Homemade Spicy Pickles

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Did you know there was a period of time when I was scared of pickles? If you've been following along for the past few years, that won't come as a surprise to you. I was a picky eater! But these days I'm all about these Homemade Spicy Pickles!

A wooden board with two jars of spicy pickles, with green onions, a knife and a partially sliced jalapeño on the side.


 

Why I Love This Recipe

OMG. These are hands down the best homemade spicy pickles on the planet! You can make them as spicy as you want or keep it mild - but literally get ready for your life to change. They are rocking my world and I've been making them on repeat ever since Persian Cucumbers have been exploding at the farmers markets.

I'd classify these as quick pickles. It doesn't take weeks to make them, just a few hours. Which means they are perfect to whip up the morning before a party, or the day before a BBQ for your ... I've got ya covered! Also, if you're into a cucumber pickle situation, surely try the Cucumber Muchim.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mise en place of all ingredients to make spicy pickles.
  • Persian Cucumbers I like to use Persian cucumbers as they don't usually have seeds. You might also find English or Hothouse cucumbers, which are very similar.
  • Kosher Salt
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Green Onions
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Jalapeño
  • Honey
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • Sesame Oil

*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Spicy Pickles

A large sieve with sliced cucumbers sprinkled with kosher salt.

Step 1: Start by placing the cut cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt and give a quick toss to make sure it’s evenly coated. Let sit 30 minutes.

A baking sheet lined with paper towels with rinsed sliced cucumbers drying on it.

Step 2: Rinse cucumber under running water, remove excess water by placing cucumbers on a towel to blot dry.

A glass bowl with sliced cucumbers, chopped green onions, jalapeños, ginger and garlic.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine cucumbers and remaining ingredients. Stir to coat.

A bowl with sliced cucumbers and its seasonings, soaked in a liquid mixture containing rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and soy sauce.

Step 4: The liquid should cover the cucumbers entirely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

How to Store Spicy Pickles

You can store these pickles for about a month in a good airtight container in the fridge!

Tips & Tricks

Garlic and ginger are the 2 most prominent flavors in this and gives it some real spunk. The rice vinegar gives it even more flavor than a traditional white vinegar, in my opinion! And the jalapeños and the green onions are icing on the cake. You can leave out the jalapeño if you want it to be mild, no problemo!

I like to use Persian cucumbers as they don't usually have seeds. You might also find English or Hothouse cucumbers, which are very similar.

FAQs

How to I adjust the spiciness?

You can adjust the amount of jalapeño or remove seeds to reduce the spiciness. You can also adjust the amount of garlic and ginger if you find those flavors stronger.

How long do I need to store before they are ready to eat?

Wait at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

Can I use another vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar. Basically, which ever vinegar you use will add flavor to the pickles so use something neutral.

Similar Recipes

If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today

Homemade Spicy Pickles

Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 11 votes
The easiest and most delicious homemade spicy pickles ever!!
Prep Time 5 minutes
4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound Persian cucumbers sliced ½ in thick
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2-3 cloves garlic sliced thin or minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 6 green onions chopped
  • ½ cup rice vinegar plus more as needed
  • 1 jalapeño sliced thin seeds removed for less spice.
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Place cut cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt and give a quick toss to make sure it’s evenly coated. Let sit 30 minutes.
  • Rinse cucumber under running water, remove excess water by placing cucumbers on a towel to blot dry.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cucumbers and remaining ingredients. Stir to coat. The liquid should cover the cucumbers entirely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

I like to use Persian cucumbers as they don't usually have seeds. You might also find English or Hothouse cucumbers, which are very similar.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe by What’s Gaby Cooking

44 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    5-stars!! Cannot stop eating them! I was worried they wouldn't pickle because the brine didn't cover the cukes in the container completely, but I stirred several times to coat and they were PERFECT!

  2. Does the honey make these sweet? Also, I’m obsessed with dill pickles, how do you think these would be with dill added?

    1. dill would be great! and no the honey just cuts the acidity a bit. Not sweet but you can also totally leave out

    1. I wish I remembered!! you can really use any size jar! Just increase vinegar if it's a big one!

    2. I used 500ml jars, I wound up adding quite a bit more vinegar to make sure they more submerged but they taste amazing and it has not been 4 hours!

  3. These are so good. I tripled the recipe when I make it and I only have a family of four to feed. Great side dish for any meal.Thanks for the awesome recipe

  4. Do you mean Toasted sesame oil, or just sesame oil? And I presume regular rice wine vinegar, not seasoned.
    Thanks!

    1. all of the mentioned products work so you can use whichever you prefer. I opt for the plain sesame oil and regular rice wine vin

    1. that's a great question - I'm not entirely sure as I always jut use them as quick pickles

    2. The honey will be fine. I do however recommend leaving out the seseme oil. If you use the oil you will need to pressure can. Personally I never use seseme oil. To me it doesn't add enough flavor to anything to justify the extra expense. I have a jam and jelly business so I've learned to be very careful with the products I use.

  5. These are deadly. Whoa!!!!! I cant stop eating them, and they haven't even marinated 4 hours. Love,love,love them. Thank you for this recipe.

  6. Do theses need to be stored in mason jars? How long will they be good?
    Can’t wait to make them!!!

5 from 11 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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