I tried the pickled garlic trend
I tried the pickled garlic trend is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 4. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by Lisa Nguyen on YouTube.
Prep: 4 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 6 min
Cost: $3.30 total, $0.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 jar Pickled Garlic (drained; use whole cloves from Asian grocery store)
- to taste Sriracha (adds heat and a garlicky flavor)
- to taste Chili Powder (provides extra spice)
- to taste Dried Thyme (herbal note that balances heat)
Instructions
Drain the Pickled Garlic
Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the pickled garlic from its original jar, allowing the brine to drain completely.
Time: PT1M
Add Seasonings
Transfer the drained garlic cloves into a clean glass jar. Add sriracha, chili powder, and dried thyme directly into the jar.
Time: PT30S
Shake to Coat
Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about one minute until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Redistribute Settled Seasoning
Open the jar, stir the garlic with a spoon to free any seasoning that has settled at the top, reseal, and give it another 30‑second shake.
Time: PT1M
Enjoy or Store
Taste a clove; if the flavor is to your liking, enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 7g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pickled Garlic: Pickled roasted garlic, Fresh garlic cloves (pickled at home)
- Instead of Sriracha: Hot chili garlic sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper, Paprika
- Instead of Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme, Oregano
Equipment Needed
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Small Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain the pickled garlic thoroughly to avoid excess liquid diluting the sauce.
- Shake vigorously until the seasoning coats all cloves evenly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mason jar with a wide mouth for easier shaking.
- Toast the dried thyme briefly in a dry pan to release more aroma before adding.
- If you like extra tang, add a teaspoon of rice vinegar with the seasonings.
Troubleshooting
Seasoning settles at the top and doesn't coat the garlic.
Open the jar, stir the cloves, and shake again. Adding a teaspoon of the original brine can help the sauce cling.
Garlic is too spicy.
Add more pickled garlic or a splash of neutral oil to mellow the heat.
Garlic becomes soggy.
Make sure the garlic is well drained before adding seasonings and avoid excess brine.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become mushy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for a few hours, but refrigerate for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Allow the seasoned garlic to sit for at least 12 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Shake the jar once daily if storing for more than a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pickled garlic in Asian cuisine?
Pickled garlic has been a staple in many Asian countries, especially Korea and Japan, where it is served as a banchan (side dish) or accompaniment to rice. The fermentation process preserves the garlic and mellows its sharpness while adding a tangy flavor.
What are traditional regional variations of pickled garlic in Korean cuisine?
In Korean cuisine, pickled garlic (myeongnan jang) is often fermented with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes, creating a salty‑spicy profile. Some regions add ginger or sesame seeds for extra depth.
How is pickled garlic traditionally served in Korean meals?
It is typically served in small side dishes alongside rice, grilled meats, or kimchi, providing a crunchy, tangy contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
What occasions or celebrations feature pickled garlic in Asian cultures?
Pickled garlic appears at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and as a snack during street markets. In Korea, it is common during Chuseok (harvest festival) as part of the banchan spread.
What other Asian dishes pair well with spicy pickled garlic from Lisa Nguyen's recipe?
It pairs nicely with bibimbap, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese bánh mì, or as a topping for avocado toast to add a punch of flavor.
What makes Lisa Nguyen's spicy pickled garlic unique in the realm of Asian‑inspired snacks?
Lisa Nguyen adds sriracha, chili powder, and thyme, giving the traditional pickled garlic a modern, fiery twist while retaining its crisp texture. The thyme adds an unexpected herbal note that balances the heat.
Why does this pickled garlic recipe use sriracha instead of traditional Korean chili paste?
Sriracha is more readily available in many Western grocery stores and provides a consistent sweet‑heat flavor that complements the garlic without overwhelming it, making the recipe accessible for home cooks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lisa Nguyen's spicy pickled garlic?
Common mistakes include not draining the garlic well, which dilutes the sauce, and shaking for too short a time, leaving seasoning unevenly distributed. Also, over‑filling the jar can prevent proper mixing.
How do I know when the spicy pickled garlic is properly seasoned?
When you shake the jar, the sauce should coat each clove evenly and the garlic should have a uniform reddish hue. Taste a clove; it should be garlicky, tangy, and have a noticeable but pleasant heat.
Can I make Lisa Nguyen's spicy pickled garlic ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator; the flavor will deepen after 12‑24 hours. Shake the jar before each serving to re‑coat the cloves.
What does the YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen focuses on quick, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, offering easy‑to‑follow tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern twists for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen's approach to Asian cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Lisa Nguyen emphasizes minimal equipment, pantry‑friendly ingredients, and short preparation times, making Asian flavors accessible to busy home cooks, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate techniques or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
