How To Use Pickled Jalapeños
Wondering how to use pickled jalapeños beyond the usual tacos and nachos? These tangy, spicy peppers are perfect for adding bold flavor to soups, salads, pasta, and even breakfast dishes. Whether you use store-bought or make your own, they’re the ultimate versatile condiment for spicing up any meal!
If you don’t already have a jar of pickled jalapeños in your fridge, you can grab a store-bought option or make your own. It is easier than you might think. Check out my full Quick Pickled Jalapeños recipe here, or try this quick no-recipe guide for making pickled jalapeños at home.
Quick and Easy No-Recipe Pickled Jalapeños
Start by slicing fresh jalapeños into thin rounds and packing them into a clean jar. In a saucepan, heat equal parts water and vinegar with a little salt, sugar, and optional add-ins like garlic or mustard seeds. Stir until everything is dissolved, then carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, making sure they’re fully submerged.
Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate. The flavors develop best after 24 hours, and they’ll keep for weeks in the fridge!
12 Creative Ways to Use Pickled Jalapeños
1. As a Topping for Soups
Add pickled jalapeños as a garnish to soups like corn soup, Thai noodle soup, vegetable chili, or a tortilla soup. Their tangy heat enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Recipes:
Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: Easy Copycat
Secret Ingredient Vegan Vegetable Chili
Panera Thai Chicken Soup Recipe: Easy Vegan Copycat
Quick and Easy Creamy Rotisserie Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup
How To Make Kimchi Shin Ramen Noodle Soup
2. Baked Onto a Pizza
Pickled jalapeños are a fantastic pizza topping. I love to pair them with mushrooms and pineapple on my homemade creations or even to elevate a frozen cheese pizza!
Recipes/Articles:
8 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Frozen Pizza
Easy Herb Focaccia From Pizza Dough
3. Mixed Into Pasta
Stir chopped pickled jalapeños into creamy pasta dishes like mac and cheese or Alfredo for a bold, tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
Recipes:
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy Easy Butternut Squash Farro Risotto (Farrotto)
Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry
Noodles with Spicy Tahini Stir Fry Sauce
Dairy-Free Healthy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
4. Tossed Into Fried Rice
Add pickled jalapeños to fried rice for a surprising burst of flavor. They work especially well in veggie or tofu fried rice.
Recipes:
PF Chang’s Fried Rice: A Plant-Based Copycat Recipe
Easy Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice: A Must Try for Canned Tuna Recipes
5. As a Topping for Grain Bowls
Top your favorite grain bowls with pickled jalapeños. They add the perfect zesty crunch to quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Recipes:
Healthy and Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Quick Chopped Greek Salad: A Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipe
6. As an Ingredient in Slaw or Salad
Chop pickled jalapeños and mix them into cilantro lime slaw for a spicy, tangy addition. This slaw pairs beautifully with tacos, burritos, or barbecue dishes.
Recipe:
Creamy Cilantro Lime Vegan Coleslaw Recipe
Black Bean Mango Salad Recipe: Ready In Minutes!
The Best Healthy Roasted Eggplant Salad Recipe
7. On Avocado Toast and Eggs
Layer pickled jalapeños on avocado toast, top with a fried or poached egg, or stir them into tofu scramble for a breakfast packed with bold flavor.
Recipes:
The Best Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble
8. In Corn Casserole or Cornbread
Stir pickled jalapeños into corn casserole or cornbread batter for a spicy, tangy twist on these classic comfort foods. They also work well sprinkled on top before baking.
Recipes:
Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole: A Healthy Recipe without Jiffy
9. In Sandwiches, Wraps, or Burgers
Add pickled jalapeños to veggie burgers, wraps, or sandwiches for a tangy, spicy boost. They add a burst of flavor to that dish.
Recipes:
Quick & Easy Loaded Black Bean Burger Salad Recipe
Wild Rice and Black Bean Burger Recipe
Better Than Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe
10. Blended Into Salsas or Guacamole
Chop or blend pickled jalapeños into fresh salsas or guacamole to bring a tangy heat that balances the creamy texture of avocados.
Recipes:
Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes
The Ultimate Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip
The Best Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe
11. As a Topping for Hummus
Add pickled jalapeños as a spicy topping for hummus. Their tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the smooth hummus and is a great addition for dipping tortilla or pita chips.
Recipe:
Easy Spicy Hummus Recipe with Harissa
12. As a Snack Board Star
Include pickled jalapeños on a snack or charcuterie board with crackers, cheeses, nuts, and roasted chickpeas. Their bold flavor complements rich and savory cheese and meats on the board.
Wrapping Up
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
0 Comments