Super Sour Chamoy Pickle
Super Sour Chamoy Pickle is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 2. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Spice King on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $7.35 total, $3.68 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Cucumber (medium size, washed and sliced into 1/4‑inch rounds)
- 4 tablespoons Chamoy Sauce (store‑bought or homemade, sweet‑sour‑spicy Mexican condiment)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 cup Water (for brine, room temperature)
- 30 grams Sour Spaghetti Candy (crunchy Mexican sour candy shaped like spaghetti, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Blue Slime Licker (Blue Curaçao or Blue Vodka) (adds a vivid blue “slime” finish; optional for non‑alcoholic version use blue sports drink)
Instructions
Prepare the Chamoy Brine
In a mixing bowl combine water, lime juice, salt, sugar, and chamoy sauce. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve and the mixture is evenly colored.
Time: PT5M
Slice and Submerge Cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers into 1/4‑inch rounds and place them in the glass jar. Pour the chamoy brine over the cucumber slices, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Time: PT5M
Let the Pickles Marinate
Refrigerate the jar for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor). For this quick snack, a 30‑minute rest is sufficient.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 4°C
Taste the Pickle Juice
Before assembling, pour a small amount of the pickle juice into a shot glass and sip it to experience the flavor profile.
Time: PT1M
Add Sour Spaghetti Candy
Place the broken sour spaghetti candy on top of the cucumber slices inside the jar, spreading evenly.
Time: PT1M
Finish with Blue Slime Licker
Drizzle the blue slime licker (blue curaçao or chosen substitute) over the top of the candy and pickles. Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the visual “slime” effect.
Time: PT1M
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the jar at the table. Guests can eat the pickles with candy and sip the remaining brine or the blue liquor as they wish.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using non‑alcoholic blue substitute), Gluten‑free
Allergens: Alcohol (if using blue curaçao), None other
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini, Pickling gherkins
- Instead of Chamoy Sauce: Tamarind‑chili sauce, Hoisin mixed with lime
- Instead of Lime Juice: Citric acid solution, Lemon juice
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (reduce water), Fish sauce (small amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Agave syrup
- Instead of Water: Sparkling water (for extra fizz)
- Instead of Sour Spaghetti Candy: Sour gummy noodles, Tamarind candy strips
- Instead of Blue Slime Licker (Blue Curaçao or Blue Vodka): Blue raspberry syrup, Blue food‑grade coloring mixed with soda
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Small Spoon or Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the chamoy brine is well‑mixed and balanced before adding cucumbers.
- Fully submerging cucumber slices to prevent uneven pickling.
- Allowing at least 30 minutes of marination for flavor development.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Persian or English cucumbers for a crisper texture.
- For extra heat, stir in a dash of powdered chipotle or cayenne into the brine.
- Chill the blue curaçao in the freezer for a thicker, syrup‑like drizzle.
Troubleshooting
Pickles are too salty.
Rinse the cucumber slices under cold water, then add a fresh batch of brine with reduced salt.
Candy becomes soggy quickly.
Add the sour spaghetti candy just before serving, or keep it in a separate container and sprinkle on top.
Chamoy flavor is weak.
Increase chamoy sauce by 1‑2 tablespoons or add a pinch of chili powder to the brine.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep the jar sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The candy may soften over time.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of cucumbers and candy will degrade.
Room temperature: Only for short‑term serving (up to 2 hours). Return to fridge after.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chamoy brine and slice cucumbers up to 24 hours ahead; store them separate from candy and liquor.
- The pickles improve in flavor after 12‑24 hours, so make them the day before a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chamoy pickle in Mexican street food culture?
Chamoy pickle, known as "pepinos en chamoy," is a popular Mexican snack that blends the tangy, sweet‑spicy chamoy sauce with fresh cucumbers. It originated in the early 20th century as a way to preserve cucumbers and add the beloved chamoy flavor, becoming a staple at fairs, street carts, and convenience stores across Mexico.
What are the traditional regional variations of chamoy pickle in different parts of Mexico?
In northern Mexico, the pickles are often spicier with added chili powder, while in central regions they may be sweeter with extra tamarind. Some coastal versions incorporate pineapple or mango chunks for a tropical twist.
How is chamoy pickle traditionally served in Mexican markets or street stalls?
Vendors typically serve it in small plastic cups or jars, topped with a sprinkle of chili powder and a drizzle of extra chamoy. It is eaten with a fork or toothpick and often paired with a cold soda or a shot of mezcal.
What occasions or celebrations is chamoy pickle traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
Chamoy pickle is a common snack at festivals, fairs (ferias), and family gatherings. Its bright flavor makes it a favorite during hot summer days and at celebrations like birthdays and quinceañeras where street‑food stalls are present.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Mexican chamoy pickle versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic base includes fresh cucumbers, traditional chamoy sauce (made from dried apricots, chilies, lime, and sugar), and lime juice. Substitutes can include store‑bought chamoy, a mix of tamarind paste with chili powder, or a homemade blend of plum sauce and hot sauce.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with chamoy pickle and the sour spaghetti candy topping?
Chamoy pickle pairs nicely with elote (Mexican street corn), fresh fruit cups with chamoy, and spicy tacos al pastor. The sour spaghetti candy adds a playful contrast that also works well alongside churros dusted with cinnamon‑sugar.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade chamoy pickle?
Common errors include not fully submerging the cucumber slices, using too much salt in the brine, and adding the sour candy too early, which makes it soggy. Follow the critical steps: mix a balanced brine, ensure cucumbers are covered, and add candy just before serving.
Why does this recipe use a short 30‑minute marination instead of a longer overnight pickling process?
The video’s focus is on a quick, snack‑ready version. A 30‑minute rest gives the cucumbers enough time to absorb the chamoy flavor for a bright, fresh bite, while longer pickling would make them softer and more intense—still possible if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Can I make this chamoy pickle ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the pickles up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the jar sealed in the refrigerator; the candy and blue liquor should be added just before serving to maintain texture and visual effect.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chamoy pickle is ready?
The cucumbers should be crisp yet lightly softened, with a glossy reddish‑orange coating from the chamoy. The sour spaghetti candy should sit on top, bright and crunchy, while the blue slime licker creates a vivid blue sheen on the surface.
What does the YouTube channel Spice King specialize in?
The YouTube channel Spice King focuses on bold, flavor‑forward Mexican street food and snack recipes, often showcasing creative twists like the chamoy pickle with candy and liquor pairings.
How does the YouTube channel Spice King's approach to Mexican snack cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Spice King emphasizes high‑energy, fast‑paced tutorials that blend traditional Mexican flavors with modern, playful elements (such as candy toppings and colorful liquors), whereas many other channels stick to classic home‑cooking techniques without the novelty twists.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
