Quick & Spicy Pickled Cabbage with Jalapenos is a bold and flavorful condiment that adds a zesty kick to any dish. With crunchy cabbage, fiery jalapenos, and a tangy vinegar brine, this recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat with their meals.

It’s easy to prepare and ready to enjoy in just a few hours, making it a great last-minute addition to tacos, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.

The vibrant colors and sharp flavors make this pickled cabbage as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Pickled Cabbage with Jalapenos

Marina Vlasov

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 8

Calories 40 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Mason jars or any airtight container
Saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1 small head of green cabbage about 4 cups, thinly sliced
2-3 fresh jalapenos sliced
1 medium carrot peeled and julienned
1 small red onion thinly sliced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp mustard seeds optional
1 garlic clove smashed

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:
Thinly slice the cabbage, jalapenos, carrot, and red onion. Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Make the pickling brine:
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds (if using), and smashed garlic clove. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
Pickle the vegetables:
Pour the hot brine over the sliced vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are fully coated with the brine.
Pack into jars:
Transfer the vegetables and brine into clean mason jars, pressing down to submerge the vegetables. Let them cool to room temperature, then seal the jars tightly.
Pickling time:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop. For a more intense flavor, let the cabbage pickle overnight.
Serve:
Once pickled, the cabbage can be enjoyed straight from the jar. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving if desired.

Video

Notes

Customize the heat: Adjust the number of jalapenos to your spice preference. Removing the seeds will reduce the heat.
Make it sweeter: Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter pickling brine.
Crunch factor: For extra-crunchy cabbage, don’t pour the hot brine directly over the vegetables. Let the brine cool first.

Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g

Keyword Cabbage, Jalapenos, Recipe

What About Alternatives You Can Use?

For this recipe, you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the green cabbage with red cabbage for a slightly sweeter, less pungent option.

For those sensitive to heat, try using milder peppers like poblano or banana peppers instead of jalapenos, or remove the seeds from the jalapenos to reduce their spiciness.

If you don’t have red onions, white or yellow onions work well and can offer a sharper or sweeter flavor depending on the variety. Carrots can also be swapped out for radishes or bell peppers, adding a crunchy texture and a different kind of sweetness.

In the pickling brine, apple cider vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or rice vinegar for a more subtle tang. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can replace it with honey or a sugar alternative like stevia, though this may alter the overall taste.

Mustard seeds can be left out or replaced with celery seeds for a slightly earthy, peppery flavor. You can also add additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes for more heat or dill seeds for an herbaceous twist.

Adjusting the brine and vegetables allows you to personalize this recipe while still keeping its delicious balance of tangy and spicy flavors.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re spicing up your favorite dishes or looking for a quick and easy side, this Quick & Spicy Pickled Cabbage with Jalapenos is sure to satisfy.

Its crunchy texture and tangy, spicy flavor provide the perfect contrast to rich, hearty meals, while the quick pickling process makes it an effortless kitchen staple.

Try it as a topping, a side, or even a snack on its own, and enjoy the bold flavors it brings to your table!

Also Read: Check out this recipe for Sofritas Tofu, only the images will make your mouth watering!