Say hello to delicious small-batch quick pickle recipes that take just minutes to make. Quick pickles differ from prepared pickles in the way they're prepared. Prepared pickles (like jarred dill pickles, sauerkraut or kimchi) are brined in a salt solution until they go through a fermentation process, which can take weeks or months, depending on the product. During the fermentation phase, the natural bacteria eats the natural sugars (in the foods) to produce acid, which gives the finished pickles their sour taste.
Quick pickles, on the other hand, are brined in a vinegar and salt mixture, and the thinner you slice the vegetables, the faster they'll pickle. Depending on the recipe, you may be able to eat them right away, or allow the flavours to deepen in the refrigerator overnight. This method is great for home cooks because it allows you to pickle almost any fresh vegetable (or even fruit). Quick pickles have a shorter shelf life than fermented pickles, so check your specific recipe for storage instructions. Tip: Never use aluminum bowls or utensils when pickling as the acid could react to the metal, and leave the pickles with a metallic taste. It is best to use glass, ceramic or stainless steel equipment. Scroll through the gallery below for some of our favourite quick pickle recipes.
This may not be your typical quick pickle recipe, but these tangy grapes are sure to impress on a charcuterie board or as a cocktail garnish. Get this balsamic pickled grapes recipe.
Simple and with a satisfying crunch, this pickled green bean recipe is a beloved classic.
This quick garden pickles recipe features a healthy bunch of mixed veggies with a zesty brine perfect to use in a Caesar or Bloody Mary.
Use this pickled beet recipe to elevate your next sandwich or burger with a tangy garnish.
Use this citrusy jar of goodness for a unique, quick snack or as the perfect topping to a fresh salad. Get the pickled shrimp and pearl onions recipe.
This quick pickle recipe offers the ideal snack-sized addition to your next cheese board.
Take your sweet carrots and mild, tangy daikon to the next level. Get this pickled carrot and daikon recipe.
This recipe is the perfect way to avoid food waste, utilizing watermelon rind for a sweet and tangy snack. Get the pickled watermelon rind recipe.
Fast, fresh and crisp, this is the homemade dill pickle recipe you have to try for your next BBQ. Get the five-minute dill pickle recipe.
Make the most of leftover chard stalks by pickling them! Snack on the pickled stalks whole, or chop them up and add to salads, fried eggs, or any dish that could use a sour condiment. Get our pickled rainbow chard stems recipe.
These pickled onions add flavour and texture to tacos and salads and keep well in the fridge for about a week. Get our pickled red onions recipe.
The right balance of spicy and tart, these pickles make a great crunchy snack. Get Joy of Cooking's quick Sichuan-style cucumber pickles recipe.
For an even quicker version of pickled carrots for use as a burger or hot dog topping, use shredded or julienned carrots. Get the pickled carrots recipe.
Pickled rhubarb is a savoury application for these beautiful pink stalks. Use them in salads, or to dress up a charcuterie board. Get the pickled rhubarb recipe.
These pickled zucchini are delightful on a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. Get the quick pickled zucchini recipe.
Snack on these pickled asparagus spears right out of the jar, chopped up in a salad, or as an edible garnish on a Caesar cocktail. Get the pickled asparagus recipe.
Pickling tones down some of the spice and sharpness that comes with raw radishes. Get the quick pickled radish recipe.
Add colour to any Middle Eastern dish with these beautifully-coloured turnip and beet pickles. Get the Lebanese-style quick pickles recipe.
These bite-sized pickles make a quick side to serve with sandwiches. Get the cucumber-fennel quick pickles recipe.
We love these crunchy pickled baby carrots as an alternative to gherkins on a cheese platter. Get our quick-pickled carrots recipe.
These easy hot pickles pack a powerful spicy punch on any sandwiches, hot dogs or in salads. Get the quick pickled hot peppers recipe.
Serve this as a punchy side to summer brisket. Get our quick pickled shredded radishes recipe.
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