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Flavorful Cowboy Candy Pickled Jalapeños Recipe Easy Homemade Brown Sugar Brine

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A simple and nostalgic recipe for pickled jalapeños with a sweet-spicy balance using a brown sugar brine, perfect for snacking or cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh jalapeños, sliced into rings
  • 1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 cups (475 ml) white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) kosher salt or pickling salt
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon (10 g) mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 4–5 whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Wearing gloves, slice 1 pound (450 g) of fresh jalapeños into thin rings. Remove seeds and membranes if less heat is desired. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups (475 ml) white vinegar, 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 cup (240 ml) water, and 1 tablespoon (15 g) salt. Add 3-4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon (10 g) mustard seeds, 1 small cinnamon stick, 4-5 whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon cayenne flakes (optional).
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until all sugars and salt dissolve, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Carefully pack the sliced jalapeños into clean, heatproof jars snugly but not crushed.
  5. Pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, covering completely and leaving about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) headspace. Remove air bubbles by gently stirring with a clean utensil.
  6. Seal the jars tightly and let cool to room temperature. Then place in the refrigerator.
  7. Let the jalapeños pickle for at least 48 hours; a week is ideal for best flavor.

Notes

Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. For milder pickles, blanch jalapeños in boiling water for 1 minute before packing. The flavor improves after a few days in the fridge. Use glass jars to avoid staining and ensure heatproof containers. Variations include adding smoked paprika or chipotle pepper for smoky heat, or reducing sugar for a low-sugar option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled jalapeños, cowboy candy, brown sugar brine, spicy pickles, homemade pickles, sweet and spicy, easy pickled jalapeños

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-cowboy-candy-pickled-jalape-n-os-recipe-easy-homemade-brown-sugar-brine/