15 Spicy Pickle Recipes

It doesn't get much easier than classic refrigerator pickles. Once you've made your red pepper flake-infused brine, all you need to do is be patient a few days before partaking in these crisp-tender pickles. 

Szechuan peppers and red pepper flakes make up the spicy backbone of this pickled okra recipe, but the secret ingredient is smoked paprika, which adds a subtle taste to the veggies. Reviewer mtgraham2 says, "This is the best recipe for pickled okra I have ever tried they turned out perfectly. My mother ate the first jar we opened almost completely by herself!"

"Underripe avocados are lightly pickled in brine that is tangy and slightly sweet," says Buckwheat Queen, the recipe creator. "These are great to serve with your favorite burger, hot dog, or Tex-Mex dish. They make a snazzy addition to salads too! These are so addictive; I buy more underripe avocados than I do ripe ones now."

You'll be munching on these spicy refrigerator pickles after a quick 24 hours in the fridge. It's worth seeking out Tellicherry peppercorns (often found in Indian grocery stores or online) because of their extra pungent smell and slight citrusy notes. 

No blanching required for these ultra easy pickled green beans. "This recipe is from my Grandmother's cookbook she made to pass to all her grandchildren," says Jani Whitsett. "They come out very, very crisp with a wonderful dill flavor. The red pepper flakes give them a nice punch. They are much better than the recipes that call for cooking the beans first."

Fresh jalapeños combine with an entire head of garlic, and a few sweet carrots for balance, to create an extra flavorful pickle. No jalapeños on hand? No worries, recipe creator Kate Przybylo suggests swapping in serrano peppers. 

You only need five ingredients to create these vibrantly colored pickled eggs. A little dollop of sriracha creates a bright brine and spicy flavor that will make this recipe your new go-to for a high protein snack.

This recipe may sound strange, but the dozens of five-star reviews reveal that it's a real winner. Pre-made pickles are combined with hot sauce, fresh garlic, and plenty of sugar for a sweet and spicy pickle that has some serious kick. 

The trio of banana, jalapeño, and serrano peppers makes up the backbone for this recipe. Just a little spoonful will add a flavor boost to anything from burgers to salads to side dishes.

Perfect for pepping up a banh mi or grain bowl, this Vietnamese-inspired pickle blend gets a hint of heat from a few jalapeño peppers. Best part? It's ready in under two hours, meaning you can quickly have spicy pickles when hit with a craving. 

Fresh asparagus is pepped up with red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, pink peppercorns, and garlic. Enjoy as a snack, side for a cheese board, or follow reviewer France C's suggestion and use the asparagus for a spicy bloody mary garnish. 

At most taquerias you'll find a big batch of spicy carrots and onions for dolloping on tacos for an addition of zippy flavor. Recreate that magic at home with this simple recipe featuring jalapeños, cumin seeds, and Mexican oregano. 

Thai chiles may be small, but they pack in the heat. Use them in this pickled cauliflower recipe for a dish that's tangy, crunchy, and spicy. 

Fresh mushrooms do an excellent job of soaking up flavorful brines to create wow-worthy pickles. Here the cider vinegar mix is infused with red pepper flakes, pickling spices, and plenty of garlic. 

You'll never go back to the store-bought stuff after one bite of these homemade pickled jalapeños. "While these are a no-brainer topping for your nachos, the fun doesn't stop there. These make any sandwich more special, and any salad less snoozy," says Chef John.

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