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Flavorful Spicy Bread and Butter Refrigerator Pickles Recipe with Turmeric

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A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with a warm, earthy turmeric twist. Perfect for summer, these pickles add a vibrant crunch to sandwiches and grilled dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (Kirby or pickling cucumbers)
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Pinch of ground celery seed (optional)
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Thinly sliced fresh ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cucumbers and slice thinly (about 1/8-inch or 3 mm). Slice red onions thinly as well. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red pepper flakes, and optional celery seed. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Do not boil vigorously.
  3. Carefully pack the sliced cucumbers and onions into clean glass jars or airtight containers. Add cinnamon stick or fresh ginger slices if using.
  4. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
  5. Let jars cool to room temperature uncovered, then seal with lids and refrigerate. Pickles are ready after 24 hours but taste better after 2-3 days.
  6. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 weeks for best flavor and crunch.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices to ensure even pickling and crisp texture. Avoid boiling the brine vigorously to preserve fresh cucumber flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level. Turmeric stains hands and surfaces; use gloves or clean immediately. Let pickles sit at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor. Store pickles in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy bread and butter pickles, refrigerator pickles, turmeric pickles, summer pickles, quick pickles, easy pickles, sweet and spicy pickles

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