With just 5 simple ingredients these Pickled Serrano Peppers couldn't be easier to make. They are the perfect balance of hot, sweet and sour and add irresistible flavor and crunch to any savory dish.
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Making homemade quick pickles is so easy. Quick pickled Serrano peppers require very little prep time. This Serrano pepper recipe take only 5 minutes to prepare and then an hour to rest before they are ready to use.
These simple pickled chili peppers are so versatile and once made, keep for at least 2 weeks in the fridge. Keep a jar on hand, ready to add instant flavor to any dish.
There are so many uses for such a simple ingredient. I find myself adding them to a whole range of dishes, from sandwiches, salads and nachos, to my favorite bowl of chili. Basically anywhere I want some chili heat.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Quick Pickled Serrano Peppers
- Pickled Serrano Pepper Ingredients
- How to Make Quick Pickled Serrano Peppers - Step-By-Step
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Variations & Substitutions for Pickled Serrano Peppers
- Tips & Tricks For Making Pickled Serrano Peppers
- How To Serve Pickled Serrano Peppers
- How to store Pickled Chili Peppers
- Pin This Pickled Serrano Peppers Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Easy Side Dish Ingredient Recipe Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Pickled Serrano Peppers
- Reader Comments & Ratings
Why You'll Love These Quick Pickled Serrano Peppers
- Homemade pickles contain no artificial colors or preservatives so are a lot healthier than most store bought pickles.
- This pickle is not loaded in refined sugars, instead a touch of maple syrup is added for sweetness.
- These quick pickled Serrano peppers provide an instant flavor lift to any dish.
- Pickles are a great way of adding flavor, texture and crunch to a dish. Try my Quick Pickled Red Jalapeno Peppers or my Quick Pickled Shallots for alternative options.
Pickled Serrano Pepper Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.
Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is used to pickle the peppers and provides that lip smacking sourness. It's also great for gut health. If you don't have cider vinegar, a good substitute would be white wine vinegar.
Maple Syrup - Is added to sweeten the pickles, allowing for a great balance of sweet, sour and spice. I like to use unrefined sweetness so a good substitute for maple syrup would be honey.
Serrano Peppers
What are serrano peppers?
Serrano peppers are hot chili peppers that originate from Mexico. They are long green chilies that are quite fleshy, so they can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled and are commonly found in pico de gallo and other salsas.
Difference between Serrano and Jalepeño peppers?
Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeno peppers, roughly 5-10 times hotter. However, both are fleshy chilies, so jalapeno is a close substitute for a Serrano pepper.
How hot are pickled serranos?
Pickled serranos have a medium heat, not super hot, but certainly hotter than a jalapeno. If you want to reduce the heat, then I suggest removing the seeds and membrane from the chilies before pickling them.
Are serranos hot or sweet?
Serranos are a hot chili with a semi-sweet flavor that is similar to a green bell pepper.
Are pickled serranos good for you?
Pickled chiles are good for you, they are low in refined sugar and only sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Serranos are high in fiber and contain both Vitamins A and C.
How to Make Quick Pickled Serrano Peppers - Step-By-Step
Find the full printable recipe card below.
Slice the serrano peppers as thinly as possible. Discard the seeds for a less spicy pickle.
Heat the vinegar, water, maple syrup and salt. Stir until well mixed then cool slightly.
Add the sliced peppers to a lidded jar or container and pour over the hot brine. Add the lid and allow the peppers to sit for at least an hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best peppers for pickling?
You can use any chili pepper to pickle, mild peppers or hot ones, it comes down to personal preference.
Which is the best vinegar for pickling?
I have used apple cider vinegar for pickling as I like the milder flavor. A good substitute would be white wine vinegar which has a similar mild flavor. For a sharper flavor you can use white vinegar which is more acidic.
How to cut hot peppers?
When preparing any hot chili pepper the trick is to take care. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching anything, particularly your face and eyes.
If cutting really hot peppers you may want to consider wearing plastic gloves.
Make sure to use a really sharp chefs knife or a alternatively a chef's mandolin.
Variations & Substitutions for Pickled Serrano Peppers
This simple pickling process can be used to make a variety of quick pickles. Use any variety of chili, as mind or as hot as you like.
You can use this same process to pickle other fruits and veggies too. This pickle would work with red onions; shallots; zucchini; bell peppers; radish; carrot - the list is endless.
It's also easy to make flavored pickles if desired. When you pour over the pickling mixture try adding a some peeled cloves of garlic, a few black peppercorns or some cumin seeds or coriander seeds.
Tips & Tricks For Making Pickled Serrano Peppers
- For less heat, remove and discard the seeds and membrane from the inside of the chili peppers. This is where the heat lies.
- To further reduce the heat of the chilis, place the slices in a medium bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for one hour then drain before pickling.
- Try to carefully cut the peppers as thinly as you can.
- If you have one, a mandolin is perfect to use to slice your chilis since it cuts the slices so evenly.
- Remember to thoroughly wash your hands after handling chilies. You don't want chili juice going anywhere near your face.
How To Serve Pickled Serrano Peppers
Where to start? Pickled chilies go with so many dishes! They're great on nachos and chili obviously. And they will perk up any boring sandwich or salad.
Also try serving the pickled Serrano peppers with my Easy Chicken Fajitas. Or how about adding them to my Grilled Corn & Bean Bean Tacos or my super simple Oven Quesadillas.
When I'm feeding the family I keep my Smoky Eggplant Vegan Chili on the mild side. But like to place a jar of these picked Serranos on the table so that I can add extra spice to my own dish.
These easy pickled Serranos are also amazing with my Spicy Chickpea Buddha Bowl or to spice up my Pulled Beef.
How to store Pickled Chili Peppers
My quick pickled peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Pin This Pickled Serrano Peppers Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Easy Side Dish Ingredient Recipe Ideas
This recipe was shared with the #cookblogshare community, which this week was kindly hosted by Sisley at Sewwhite.com
Printable Recipe
Pickled Serrano Peppers
Ingredients
- 12 Serrano Peppers
- ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup Water
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Carefully slice the serrano peppers as thinly as you canDiscard the seeds if you want the end result to be less spicy.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, maple syrup and salt. Stir until well mixed. Cool slightly.
- Add the sliced peppers to a lidded jar or container. Pour over the vinegar mixture and place on the air tight lid.
- Allow to sit for at least an hour before serving.
- These pickled serrano will last for around 2 weeks in the fridge.
Choclette says
Oh yes, lovely idea. I buy loads of jars of pickled jalapeños. Much better to make my own, especially as I make tons of other pickles. Loving the green freshness of these.
Jo Keohane says
Another pickler over here!! Love it - so easy plus much less sugar. Thanks so much for commenting Choclette.
Janice says
I love pickles and this looks super simple and oh so tasty.
Jo Keohane says
Me too Janice, hope you enjoy! Many thanks for your comment
Rebecca - Glutarama says
Been searching for recipes to make my own tapas collection of dishes in this heat. This is a great simple recipe to do and it keeps too - thank you.
Jo Keohane says
You're so welcome, hope you enjoyed!! Definitely a great idea to make tapas in these temperatures. Thanks for your comment Rebecca!
Sisley White says
What a brilliant recipe! I can't wait to try it
Jo Keohane says
Thanks so much for your comment Sisley!
Jennifer Gagne says
Can I water bath can this for long term storage?
Jo Keohane says
Yes I think you definitely could. Thanks so much for the question.