Easy recipe for 5-minute Pickled Garlic
Craving a zesty, crunchy snack? Our quick Pickled Garlic recipe is so easy to make at home with a simple brine. Learn the simple steps
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh garlic cloves peeled
- ¾ cup distilled white vinegar 5% acidity
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of spice
Instructions
- Prepare the jar: Place the peeled garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and optional red pepper flakes into a clean, sterile 8-ounce glass jar. Pack them in snugly but do not crush them.
- Make the brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. This should only take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and fill: Immediately and carefully pour the hot brine over the garlic cloves in the jar. Ensure the garlic is fully submerged, leaving about a 1/2-inch of headspace at the top.
- Seal and cool: Gently tap the jar on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Securely screw on the lid. Let the jar cool to room temperature on the countertop before transferring it to the refrigerator.
Notes
For Best Flavor: While you can technically eat them sooner, these pickled garlic cloves are best after resting in the refrigerator for at least 3-5 days. This allows the flavors to meld and the garlic to lose its raw bite.
Storage: Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Variations: Feel free to add a sprig of fresh dill, a bay leaf, or a teaspoon of mustard seeds to the jar for a different flavor profile.
