Taco Pickles? (Would You?)
Taco Pickles? (Would You?) is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 15 calories per serving. Recipe by Let's Do A Thing on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min
Cost: $3.50 total, $0.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 jar Dill Pickles (approximately 16 oz, whole or spears, keep the original brine)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (store‑bought packet (~1 oz), any brand)
Instructions
Drain the Brine
Open the pickle jar and pour the brine into a mixing bowl, leaving the pickles in the jar.
Time: PT2M
Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning into the brine and whisk until fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Return Brine to Jar
Pour the seasoned brine back over the pickles, ensuring they are completely submerged.
Time: PT1M
Seal and Refrigerate
Close the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT0M
Temperature: 4°C
Serve
Remove a pickle, enjoy straight from the jar or serve on a platter as a snack.
Time: PT0M
Cleanup
Wash the mixing bowl, spoon/whisk, and any other utensils used.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 15
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free taco seasoning)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dill Pickles: Homemade pickles, Bread‑and‑butter pickles
- Instead of Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt), Seasoned taco sauce
Equipment Needed
- Pickle Jar
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Small Whisk
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining the original brine without spilling.
- Fully dissolving the taco seasoning in the brine.
- Ensuring pickles stay completely submerged in the seasoned brine.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, use pickles that are still firm and have been refrigerated recently.
- Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika to the brine for a fresh twist.
- If you love extra heat, crumble a chipotle pepper into the brine before sealing.
Troubleshooting
Seasoning does not fully dissolve and leaves grainy bits.
Whisk the brine longer or warm it gently (no more than 30 °C) before adding the seasoning, then let it cool before returning to the jar.
Pickles float and are not fully submerged.
Place a small clean weight (like a sealed zip‑top bag filled with brine) on top of the pickles to keep them under the liquid.
Pickles become overly salty.
Dilute the brine with a little water before adding the seasoning, or use a low‑sodium pickle jar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in the sealed jar.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pickles improve in flavor up to 5 days; they can be made a week ahead.
- If you prefer a spicier snack, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the brine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of taco pickles in American snack culture?
Taco pickles are a modern fusion snack that blends the classic American love for pickled vegetables with the bold flavors of Tex‑Mex taco seasoning. They gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok as a quick, pantry‑friendly way to add a spicy twist to everyday pickles.
What regional variations of taco‑flavored pickles exist within Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In the Southwest, some cooks add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smoky depth, while in California variations you might find lime zest or cilantro mixed into the brine. Each version reflects local taste preferences while keeping the core taco seasoning base.
How are taco pickles traditionally served in casual American gatherings?
They are typically served straight from the jar as a crunchy bar snack, paired with cold beer, or placed on a charcuterie board alongside other pickled vegetables, cheese, and cured meats. Their bite‑size nature makes them perfect for informal gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations are taco pickles commonly associated with in the United States?
Taco pickles have become a favorite for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and casual movie nights because they require no cooking and deliver a bold flavor punch that complements salty snacks and drinks.
What authentic ingredients are essential for authentic taco pickles versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic version relies on store‑bought dill pickles and a pre‑made taco seasoning packet. Substitutes include homemade pickles for a fresher texture or a DIY taco spice blend if you want to control sodium and spice levels.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with taco pickles?
Taco pickles complement tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and grilled meats like carne asada. They also work well alongside guacamole, salsa, and a side of Mexican street corn.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making taco pickles?
Common errors include not fully dissolving the taco seasoning, allowing the pickles to sit uncovered (which can lead to contamination), and forgetting to keep the pickles fully submerged in the brine, which can cause uneven flavor.
Why does this taco pickles recipe use the original pickle brine instead of fresh water?
Using the original brine preserves the salty, vinegary base that already flavors the pickles, allowing the taco seasoning to meld with those existing notes for a balanced, bold taste without diluting the crunch.
Can I make taco pickles ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare them up to a week in advance. Keep the sealed jar in the refrigerator at 4 °C; the flavor will intensify each day, and they remain safe to eat for up to seven days.
What does the YouTube channel Let’s Do A Thing specialize in?
The YouTube channel Let’s Do A Thing focuses on quick, experimental food hacks and snack‑style recipes that can be made with everyday pantry items, often featuring trending internet food ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Let’s Do A Thing’s approach to snack‑centric cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Let’s Do A Thing emphasizes ultra‑simple, low‑effort preparations that require minimal cooking equipment, contrasting with many channels that focus on elaborate techniques or full‑meal cooking. The host often tests viral food trends and presents them in a straightforward, humorous style.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
