Spicy Pickled Garlic Scapes (Printable)

Tangy, crunchy garlic scapes pickled with chili in aromatic vinegar brine. Ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Garlic Scapes

01 - about 2 large bunches fresh garlic scapes, trimmed and cut to fit jars (approximately 10.5 ounces)

→ Vinegar Brine

02 - 1 cup distilled white vinegar
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt

→ Spices & Flavorings

06 - 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
07 - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
08 - 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
09 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 - 2 small dried chilies, whole or sliced
11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 4 sprigs fresh dill

# Directions:

01 - Wash pint jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and sterilize by boiling for 10 minutes or running through a complete dishwasher cycle.
02 - Trim the ends of garlic scapes and cut to match the height of your jars. Curl pieces gently if needed to fit neatly inside.
03 - Distribute garlic scapes, fresh dill sprigs, and dried chilies evenly between the two jars, packing tightly to maximize space.
04 - Divide peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves equally between each jar.
05 - Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously until sugar and salt completely dissolve.
06 - Carefully pour hot brine over packed scapes, ensuring complete submersion. Leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
07 - Secure lids tightly on jars. Allow to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before consuming. Flavor develops and intensifies after one week of pickling.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crunch stays perfectly crisp even after weeks in the fridge
  • One jar transforms a boring cheese board into something people actually talk about
02 -
  • Don't even think about skipping the sterilization step or you'll end up with moldy disappointment
  • The brine must be boiling hot when you pour it or the pickles won't properly preserve
03 -
  • Pack the jars as tightly as possible since the scapes will float up in the brine
  • Save leftover brine to quick pickle sliced cucumbers or onions

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