Refrigerator Pickled Garlic-Your Recipe for Garlic Goodness

If there’s one thing my kitchen never runs out of, it’s jars. Not just any jars, but jars filled with all sorts of pickled delights.

My newest obsession? Refrigerator pickled garlic. It’s like the superhero of the pickling world, swooping in to save any dish with its zesty punch.

I know what you’re thinking. “Pickled garlic? How much of a difference can it really make?”

Trust me, it’s the flavor punch you didn’t know your tastebuds wanted. This recipe is my not so secret ingredient for adding a quick burst of flavor to pasta, roasted veggies, and more.

Don’t worry, the process is so easy, you’ll be pickling everything in sight before you know it!

Why I Start with A Small Jar for This Recipe

I sometimes start off my pickling recipes, especially with something like garlic, in a small 8-ounce jar or smaller.

Here’s the reason: diving into a recipe is kind of like dipping your toes in the water before going for a full swim.

Using a smaller jar means if I’m just trying something out and it doesn’t turn out exactly how I imagined, I haven’t wasted a ton of ingredients or money.

Plus, when you make that perfect pickled garlic recipe on a small scale, it’s super easy and satisfying to make more.

Honestly, it’s all about taking little steps to find what you like without the worry of wasting food.

Let’s Jazz up Everyday Meals

As soon as I made this recipe, I started experimenting with it in various dishes. Its pungent and now tangy flavor not only elevates the taste but is also super versatile.

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate quick pickled garlic into everyday meals:

Boost Your Salad Dressing

I love jazzing up my salad dressings with chopped pickled garlic. It adds a surprising burst of flavor.

Simply whisk together a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of vinegar, a teaspoon of mustard, and finely chopped pickled garlic.

It transforms a simple green salad into something restaurant-quality.

Boost Your Sandwiches and Burgers

Whenever I make sandwiches or burgers, I often skip the raw garlic or onions and go straight for slices of pickled garlic instead.

It provides a milder, tangier note that complements meats and cheeses beautifully without overpowering other ingredients.

Add Zest to Your Pasta

One of my go-to weeknight dinners is a simple pasta tossed with olive oil, chili flakes, and finely diced pickled garlic.

It infuses the oil or sauce, creating a beautifully flavored sauce that clings to the pasta. Top it with some grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a gourmet meal in minutes.

After relishing the bold flavors of our pickled garlic, why not double down on garlic delight? Our garlic pickled carrots are a must-try for any garlic aficionado!

Transform Your Pizza

Next time you’re making homemade pizza or even perking up a store-bought one, scatter some sliced or diced pickled garlic over the top before baking.

It’ll add a wonderful pungent pickled tang that makes the pizza taste extra special.

Elevate Hummus

For an extra flavor kick, I blend a few cloves of pickled garlic into my homemade hummus. It adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that takes the hummus from good to extraordinary.

Make a Zesty Butter Spread

Mix finely minced pickled garlic into softened butter, add some herbs if you like, and chill. It makes for a fantastic spread on toast or to melt over steamed vegetables.

Amp Up Your Avocado Toast

Mash some avocado on your toast and top it with minced garlic. The combination of creamy avocado and tangy garlic is unbeatable.

Other Spices that Will Enhance the Flavor

I like tinkering with different spices that can kick the flavor up a notch.

If you’re looking to make your pickled garlic stand out, consider adding some of these optional spices to your brine.

• Mustard Seeds: Adding a teaspoon of mustard seeds to the mix introduces a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that’s absolutely fantastic. It’s a game changer for sandwiches and burgers.

• Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of heat, a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes can bring a warm depth to your pickled garlic. It’s perfect for adding a kick to pizzas and pasta dishes.

• Coriander Seeds: For a slightly sweet and citrusy note, a teaspoon of coriander seeds can do wonders. This spice pairs beautifully with the tang of pickled garlic, enhancing salads and avocado toast.

• Black Peppercorns: I always throw in a teaspoon of whole black peppercorns for that classic, sharp bite. It complements the garlic’s tanginess well, making it an all-rounder addition.

• Dill: A sprig or two of fresh dill can add a fresh, almost grassy layer of flavor, transforming your pickled garlic into something special. It’s particularly great in a zesty butter spread or in elevating hummus.

• Bay Leaves: For a subtle hint of floral and herbal notes, adding one or two bay leaves to your jar works wonders. It’s a simple touch that adds a complex flavor profile.

• Cloves: Lastly, adding a couple of cloves can introduce a warm, aromatic sweetness that’s incredibly unique. Use sparingly, as it’s quite potent, but it can really make your pickled garlic recipe stand out.

These spices are just a few suggestions to enhance your pickling recipe.

Play around with combinations and quantities to fit your taste.

Experimenting with different spices and aromatics is a lot of fun and will help you create a customized pickled garlic that infuse any meal.

What About the Type of Vinegar?

For most refrigerator pickling recipes, including mine, white vinegar is a go-to choice.

It’s clear, which means it won’t alter the color of your veggies and fruits. White vinegar also has that classic pickled taste we all know and love, making it an excellent option for beginners.

So, to sum it up, yes, the type of vinegar matters a lot in your pickled garlic recipe. It can make or break the flavor balance you’re aiming for.

My advice? Check out my in-depth guide on the types of vinegars you can use. I think you will fing it helpful.

Our Community Is Where It’s At!

I want to invite you to be a part of our growing community of food lovers and DIY enthusiasts.

Creating pickled recipes is not just about following steps; it’s about infusing your meals with your personality.

I’ve had a blast trying different spices and discovering which combinations work best for my taste buds. Now, I’m excited to see what you come up with!

Here’s how you can join in on the fun:

• Try the Recipe: First things first, give the basic pickled garlic recipe a go. It’s easy, quick, and requires minimal ingredients. The beauty of refrigerator pickled garlic lies in its simplicity and the almost instant gratification it offers.

• Get Creative with Spices: This is where your creativity comes into play. Experiment with the optional spices I mentioned, like mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, or even something out of left field. There’s no right or wrong here—just what tastes right to you.

• Share Your Creations: Once you’ve crafted your personalized batch of pickled garlic, I’d love to see it! Share photos and your unique spice blends with us. Tag me, so I can see your amazing creations and share them with our community. Your experiments could inspire someone else to try something new.

• Join the Conversation: Our community is all about sharing tips, tricks, and recipes. If you’ve come across a particularly interesting way to use your pickled garlic or have advice for fellow pickling first-timers, don’t keep it to yourself! Drop a comment on my posts or engage with others’ content. It’s all about learning from and supporting each other.