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    Home » Recipes » How To Pickle Zucchini [Spicy Refrigerator Zucchini Pickles]

    How To Pickle Zucchini [Spicy Refrigerator Zucchini Pickles]

    September 14, 2021 by Melinda

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn how to pickle zucchini and store in the refrigerator, without canning, in just a few easy steps. These spicy refrigerator pickled zucchini are little spicy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of good.

    I first discovered pickled zucchini when I visited a local sushi shop.

    Their seasonal special?

    A delicious sweet and spicy pickled zucchini that was the perfect compliment to my sushi bowl.

    a jar of pickled shredded zucchini being held in a hand with the ingredients in the background

    How To Pickle Zucchini

    Sterilize the pickling jars.

    When working with food for long term storage it is important to start with very clean and sterilized storage containers. There are several ways you can do this:
    1. Boil method
    2. Dishwasher method

    Make your pickling solution.

    Pickling solution usually starts with a base of vinegar, salt, and water. Sugar can be added as well for a sweeter pickling solution. Combine all pickling solution ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil and give a quick stir. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

    adding salt to a pickling solution in a saucepan for  pickled zucchini
    adding sugar to a pickling solution in a saucepan for pickled zucchini

    Pick your zucchini.

    While the brine cools, select the perfect zucchini for pickling. Small to medium sized zucchini are the best. You also want zucchini with a firmer texture so fresh zucchini is best.

    ingredients to make pickles zucchini including zucchini, sugar, salt, garlic, onions, and a pot of water and vinegar.

    Cut, dice, shred, or plane each zucchini.

    Pickled zucchini can have many different shapes depending on its intended use. I like to have many different jars with a variety of different shapes. Use a grater to shred the zucchini or plane into little ribbons.

    creating zucchini ribbons using a hand grater
    cut and quartered zucchini and zucchini ribbons

    Add garnishes to sterilized canning jars.

    You can add additional ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, red pepper flakes, etc to further develop the flavor.

    adding red pepper flakes to a jar with other ingredients for pickled zucchini.
    adding garlic to a jar with other ingredients for pickling zucchini

    Fill the rest of the jar with zucchini.

    Fill the rest of the jar to the top with zucchini, making sure to not overcrowd the jar.

    a jar filled with shredded zucchini and other ingredients for pickled zucchini

    Pour the pickling solution over the zucchini and garnishes and store in the refrigerator.

    Pour the cooled pickling solution over the zucchini. Place the jars in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks before using.

    a jar of pickled zucchini surrounded by pickling ingredients

    Storing pickled zucchini in the refrigerator vs canning.

    The best way to store pickled zucchini is in the refrigerator. Canning recommendations for zucchini have been removed by the USDA, so I have not attempted to can zucchini.

    Other ways to preserve zucchini

    I love to use zucchini throughout the year and usually have an abundance of leftover zucchini from my garden. So even after making tons of pickled zucchini I still have more zucchini than I can possibly use.

    So I started to freeze shredded zucchini in portioned sizes that I can use as needed. It is an incredibly easy way to enjoy your summer harvest all year long.

    zucchini, shredded zucchini, a measuring cup and a bag of frozen zucchini that is labeled

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I make a pickling solution?

    Make a pickling solution by boiling water, vinegar, and salt. For a sweeter pickling solution, sugar can be added as well.

    How do I store pickled zucchini

    Pickled zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

    Can I add additional sugar for a sweeter taste?

    The amount of sugar can easily be adjusted to taste.

    Are there additional garnishes that can be added to the pickled zucchini?

    The possible flavor combinations are unlimited. Add additional garnishes like mango, jalapeno

    What is the best size zucchini to use?

    Small to medium zucchini is best as they have less water content, a firmer texture, and superior flavor.

    Does the pickling solution need to be cooled prior to adding the zucchini

    Yes, adding the zucchini to a hot pickling solution will likely change zucchini texture.

    Do I have to shred the zucchini prior to pickling?

    No, shredding is just one of many ways the zucchini can be prepared prior to pickling. Other options include dicing, slicing, quartering, ribbons, or julienne.

    Am I able to can zucchini pickles?

    The USDA has removed their recommendations for canning zucchini. I am not clear on the reasoning and I have not attempted to can zucchini so I would recommend sticking with refrigerator zucchini pickles if you are not familiar with canning zucchini.

    Can I use any size jar?

    Yes, though this recipe recommends using a 3 cup mason jar, you can use whatever you have on hand and adjust accordingly. This recipe is very forgiving.

    a jar of pickled shredded zucchini being held in a hand with the ingredients in the background

    Spicy Refrigerator Zucchini Pickles

    Mel | Missouri Girl Home
    Learn how to pickle zucchini in just a few easy steps. These easy refrigerator zucchini pickles are a little spicy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of good.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    cooling time 30 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Condiments
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 jars

    Equipment

    • 4 Mason jars that holds at least 3 cups
    • grater (optional)

    Ingredients
      

    Pickling liquid

    • 5 cups water
    • 2.5 cups vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon sugar
    • ¼ cup salt

    other ingredients

    • 4 small zucchini shredded
    • 1 large onion thinly sliced
    • 8 teaspoon garlic minced
    • 4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

    Instructions
     

    Sterilize the pickling jars

    • Sterilize the pickling jars by boiling or putting them in the dishwasher. Allow to cool completely.

    Make your pickling solution

    • Make your pickling solution by adding the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a medium saucepan and bringing to a boil.
    • Once the solution has come to a boil, remove from heat, stir, and allow to cool completely.

    Prepare your zucchini

    • Cut, dice, shred, or plane your zucchini to desired size and shape per preference. Set aside.

    Make the pickled zucchini

    • Add the onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the bottom of the jar.
    • Fill the jar the rest of the way with zucchini, making sure to not overcrowd the jar.
    • Pour enough pickling solution over the top of zucchini to completely submerge in liquid (about 1 to 1 ¼ cups). Place the lid on tightly.

    Store the pickled zucchini

    • Place the pickled zucchini in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks before using.
    • The pickled zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

    Notes

    Though this recipe is for 3 cup mason jar, feel free to use whatever size you have on hand and adjust the amounts accordingly.  
    Keyword best pickled zucchini, how to pickle zucchini, refrigertor zucchini pickles, shredded pickled zucchini, spicy pickled zucchini
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    Melinda at countertop of MissouriGirl.com I’m Melinda. I’m a wife, mother, physical therapist, runner, and a born and bred Missouri Girl. I love creating a cozy home on a budget and created Missouri Girl Home to bring inspiring, beautiful, and budget-friendly ideas to your home. Read more about Mel.

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