This small-batch refrigerator pickled jalapeños recipe is as simple as it gets - just fresh jalapeños, garlic, vinegar, water, salt, and a little sugar. In under 15 minutes, you'll have a jar of crisp, tangy, and spicy peppers ready for the fridge. No canning, no water bath, just a quick brine poured over the peppers.
This recipe makes 2 half-pints (or 1 pint), which is just the right size for a small batch when you've got half a pound of hot peppers to use up.
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Looking for more quick refrigerator canning recipes? Try my Quick Pickled Red Onions, Quick Pickled Carrots, and Refrigerator Sweet Dill Pickles.
These quick pickled jalapeno peppers have all the flavor of classic canned jalapenos, but you don't need to drag out the canner or spend all day in the kitchen. It's done in about 10 minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for the peppers to cool before digging in.
I started making this small batch recipe when I had way too many jalapeños coming out of the greenhouse. They're crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. My husband loves them and goes through a pint jar every few days.
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Ingredients You'll Need
These simple ingredients come together fast for the perfect small-batch pickled jalapeños:
- Jalapeño peppers (½ pound, sliced into ¼-inch rings) - about 8-10 medium peppers.
- Garlic cloves - infuses the brine with subtle flavor.
- White vinegar (¾ cup) serves as a natural preservative, giving that tangy, classic pickled taste. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
- Water (¾ cup) - balances the vinegar.
- Coarse salt (2 teaspoons) - helps preserve and enhance flavor. You can also use kosher salt.
- White sugar (2 teaspoons) - balances the heat and acidity.
How to Make Easy Refrigerator Pickled Jalapeños
Making refrigerator pickles is quick and easy, but it helps to see each step broken down clearly. Here's exactly how to do it from start to finish:
Prep the peppers. Wash and dry ½ pound of jalapeños. Slice them into ¼-inch rings so they pickle evenly. Peel and lightly smash one garlic clove, then pack the garlic and jalapeno slices tightly into a clean pint jar (or two half-pint jars).
Make the brine. In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup white vinegar, ¾ cup water, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
Pour the brine. Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid into the mason jar over the jalapeños, making sure all the peppers are fully submerged. Use a spoon to press them down if needed.
Cool and refrigerate. Let the jar cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, add the lid and refrigerate immediately.
Let them rest. The jalapeños will taste good after a few hours, but for the best flavor and texture, wait at least 24 hours before opening the jar.
Helpful Tips from My Farmhouse Kitchen
- Slice evenly. Cutting the peppers into uniform ¼-inch rings ensures they pickle evenly.
- Submerge fully. Press the peppers down with a spoon to keep them under the brine.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer tangier peppers, reduce the sugar; for milder heat, add an extra teaspoon of sugar.
- Wear gloves. Jalapeños can burn your skin when you touch them. Gloves help avoid accidental eye-rubbing regret later.
- Use clean jars. Even though this isn't canning, starting with hot, clean jars prevents spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
- On Smoked Chicken Tacos, Pulled Pork Nachos, or enchiladas.
- Layered into sandwiches and Smoked Burgers.
- Chopped into salsas or guacamole.
- As a topping for Electric Smoker Brisket, Pit Boss Pulled Pork, or Pit Boss Chicken Wings.
- Added to scrambled eggs, Baked Western Omelet Casserole, or quesadillas.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Keep the sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Use clean utensils: Always use a clean fork or spoon to remove peppers so the brine stays fresh.
Recipe FAQs
No - this is a refrigerator pickle recipe. The peppers are preserved by vinegar and refrigeration only.
Yes! Try a few peppercorns, mustard seeds, or even a bay leaf in the brine for variation.
They're medium-spicy. Sugar helps tame the heat, but the spice level depends on the spiciness of your peppers.
They're tasty after a few hours, but best if left to sit overnight.
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Printable Recipe
Quick Refrigerator Pickled Jalapenos
Ingredients
- ½ pound jalapeno peppers, sliced into ¼ inch rings (about 8-10 medium peppers)
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
Instructions
- Prep the jar. Wash and dry a clean pint jar (or two half-pints). Place the garlic clove in the bottom and pack the sliced jalapeños on top, pressing down so they fit snugly.
- Make the brine. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Add the brine. Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, making sure they are completely covered. Use a spoon to push them down if needed.
- Cool and refrigerate. Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid and refrigerate.
- Wait before serving. The peppers can be eaten after a few hours, but for the best flavor, let them sit at least 24 hours. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños. The oils can linger on your skin and burn if you touch your face.
- Fully submerge peppers. If some slices float, push them down with the back of a spoon.
- Flavor variations. Add mustard seeds, black peppercorns, or a bay leaf to the brine.
- Storage. Keep refrigerated and use within 2 months. Always use a clean fork or spoon to remove peppers from the jar.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
J.J. says
I am so delighted with this recipe! Small-batch and quick pickling were exactly what I was looking for! I followed your recipe exactly, although I did remove as many seeds and ribs as I could because our peppers have been hot this summer. After waiting a little over 24 hours, we had some on our salad at supper and they are delicious! Even the brine is tasty! Pickled jalapenos are expensive at the grocery store and I am so glad to be able to make my own now! Thank you!
Jeri Walker says
Thank you so much, J.J.! I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!😊