Quick Spicy Refrigerator Dill Pickles
A quick and easy recipe for spicy refrigerator dill pickles ready in 24 hours, offering a perfect crunch and balanced heat without complicated canning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium fresh cucumbers (preferably Kirby or pickling cucumbers)
- 4 to 5 fresh dill sprigs
- 3 large garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt or pickling salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or spears.
- In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Do not boil.
- Place 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh dill, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and optional mustard seeds into each quart-sized jar.
- Pack the sliced cucumbers tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Tap jars to release air bubbles.
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. Store refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.
Notes
Use Kirby cucumbers for best crunch; slice thicker if using regular cucumbers. Avoid boiling the brine to preserve vinegar tang. Pack jars tightly but do not crush cucumbers. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level. For extra crunch, add a grape leaf to the jar. Store pickles refrigerated and consume within two weeks for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup pickle
- Calories: 1015
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0.3
Keywords: quick pickles, spicy pickles, refrigerator pickles, dill pickles, easy pickles, homemade pickles, spicy refrigerator dill pickles