How To Make Spicy Pickles From Store-Bought: DIY Guide

Pickles are a popular snack and condiment loved by many people. Store-bought pickles are easy to find, but they often lack heat and flavor. 

If you love spicy foods, try making spicy pickles from store-bought ones. It’s a great way to add some kick!

Turn your plain pickles into a spicy, tasty snack. Just use a few simple ingredients and get creative! 

Here are some simple tips to make spicy pickles from store-bought ones. Get ready to kick your snack game up a notch!

Why Choose Quick Spicy Pickles?

Making your own spicy pickles has many benefits compared to store-bought ones. When you create your own pickles, you have full control over the ingredients. This means you can adjust the level of spiciness, sweetness, and other flavors to your liking. Homemade pickles have fresher, bolder flavors. In contrast, store-bought ones often use preservatives to last longer. It’s a fun, rewarding process that allows you to get creative in the kitchen.

One of the best parts about quick spicy pickles is how little time they require. Traditional pickling takes weeks. But with the 24-hour infusion process, you don’t have to wait. 

Within a day, your cucumbers are transformed into tangy, spicy snacks that are ready to enjoy. Whether you’re in a pinch for a tasty treat or want a fast way to spice up your meals, these quick pickles are a lifesaver.

5 Steps On How To Make Store-Bought Pickles Spicy

1. Choose your pickles: Pickles that are firm and have a good crunch work best for spicy pickles. You can use whole pickles or sliced pickles, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the brine: In a pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add your desired spices, such as garlic, mustard seeds, dill, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to ensure the sugar and salt fully dissolve.
3. Pack the pickles: Pack your pickles [1] tightly into a jar, leaving a little space at the top. You can add additional spices or garlic to the jar for more flavor.
4. Pour the brine: Cover the hot brine over the pickles completely. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature.
5. Store and wait: Once the jar has cooled, put the lid on and store it in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit in the brine for at least 24 hours before consuming them. The longer you wait, the more flavor the pickles will have. Enjoy your homemade spicy pickles!

Read: What Happens If You Eat A Bad Pickle?

What Ingredients Do You Need?

1. Store-bought pickles – You can use any pickles you want. However, pickles with a firm texture are best. They won’t get too soft after pickling.
2. Spices – You can use spices to add heat and flavor to your pickles. Some popular options include red pepper flakes, cayenne, black pepper, garlic, and dill.
3. Vinegar – The acidity of the vinegar is essential to the pickling process, and it also helps to preserve the pickles.
4. Water – Water is needed to dilute the vinegar and create the pickling solution.
5. Salt – Salt adds flavor and pulls out moisture from pickles. This keeps them crisp.
6. Sugar – Sugar is optional, but it can help balance the vinegar’s acidity and add a touch of sweetness to the pickles.
7. Jalapeno – Jalapenos [2] are commonly used to add spice to pickles, and they can be sliced or diced and added to the pickling solution.

Read: What Can You Dip Pickles In?

How Do You Slice and Prepare Pickles for Spicy Seasoning?

Wash the pickles well under cold running water to prepare them for spicy seasoning. Pat dry the pickles with a paper towel to remove excess water.

“Ham and cheese between two slices of bread do not make a great sandwich. But add some creamy mayonnaise, maybe some bright pickles, and some crunchy vegetables, and we got a decent lunch going on.”

– J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, American Chef

Then, slice the pickles into thin rounds or spears, per your preference. 

Next, place the sliced pickles in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle salt over them. Mix the salt with the pickles using your hands or a spoon until the pickles are coated evenly. Let the salted pickles rest for about an hour. 

Rinse the pickles with cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry again.

How Do You Store Spicy Pickles for Later Consumption?

1. Refrigeration: Store your spicy pickles in an airtight container and refrigerate them. The lifespan of ingredients varies by recipe and quality. They can last from several weeks to a few months in the refrigerator.
2. Canning: If you want to store your spicy pickles for longer, consider canning them. Canning will help preserve the flavor and texture of the pickles for up to a year or more. You can follow a canning recipe to ensure safety and proper preservation.
3. Freezing: Another option is to freeze your spicy pickles. Put them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze them. They will last for several months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming them.
4. Use vinegar: If you prefer to store your spicy pickles at room temperature, consider using vinegar. The acidic nature of vinegar helps prevent bacterial growth and preserve the pickles. Follow a recipe that calls for vinegar and use a clean, sterilized jar for storage.
5. Store in a cool place: No matter how you store your spicy pickles, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Exposure to heat and light can cause spoilage and loss of flavor.

FAQs on Make Spicy Pickles From Store-Bought

Final Thoughts

Making spicy pickles from store-bought ones is simple. You can easily customize the heat and flavor to match your taste. 

Try these steps and mix different spices. You’ll make a tasty, tangy snack for any occasion. 

You can make homemade spicy pickles with heat or a gentle spice. They add variety to meals and show off your cooking skills to friends and family.

References:

1. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25101333/how-to-make-pickles-recipe/
2. https://fsi.colostate.edu/jalapeno-peppers/