Jul 14 2026

Smash Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Pickled Fresno Peppers

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Ingredients

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Vegetables

Pickling Brine

Method

Preparation of Peppers

  1. 1

    Wash and Prepare the Peppers

    Rinse the Fresno peppers under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

  2. 2

    Slice the Peppers

    Using a sharp knife, slice the tops off the Fresno peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds if you prefer less heat.

Making the Pickling Brine

  1. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt.

  2. 4

    Add Aromatics

    Add 3 garlic cloves (smashed), 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, and 2 bay leaves to the saucepan.

  3. 5

    Heat the Brine

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Pickling Process

  1. 6

    Add Peppers to Brine

    Once the brine is boiling, carefully add the prepared Fresno pepper halves into the saucepan.

  2. 7

    Simmer the Peppers

    Reduce heat to low and let the peppers simmer in the brine for about 5 minutes until they are slightly softened.

  3. 8

    Transfer to Jars

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peppers to sterilized glass jars and pour the hot brine over them, ensuring the peppers are fully submerged.

  4. 9

    Seal and Cool

    Seal the jars with lids while the brine is still hot and let them cool to room temperature.

  5. 10

    Refrigerate

    Once cooled, place the jars in the refrigerator. The pickled Fresno peppers will be ready to enjoy after 24 hours but taste even better after a few days.

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