Sweet radish refrigerator pickles are a delightful twist on traditional pickles. They offer a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors that are perfect for adding to sandwiches and salads or enjoying as a snack on their own. Let’s look at what makes these pickles so special and how you can easily make them at home.
What are Sweet Radish Refrigerator Pickles?
Sweet radish refrigerator pickles are made by soaking sliced radishes in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. Unlike traditional pickles, which are fermented, these pickles are quick and easy to make, requiring no special equipment or lengthy fermentation process.
These pickles are known for their crisp texture and bright, tangy flavor. They are a popular condiment in many cuisines and can add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients Required
This recipe will make one pint jar of pickled radishes. To make sweet radish refrigerator pickles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 lb Radishes
- 1/2 cup White Vinegar (5% acidity) or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp Pickling Salt
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
Since this is a refrigerator pickle recipe you can also customize your pickles by adding garlic, onions, or other vegetables to the mix.
Equipment Needed to Make Sweet Radish Refrigerator Pickles
Here are the supplies needed to make sweet radish refrigerator pickles:
- Small Stainless Steel Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mandoline
- 1/2 pint Canning Ladle
- Pint-sized Canning Jar
- Lid
- Ring
- De-bubbler
- Wire Rack
Tips for Making Perfect Radish Pickles
- Use fresh, firm radishes for the best texture.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your pickles.
- Allow the pickles to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Radish Refrigerator Pickles
Prepare Jar
- Clean the jar and lid with warm soapy water. Ensure the jar does not have any chips or bubbles in the glass.
- Warm jar in a pot of hot water.
Prepare Radishes
- Rinse radishes under cool water.
- Using a knife and cutting board remove the stem and root ends of the radishes.
- Using a mandoline cut the radishes into 1/8 inch slices. Rinse the slices under cool water and drain.
Prepare Brine
- Bring the vinegar, sugar, water, pickling salt, mustard seeds, black pepper, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper (if using) to a boil in a small stainless steel pot.
- Stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
Pack Jar
- Place the radish slices in the hot jar.
- Ladle the hot pickling liquid over the radishes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Using a de-bubbler remove air bubbles.
- Add more pickling liquid as needed to maintain 1/2-inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the ring, and adjust to fingertip-tight.
Cool
- Cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
- Place in refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Join My Preserving Guide Facebook Group
Expert tips, tested recipes, and vibrant discussions on canning, dehydrating, freezing, and all things food preservation!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Store sweet radish refrigerator pickles in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. They are delicious served alongside sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats. You can also chop them up and add them to salads for an extra burst of flavor.
Health Benefits of Radishes
Radishes are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which can help support overall health.
Incorporating radishes into your diet can help promote digestion, support hydration, and provide a boost of nutrients.
Sweet radish refrigerator pickles are a delicious and easy-to-make condiment that can add flavor and crunch to a variety of dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty treat that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Other Pickling Recipes
Here are some other pickling recipes that are on the site. These recipes can be used to add something special to a charcuterie board:
Recipe Card
Sweet Pickled Radish Refrigerator Pickles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Radishes
- 1/2 cup White Vinegar (5% acidity) or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp Pickling Salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper Optional
Instructions
- Clean the jar and lid with warm soapy water. Ensure the jar does not have any chips or bubbles in the glass.
- Warm jar in a pot of hot water.
- Rinse radishes under cool water.
- Using a knife and cutting board remove the stem and root ends of the radishes.
- Using a mandoline cut the radishes into 1/8 inch slices. Rinse the slices under cool water and drain.
- Bring the vinegar, sugar, water, pickling salt, mustard seeds, black pepper, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper (if using) to a boil in a small stainless steel pot. Stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
- Place the radish slices in the hot jar.
- Ladle the hot pickling liquid over the radishes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Using a de-bubbler remove air bubbles.
- Add more pickling liquid as needed to maintain 1/2-inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the ring, and adjust to fingertip-tight.
- Cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
- Place in refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.