Print

Easy Quick Pickled Canning Jalapeños Recipe

quick pickled canning jalapeños recipe - featured image

This quick pickled canning jalapeños recipe delivers bright, crunchy, perfectly spicy pickles that transform tacos, eggs, and beans. With just 20 minutes of active time and simple ingredients, you can capture summer’s bounty in a jar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh jalapeños
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 ½ tablespoons table salt)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or 2 teaspoons for less sweetness)
  • 46 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sterilize your jars and lids. Wash them in hot, soapy water, then place them in a 225°F oven for 10 minutes, or keep them in simmering water until ready to use. Alternatively, run them through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle and keep them warm.
  2. Prepare your jalapeños. Wash them thoroughly and dry completely. Slice off the stems, then cut the peppers into ¼-inch rounds. Wear disposable gloves. For milder pickles, scrape out seeds and membranes; for extra heat, leave them intact.
  3. Pack the jars. Divide the sliced jalapeños evenly among sterilized jars. Add one smashed garlic clove, half a bay leaf, and a few peppercorns to each jar. Don’t overpack—leave room for brine to circulate.
  4. Make the brine. In a large pot, combine white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar. Let it boil for one full minute.
  5. Pour the brine. Using a canning funnel, carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños in each jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Tap jars gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Seal the jars. Wipe the rims of each jar with a clean, damp towel to remove any brine residue. Place lids on and screw on bands until fingertip-tight. Do not overtighten.
  7. Process the jars. Place sealed jars in a pot of simmering water, ensuring they are covered by at least an inch of water. Process for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude: add 5 minutes for every 1,000 feet above sea level).
  8. Cool and test the seals. Remove jars with tongs and place on a clean kitchen towel. Let cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours. Test seals by pressing the center of each lid—it should not flex or pop. If a jar didn’t seal, refrigerate and use within a month.

Notes

For best flavor, let jars sit for at least 2 weeks before opening. The quick-pickle method preserves crunch. Use ice-cold water to rinse sliced peppers before packing to maintain crispness. Don’t skip headspace—it’s crucial for a proper seal. If jars crack, it’s usually from placing hot jars on a cold surface; always use a folded towel or wooden board.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled jalapeños, quick pickled jalapeños, canning jalapeños, homemade pickled peppers, easy pickled jalapeños, spicy pickles, jalapeño recipe