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Flavorful Pickled Dilly Beans Recipe Easy Homemade Garlic Red Pepper

pickled dilly beans - featured image

A simple and bold recipe for pickled dilly beans with fresh garlic and red pepper flakes that stay crisp without blanching. Perfect for snacking, gifts, or a tangy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 34 sprigs fresh dill
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or pickling salt)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh green beans under cold water. Trim the ends off, keeping the beans whole or halving if too long to fit the jar. (5 minutes)
  2. Place 3-4 sprigs of fresh dill, 4 peeled and lightly crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes at the bottom of a quart-sized jar. Layer the green beans vertically, packing snugly but without smashing. Use tongs or chopsticks to help. (5 minutes)
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat. (5-7 minutes)
  4. Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed beans and aromatics, leaving about ½ inch headspace at the top of the jar. Tap the jar lightly to release air bubbles. Wipe the rim clean and seal tightly with the lid. (3 minutes)
  5. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the beans pickle for at least 48 hours before tasting; flavor improves after 5 days. (Minimum 2 days wait time)
  6. Enjoy the pickled dilly beans straight from the jar, in salads, or as a tangy side. No cooking required after pickling.

Notes

Do not blanch the beans to keep them crisp. Use fresh garlic and dill for best flavor. Ensure the brine is fully heated to dissolve salt and sugar. Pack beans snugly but not too tight to avoid softening. Seal jars tightly to prevent spoilage. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level. Store in refrigerator up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled dilly beans, pickled green beans, garlic pickles, red pepper flakes, easy pickles, homemade pickles, crunchy pickles, refrigerator pickles, vegan snack, gluten-free snack