What Are Pickled Eggs?
Here in the UK, pickled eggs are a fish & chip shop staple and are at home in many British refrigerators, but what exactly are they? Combining hard-boiled eggs in a sweet, tangy, aromatic pickling liquid, the eggs soak up the brine and become a delectable appetizer, snack, or side! I’m actually sharing three of my favorite pickled eggs recipes, including an aromatic brine (with mixed pickling spices, garlic, and onion), spicy pickled eggs (with jalapeño or red pepper flakes), and even naturally dyed pink pickled eggs (with, you guessed it, beets) – along with a bonus list of ingredients to naturally dye eggs various colors. No matter which version you choose, the prep is quick and minimal before you can pop the eggs in the fridge to pickle. The longer they sit in the brine, the more robust their flavor (and color if using beets) becomes, perfect for adding to sandwiches, making deviled eggs, and eating as a snack.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Pickled Eggs?
The ingredients for pickled eggs are simple and common pantry staples.
Eggs: You need hard-boiled eggs. I’ve used really fresh hen’s eggs, though it’s possible to use other eggs of other sizes, like quail’s eggs. Vinegar: I used distilled white vinegar this time. However, apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar also works for the brine for pickled eggs. Sugar: I use regular granulated white sugar, though brown sugar or honey also work. Adjust the amount if preferred. Pickling salt: This helps achieve a clear brine, though kosher salt will work too. Water: To help dissolve the sugar and salt. Aromatics: I use both garlic and onions (red onion). Dill: Fresh dill sprigs are a simple but flavorful addition to the brine. Pickling spice blend: I used a combination of whole spices like mustard seeds, allspice, coriander seeds, red peppercorns, cloves (these have a very robust flavor, so can be removed if preferred), ¼ cinnamon stick (if you add too much it can become overpowering), and a bay leaf.
You could also use a pre-mixed pickling spice blend if preferred, or use just one or two of the spices listed (I always love adding the mustard seeds and pink peppercorns, at least). I’ve also included versions below for pink beet pickled eggs and spicy pickled eggs. For those, you’ll also need, respectively, cooked or pickled beetroot chunks/slices, jalapeño, and/or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Pickled Eggs
Learn how to pickle eggs in just four simple, low-fuss steps.
Hard Boil the Eggs
The first step is to hard-boil the eggs. You can do this on the stovetop, in an air fryer, or in an Instant Pot. Once they’re cooked, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cool, peel them. Also, peel and slice the garlic and thinly slice the onion.
Sterilize the Jars
Wash the glass jar/s and lid/s thoroughly in hot soapy water and then leave to sit in boiling water for 10 minutes. Finally, leave them to air dry on a clean surface until completely dry.
Make the Pickling Brine
Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pickling spice in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Then remove it from the heat.
Pickle and Refrigerate
Transfer the eggs, onion, garlic, and dill to the sterilized jar/s. Then ladle or pour the pickling liquid (spices included) over them to immerse them entirely, leaving ½ inch (1cm) of headspace. Give the jars a tap against the counter to release air bubbles. Then, wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth and secure the lids until fingertip-tight. Finally, let the jars cool and transfer them to the fridge to pickle.
How to Make Pickled Eggs Spicy?
You can make simple spicy pickled eggs with a spicy ingredient, like thickly chopped jalapeño (remove the seeds for a milder flavor) and/or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to preference.
How to Make Pickled Eggs with Beets?
I love making eggs with chunks of beets – this turns the eggs a beautiful pink color. To do so, add a few cooked beet chunks/slices to the pickling brine (with or without the pickling spices or extras, like onions and garlic). Leave them to pickle to your desired color, or make them even more vibrant with extra beet juice.
How Long Does It Take to Pickle Eggs?
The pickling time for eggs depends primarily on their size. For example, when making pickled quail eggs, 1-2 days is more than enough for a well-developed pickle. For medium to large hen eggs, I recommend 5-7 days to allow the salty-vinegar brine mixture to really penetrate the eggs and produce the best flavor. However, you can enjoy them in as little as a few hours.
How Long Do Pickled Eggs Last?
Once you’ve transferred the jar/s to the refrigerator, it’s important to keep them refrigerated at all times and only use clean utensils within the jar. That way, they should last between 3-4 months.
What To Do With Pickled Eggs?
More Easy Pickled Recipes
Pickled Cucumbers Pickled Jalapeños Pickled Turnips Pickled Garlic Pickled Onions Pickled Beets
If you try any of these 3 easy pickled egg recipes, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
