinegar can be used.

    Distilled White Vinegar retains the color of the jalapenos and doesn’t get cloudy.

    This is the vinegar I recommend for this pickle recipe.

    Other vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will give a slightly different flavor.

    Rice Vinegar or Malt Vinegar could also be used in a pinch however the color and flavor of the pickles will be different.

    NOTE: for gluten-free eaters malt vinegar DOES contain gluten.

    What Type of Salt to Use?

    Do not use iodized salt. Kosher salt, Sea Salt or even pickling salt may be used.

    pickled jalapeno peppers in jar side view

    What Jars to Use?

    This pickled jalapeno recipe makes aproximately 4 cups. 

    That is the volume the jar or jars will need to hold.

    Any jars with a lid will work. Be sure they are clean and sterilized (run through the dishwasher or rinse with boiling water).

    Mason jars or recycled jars are great.

    I love Weck canning jars (shown in the photos) so use those.

    They also have plastic snap on lids instead of the glass lids.

    I like pint jars which hold about 2 cups of pickles.

    No Sugar Recipe

    There are many recipes for pickled jalapenos that include sugar. 

    If you buy a jar at the store and look at the label you’ll note they do not contain sugar.

    This recipe also does not contain sugar. The pepper slices have a wonderful flavor from the salt brine.

    When TO add Sugar

    There is a situation when adding sugar has a purpose.

    Adding sugar will bring down the heat or spiciness of the jalapenos. 

    If you’d prefer to dampen the heat add 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the vinegar-water mixture when boiling.

    sliced jalapenos and whole jalapeno peppers

    Slicing the Jalapenos

    With a Knife

    Use a large sharp knife to cut the jalapeno across the pepper to create evenly thick slices.

    Using a Mandoline Slicer

    To make the jalapeno slices the same thickness using a mandoline slicer is a great choice. 

    This is my preferred method because it’s easy, fast and all slices are the same.

    slicing jalapenos with a mandoline

    For this recipe 1/4-inch thickness is perfect.

    However if you want really slim slices or a thicker slice, a mandoline allows setting that easily.

    mandoline slicer thickness setting dial

    I recommend using a mandoline with a guard.

    The guard is a piece that fits on top of the ingredient being sliced to protect your hands from the blade.

    Mine is pictured in the photo with the mandoline in the bottom left.

    Having said that, it’s tricky to use a guard on a jalapeno pepper. 

    You can manually pull the jalapeno over the mandoline blade, carefully then manually slice the last of the jalapeno when it’s too close to the blade.

    How to Make It – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1: Slice all the jalapeno peppers evenly. I recommend 1/4-inch thickness. They can be sliced as thin as 1/8-inch to as thick as 1/2-inch. 

    Place the pepper slices into the clean sterilized jars (photo 1).

    STEP 2: Combine the vinegar, water and salt in a an (photo 2). Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt.

    pickled jalapenos recipe steps collage

    STEP 3: Pour the brine into the jar(s) with the jalapenos (photo 3). Add the peppercorns and coriander seeds on top (photo 4). Seal and refrigerate.

    Pro Tips

    Wear Gloves or Wash Hands after handling Jalapenos

    When slicing jalapenos, or any hot peppers, the spicy oil from the pepper will transfer to your hands.

    An accidental scratching of your nose or rubbing your eyes will let you know!

    When working with jalapeno peppers wear food safe gloves or be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

    Do not Boil the Jalapeno Slices

    For this recipe the jalapenos are put into the jar and the brine poured in.

    The jalapenos are not boiled with the brine.

    This keeps the jalapenos from becoming soft. They’ll still have a satisfying crunch.

    Use Some Sugar to Lessen the Spiciness

    If you want less spicy pickles add a bit of granulated sugar to the brine.

    Sterilize the Jar(s)

    Even though this is not a traditional canning recipe, always sterilize the jars before starting.

    Run them through the dishwasher or pour boiling water in them for a minute.

    How Soon Can They be Eaten?

    As quickly as 20 minutes after making them! 

    The longer the jalapeno slices sit in the brine the more flavorful they will become.

    How Long do They Last?

    Keep the pickled jalapenos in the refrigerator for 1-2 months for best results.

    How to Use Pickled Jalapenos

    There are so many ways to enjoy these spicy little quick pickles I couldn’t even name everything.

    BUT here are some favorite ways to enjoy them:

    On Tacos: Fish Tacos, Tacos Al Pastor, Carnitas Tacos, Street Tacos or Breakfast Tacos. Any kind of taco is better topped with these tangy pickled gems.

    On Sandwiches: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Barbecue Beef Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Southwestern Sub Sandwich.

    On Hot Dogs or Burgers

    In Salads: Macaroni Salad, Chicken Salad, Mexican Quinoa Salad.

    In Soups: Homemade Chicken Soup, Mexican Green Chile Steak Soup, Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Soup.

    Garnishing recipes like Queso Fundido dip, Mexican Chicken and Rice Skillet or  Grilled Watermelon with Smoked Salt and Jalapeno Rings.

    Once you start eating them you’ll realize how many dishes are perfect for them! Just like Quick Pickled Red Onions!

    pickled jalapeno peppers in jars

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    Pickled Jalapenos in a glass jar

    Pickled Jalapenos

    This quick pickled Jalapeno recipe takes about 10 minutes and requires no canning! It makes spicy refrigerator pickles with a great crunch!
    5 from 40 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Minimum Recommended Soaking Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    Servings: 34 2-tablespoon servings (total yield: approximately 4 1/3 cups)
    Calories: 8kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    • 1 pound Jalapeno Peppers
    • 2 1/4 cups White Distilled Vinegar
    • 2 1/4 cups Water
    • 1/2 ounce Non-Iodized Salt, sea salt or Kosher Salt
    • 10 whole Peppercorns
    • 10 Coriander Seeds

    Instructions

    • Slice the jalapenos 1/4-inch thick, discarding the stems. Using a mandoline is recommended but not required. Consider wearing food-safe gloves or washing hands thoroughly after slicing.
    • Add the sliced jalapenos to the jar or jars being used.
    • Combine the vinegar, water and salt into a small saucepan and bring to a boil to dissolve the salt.
    • Pour the liquid into the jar(s) of jalapenos. Add the peppercorns and coriander seeds.
    • Seal and place in the refrigerator for up to one month.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Gena. says

      July 19, 2022 at 6:25 pm

      Hi,
      Can I do a 10 min. Water bath and put on the shelf instead of the refrigerator?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        July 20, 2022 at 9:51 am

        Hi Gena. I’ve never tried to can these so I’m really not sure! I’m sure there is information about canning a mixture like this online. My one concern would be that water bath canning would take away the crispness of the jalapenos and make them mushy.

        Reply
    2. Deb Johnson says

      October 13, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      I have made these several times and we love them. I was wondering, do you cool the brine before you pour it over the jalapeños? Mine seem to turn a little gray and aren’t real crunchy. I have been pouring it on right after it comes to a boil. Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 14, 2021 at 9:21 pm

        Hi Deb. I actually have never had that happen! I usually pour the brine right into the bottles too. Do you put it in the refrigerator right after sealing it? I don’t think there is any harm to let the brine cool as an experiment to see if that helps!

        Reply
    3. Dionne says

      October 03, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! We have made a few batches now. I never seem to have coriander seeds, so we use a pinch of ground and it works great! We also love adding some thin slices of carrots to the jars. Thank you for this great recipe!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 06, 2021 at 6:13 am

        Sounds great Dionne! Thanks for sharing how you are making them!

        Reply
    4. Andrea says

      April 14, 2021 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I love pickled everything. These are perfect on sandwiches, tacos, salads, and so many of my family’s favorites.

      Reply
    5. Carrie says

      April 14, 2021 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      These are the Best! I love that they have some crunch unlike the ones at the store. Great flavor brine too. Thanks.

      Reply
    6. Sandra Franks says

      April 14, 2021 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      I love being able the make these myself instead of buying them and they taste so much better too. Love this recipe, thankyou.

      Reply
    7. Vera says

      April 14, 2021 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. We eat this on everything. Tacos, scrambled eggs, soup….

      Reply
    8. Linda says

      April 14, 2021 at 8:51 am

      5 stars
      The mandoline tip makes all the difference in the world. I can keep my hands clean, all the slices are the same size and it’s so fast! We love these pickled jalapenos and eat them on everything.

      Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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