Quick Pickled Green Beans

Dive headfirst into the tangy and crunchy world of quick pickled green beans with our easy-peasy recipe that's about to become your fridge's new best friend. From the crunchiest green beans to the zingiest brine, we're spilling the beans on how to make these pickled delights and jazz up your meals.
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A jar of quick pickled green beans.
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Ever wondered how to make quick pickled vegetables? Welcome to the vibrant world of quick pickled green beans with our irresistible recipe! These easy-to-make delights are perfect for anyone looking to add a pop of tangy crunch to their meals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your salads, add a crunchy twist to sandwiches, or enjoy them straight from the jar, our quick pickled green beans recipe promises to bring a burst of flavor to your table.

Getting started with quick pickling is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. Our recipe guides you through a few easy steps to create delicious and nutritious pickled green beans. If you’re eager to learn how to make them and add some zesty excitement to your culinary creations, you’ve come to the right place. You can even switch it up and use a variety of veggies in one jar to make a fantastic mixed pickled vegetables combo!

Let’s explore more about the ease, versatility, and explosive flavor these pickled green beans offer!

A hand reaching for a jar of quick pickled green beans.

Why This Quick Pickled Green Beans Recipe Is Perfect

Prepare to elevate your pickling game with our standout pickled green beans recipe! Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but the results are nothing short of spectacular—a true testament to the magic of quick pickling veggies. These green beans transform into a tangy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire.

Here are all the amazing reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

  • Ease of Preparation: Say goodbye to complicated canning processes. Our quick pickled green beans come together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
  • Explosion of Flavor: Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy, slightly sweet, and savory, making these pickles a deliciously addictive treat.
  • Vibrant Color: The lively green hue of these pickles will catch your eye and make every dish look more inviting and festive.
  • Incredible Versatility: From sprucing up your salads and sandwiches to serving as a standout side dish, these green beans fit seamlessly into a variety of meals.
  • Healthy Snacking Option: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, they’re an ideal pick-me-up snack that you can feel good about.
  • Long Shelf Life: Stored in the fridge, these refrigerator pickles can brighten up your meals and snacks for weeks to come.
  • Fun to Share: Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a potluck, these pickled green beans are sure to impress and spark conversation.
  • Customizable Flavor: Feel free to play with spices and mix-ins to tailor the pickles to your taste, making each batch uniquely yours.

Embracing this easy pickled beans recipe means treating yourself to a world of flavor, fun, and versatility. Get ready to make your meals more exciting with these spectacularly tasty pickled green beans!

Key Ingredients

Diving into our quick pickled green beans recipe, you’ll find that the key to its irresistible charm lies in a selection of simple yet impactful ingredients. These essentials not only contribute to the vibrant flavors and textures but also ensure the pickling process is straightforward and enjoyable.

  • Green Beans: The star of the show, green beans should be fresh, crisp, and vibrant in color. Opt for beans that are uniform in size for even pickling, and don’t forget to trim the ends for a neat appearance in the jar. Green beans are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and fiber, making this pickle a healthier snack choice.
  • White Vinegar: This pantry staple brings the necessary acidity to the pickling brine, ensuring your green beans achieve that signature tangy flavor. White vinegar is preferred for its clear color and neutral taste, which allows the flavors of the beans and spices to shine through.
  • Salt: Salt is crucial for flavor and acts as a preservative in the pickling process. Using kosher salt is recommended because it’s free from additives that could cloud the brine. It also helps in drawing out the natural flavors of the green beans and spices.
  • Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the vinegar’s acidity, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the green beans’ natural flavor. The amount can be adjusted according to taste, but a hint of sweetness is essential for the perfect flavor balance.
A bowl of green beans.

Pickling Spices

Add a few peppercorns and some other pickling spices to your jars to elevate the flavor profile of your quick pickled green beans. Each spice contributes its unique taste and aroma, creating a complex and delicious final product. Here’s what we used:

  • Fresh Dill: Brings a bright, herby freshness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy vinegar base. Its distinct flavor is often associated with classic pickling recipes and adds a layer of sophistication to the green beans.
  • Garlic Cloves: Offer a pungent, earthy depth that infuses the green beans with a rich, aromatic flavor. Garlic’s robustness complements the acidity of the vinegar, balancing out the overall taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduce a subtle heat that adds an exciting kick to each bite. This spice is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy dimension in their pickles without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Peppercorns: Provide a mild, woody heat that adds complexity and a hint of spice. Peppercorns are essential in pickling for their ability to enhance the overall flavor profile subtly.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to experiment with different flavor profiles, consider adding any of the following pickling spices to your pickling jars:

  • Mustard Seeds: Offer a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the vinegar and adds complexity.
  • Coriander Seeds: Contribute a lemony, floral note that works well with the crispness of the green beans.
  • Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle, herbal aroma that adds depth without overpowering the other spices.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: For a unique twist, a small piece of cinnamon stick can add a warm, sweet spice, creating a contrast with the tangy brine.
  • Fennel Seeds: Introduce a light, licorice-like flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the dill and garlic.

Mixing and matching these spices allows you to customize your pickled green beans to your liking, offering endless possibilities for flavor experimentation.

How to Make Quick Pickled Green Beans

Creating your own batch of quick pickled green beans is an easy and rewarding process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll transform fresh green beans into a tangy, crunchy delight. Here’s how to do it:

Prep Your Beans and Jars: Wash your green beans in cold water and trim the ends to ensure they fit nicely in your jars. Then, sterilize your wide-mouth mason jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.

Salt being added to boiling water in a pot.

Combine the Brine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. This combination creates the pickling brine that will infuse your green beans with flavor. Heat over medium until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.

Herbs being packed into a mason jar of green beans.

Assemble the Spice Mix: While your brine is heating, pack your green beans into the sterilized jars, standing them upright for a tidy fit. Add fresh dill, peeled garlic cloves, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a few peppercorns into each jar. This spice mix is customizable—feel free to adjust the quantities or add other spices according to your taste preferences.

Pickled brine being poured over green beans.

Pour the Hot Brine Over the Beans: Once the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, carefully pour the hot brine over the green beans in the jars, ensuring the spices are covered and there’s enough liquid to fill the jar, leaving about a half-inch of space at the top.

A lid being screwed onto a jar of pickled green beans.

Seal and Chill: Tighten the lids on your jars while the mixture is still hot, then let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled green beans.

Resting Time

For the best flavor, let them sit in the fridge for at least 48 hours before enjoying. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the green beans to absorb the tangy brine.

Quick pickled green beans and an assortment of other picked vegetables in jars.

Your quick pickled green beans are now ready to be enjoyed as a snack, a vibrant addition to salads, or a zesty side to your main dishes. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, ensuring you have a delicious, pickled treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

How to Use Pickled Green Beans

Quick pickled green beans are not just a tangy, crunchy snack to enjoy straight from the jar; their versatility makes them a fantastic ingredient to spice up a variety of dishes. Here are some great ways to incorporate these zesty pickles into your meals, proving how they can truly transform your culinary creations:

  • Salad Spruce: Chop them up and toss them into your salads for an unexpected burst of tangy flavor. They pair beautifully with leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and even grain-based salads. These would be perfect in our fresh picnic pasta salad, or with our herby chickpea and orzo salad!
  • Zesty Sandwich Toppers: Elevate your plant-based sandwiches by adding pickled green beans as a crunchy, tangy layer. They work wonders in wraps, baguettes, or open-faced avocado toasts.
  • Sushi Roll Filler: Incorporate them into vegan sushi rolls for an unexpected crunch and flavor boost. They pair well with avocado, cucumber, and tofu in a sushi roll, offering a nice acidic balance. They would be amazing in these easy vegan sushi cupcakes!
  • Antipasto Inspiration: Mix them into a vegan antipasto platter. Combine with marinated artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
  • Stir-Fry Accent: For a quick, flavorful stir-fry, add pickled green beans in the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll introduce a nice acidic note that balances the richness of the stir-fry sauce and the savoriness of tofu or tempeh.

Party-Perfect Ideas

  • Charcuterie Boards: Create a visually stunning vegan charcuterie board by featuring pickled green beans alongside other pickled vegetables, vegan cheeses, and crusty bread. They add a pop of color and flavor that complements the other elements perfectly. Check out our recipes for quick pickled carrots, Japanese pickled cucumbers, and pink pickled red onion!
  • Picnic Snacks: For an easy, transportable picnic snack, bring along a jar of pickled green beans. They’re refreshing and flavorful and make a great conversation starter.
  • Bloody Mary Boost: Elevate your next Bloody Mary by using a pickled green bean as a unique and flavorful stirrer. Their tangy taste and crunchy texture add a delightful twist to this classic cocktail.

Experiment with these ideas, and have fun coming up with your own inventive ways to enjoy them!

FAQs

How long do quick pickled green beans last in the fridge?

Quick pickled green beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Ensure they are kept in a tightly sealed jar and submerged in the brine to maintain their crunch and flavor.

Can I use this pickled green beans recipe with other vegetables?

Absolutely! This versatile recipe can easily be adapted for other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or cucumbers. Just follow the same process for a delicious, tangy assortment of pickled veggies.

What’s the best way to serve pickled green beans with vegan meals?

Pickled green beans are a fantastic addition to vegan meals, offering a tangy crunch that complements dishes like grain bowls, vegan burgers, and salads. They’re also great as a garnish on soups or blended into a zesty dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

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Quick Pickled Green Beans

Author: Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan
5 from 5 votes
Whip up a batch of these quick pickled green beans to add a bright, tangy twist to your favorite meals. It's a simple, healthy way to elevate everything from salads to sandwiches with just a jar and a few ingredients.
A jar of quick pickled green beans.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • Green beans, trimmed to fit your jar

Spices and Mix-Ins:

  • Fresh Dill
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Peppercorns

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan add the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, mix, and bring to a boil. Once salt has dissolved, remove from heat while you assemble your jars.
  • Fill wide-mouth mason jars with the green beans.
  • Add any desired spices and mix-ins.
  • Pour the hot liquid over the veggies until each jar is full. Close the jars and store in the fridge.

Notes

  • Jar Selection Matters: For the crispiest pickled green beans, use wide-mouth mason jars that allow air to escape easily when you pack the beans tightly. This also makes it easier to remove the beans when you’re ready to enjoy them, ensuring they maintain their perfect crunch.
  • Customize Your Crunch: If you prefer your pickled green beans on the firmer side, reduce the brine’s boiling time before pouring it over the beans. A shorter boil means a crisper bite, letting you tailor the texture to your taste.
  • Flavor Infusion: Give your pickled green beans a unique twist by experimenting with different spices and herbs in the brine. Adding a slice of lemon, a sprig of rosemary, or a few slices of fresh ginger can infuse your pickles with subtle, distinctive flavors that make each jar uniquely delicious.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 876mg | Potassium: 12mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Course — Appetizer or Snack
Cuisine — American
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Recipe Rating




5 comments
  1. 5 stars
    I love adding these pickled green beans to grain bowls. They add the perfect amount of crunchy tang that complements anything else we throw in there. Honestly, I could just open the jar and snack on them, too. So good!

  2. 5 stars
    Pickled anything is my favorite! But, I love these pickled green so much. Tangy and delish!

  3. 5 stars
    Easy way to add tangy crunch to sandwiches and salads.

  4. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    Loved how these green beans turns out! So good!

  5. 5 stars
    Crunchy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors — I could snack on these all day!

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