making the viral pickled garlic snack
making the viral pickled garlic snack is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by jasmineandtea on YouTube.
Prep: 3 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 8 min
Cost: $1.10 total, $0.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled)
- 2 tablespoons Korean Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to spice preference; also called gochugaru)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce (add more for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Peel Garlic
Remove the skins from the garlic cloves. You can crush each clove lightly with the flat side of a knife to make peeling easier.
Time: PT1M
Add Garlic to Jar
Place the peeled garlic cloves into the clean glass jar, leaving a little headspace at the top.
Time: PT30S
Add Korean Red Pepper Flakes and Sriracha
Measure 2 tablespoons of Korean red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of sriracha, then pour them over the garlic in the jar.
Time: PT30S
Optional Parsley
If using, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the garlic for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Time: PT12S
Seal and Shake
Close the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all garlic cloves are evenly coated with the red pepper flakes and sriracha.
Time: PT30S
Serve or Store
The snack is ready to eat immediately, but for deeper flavor let it sit for 10‑15 minutes or store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 20
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Korean Red Pepper Flakes: Chili powder, Paprika
- Instead of Sriracha Sauce: Hot chili sauce, Gochujang (less sweet)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Spoon for Mixing (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shaking the jar until the garlic is fully coated ensures even flavor distribution.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, firm garlic for the best crunch.
- High‑quality Korean gochugaru adds authentic smoky flavor.
- If you like extra tang, a splash of rice vinegar can be added.
Troubleshooting
Garlic cloves are not fully coated.
Shake the jar longer or add a splash more sriracha and gochugaru, then shake again.
The snack is too spicy.
Reduce the amount of sriracha or add extra garlic cloves to balance the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for a few hours, but refrigerate for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a larger batch and keep it in the fridge for quick snacking.
- The flavors meld and improve after a few hours, so make it ahead of time if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pickled garlic in Korean cuisine?
Pickled garlic, known as "mangeul jang" in Korea, has been a traditional side dish (banchan) for centuries, valued for its probiotic benefits and ability to preserve garlic through the winter months.
What are the traditional regional variations of Korean pickled garlic across Korea?
In the southern regions, pickled garlic is often sweeter and may include rice wine or honey, while northern styles tend to be more sour and use a higher proportion of gochugaru and vinegar.
How is pickled garlic traditionally served in Korean meals?
It is typically served as a banchan alongside rice, soups, and grilled meats, providing a pungent contrast that stimulates the palate and aids digestion.
During which Korean celebrations or holidays is pickled garlic commonly enjoyed?
Pickled garlic appears on holiday tables during Chuseok (harvest festival) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) as a flavorful accompaniment to the festive spread.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Korean pickled garlic versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic recipes use Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), garlic, and often a touch of rice vinegar or soy sauce. Substitutes can include regular chili powder, sriracha, or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile will shift.
What other Korean dishes pair well with this quick Korean pickled garlic snack?
It pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ (bulgogi, galbi), bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, and even simple steamed rice, adding a spicy, tangy bite.
What makes this quick Korean pickled garlic snack special compared to other garlic pickles?
The combination of gochugaru and sriracha delivers a unique balance of smoky heat, sweet tang, and the natural pungency of garlic, all achieved in just two minutes without any cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this quick Korean pickled garlic snack?
Common errors include not shaking the jar enough, which leaves garlic unevenly coated, and using too much sriracha, which can overwhelm the subtle garlic flavor.
Why does this recipe use sriracha instead of traditional Korean fermented chili paste (gochujang)?
Sriracha provides a bright, vinegary heat that mixes quickly with the garlic, keeping the preparation under two minutes, whereas gochujang would require longer mixing and a thicker consistency.
What does the YouTube channel jasmineandtea specialize in?
The YouTube channel jasmineandtea focuses on quick, everyday Korean-inspired snacks and simple home-cooking hacks, often highlighting viral trends and easy pantry recipes.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
