How To Make Spicy Pickles

How To Make Spicy Pickles is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 50 calories per serving. Recipe by Extreme Food Reviews on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 36 min

Cost: $27.26 total, $13.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 peppers Habanero Peppers (tops removed, sliced in half)
  • 6 chilies Thai Chilies (tops removed, cut into small pieces)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing peppers and garlic)
  • 1.5 cups Water (for brine)
  • 1 cup White Vinegar (for brine)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated White Sugar (1/8 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons Coriander Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 2 teaspoons Whole Peppercorns (whole)
  • 2 teaspoons Dill Seed (whole seed)
  • 2 tablespoons Pickling Salt (or kosher salt)
  • 2 teaspoons Whole-Grain Mustard Seeds (whole)
  • 3 cucumbers Pickling Cucumbers (cut into spears)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Peppers and Garlic

    Remove the stems from the habaneros and Thai chilies, slice the habaneros in half, and cut the Thai chilies into small pieces. Peel the garlic cloves, smash them with the flat side of a knife, and mince them.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Cucumbers

    Wash the pickling cucumbers and cut each into spears (about 3‑4 inches long).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté Peppers and Garlic

    Heat the cast‑iron pan over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil, then add the sliced peppers and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Make the Brine

    In a saucepan combine 1.5 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp coriander seeds, 2 tsp whole peppercorns, 2 tsp dill seed, 2 tbsp pickling salt, and 2 tsp whole‑grain mustard seeds. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boil

  5. Combine Peppers with Brine

    Add the sautéed peppers and garlic to the boiling brine. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2 minutes so flavors meld.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low simmer

  6. Pack Cucumbers into Jar

    Place the cucumber spears tightly into a clean mason jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Hot Brine and Seal

    Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Wipe the rim, place the lid on tightly, and let the jar sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cool and Refrigerate

    Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit overnight (or at least 12 hours) before serving.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: room temperature

Nutrition Facts

Calories
50
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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How To Make Spicy Pickles

Recipe by Extreme Food Reviews

A quick and easy homemade spicy pickle made with habanero peppers, Thai chilies, garlic, and crisp cucumber spears, brined in a flavorful vinegar and spice mixture. Perfect for adding a fiery crunch to sandwiches, tacos, or as a bold snack.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.26
Total cost
$13.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slicing the habaneros and Thai chilies correctly to avoid excessive heat exposure.
  • Sautéing the peppers and garlic without burning.
  • Bringing the brine to a full boil to dissolve sugar and salt.
  • Packing cucumber spears tightly but without crushing.
  • Sealing the hot jar securely to ensure proper pickling.

Safety Warnings

  • Wear gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  • Use oven mitts or a towel when handling the hot jar to prevent burns.
  • Be careful when chopping garlic with a knife; keep fingers clear of the blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of spicy pickles in American cuisine?

A

Pickling has been a preservation method in the United States since colonial times, originally used to keep vegetables edible through winter. Spicy pickles, especially those featuring hot peppers, reflect the influence of Southern and Mexican culinary traditions that value bold, fiery flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of spicy pickles in the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., pickles often include mustard seeds, dill, and hot peppers like jalapeños. In the Southwest, chilies such as habaneros and Thai chilies are common, creating a brighter, more intense heat. Each region adapts the spice blend to local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional spicy pickle served in Southern American cuisine?

A

Southern spicy pickles are typically served as a side accompaniment to fried foods, barbecue, or sandwiches. They are presented chilled, directly from the refrigerator, and eaten in bite‑size pieces to add crunch and heat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are spicy pickles traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Spicy pickles are popular at backyard barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, where they provide a tangy contrast to rich meats. They are also a staple at Southern comfort‑food festivals.

cultural
Q

What makes this spicy pickle recipe special compared to other American pickles?

A

This recipe combines the intense heat of habanero and Thai chilies with a balanced brine of vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices, creating a bright, fiery flavor that stands out from milder dill or bread‑and‑butter pickles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy pickles at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic so it becomes bitter, using too much water which dilutes the brine, and not sealing the jar while the brine is still hot, which can lead to weak flavor infusion.

technical
Q

Why does this spicy pickle recipe use whole mustard seeds instead of prepared mustard?

A

Whole mustard seeds release a subtle, earthy heat during the brining process without adding the sharp tang of prepared mustard, preserving the clean, crisp flavor of the cucumbers while still contributing depth.

technical
Q

Can I make these spicy pickles ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, the pickles improve after 12‑24 hours in the refrigerator. Store the sealed jar in the fridge and consume within two weeks for optimal crunch and flavor.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my spicy pickles are done?

A

The cucumbers should remain firm and crisp, with a bright amber brine that coats the spears. The peppers should be softened but still visible, providing specks of color throughout the jar.

technical
Q

How do I know when the spicy pickles are done cooking?

A

The cooking step is complete once the brine reaches a rolling boil, the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, and the peppers have softened slightly (about 2 minutes after adding them). After that, the jar is simply cooled and refrigerated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Extreme Food Reviews specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Extreme Food Reviews, hosted by Daniel, focuses on bold, adventurous food experiments, quick and easy recipes, and reviews of unusual or extreme culinary creations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Extreme Food Reviews' approach to pickling differ from other cooking channels?

A

Extreme Food Reviews emphasizes simplicity and speed, using minimal ingredients and household tools while still delivering high‑impact flavors, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate canning techniques or longer fermentation periods.

channel

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