You can add these quick pickled beans to Bloody Marys or Caesars, as a side dish at your next barbecue, as part of a grazing board, or just as a snack. This is a great recipe if youve never made refrigerator pickles before. No canning needed. These dilly pickled green beans are crisp and tangy with a satisfying crunch!.
If you like pickled green beans but don’t want to make them, this recipe for quick pickled beans that don’t need to be canned might be just what you need! If you’ve never made pickles before, this is a good place to start.
Every summer Im overloaded with fresh green beans from my garden, even though I plant less each year.
This means that when my bean plants produce way too many beans for us to eat, it’s time to make pickled beans for the fridge!
Pickling is an easy way to preserve vegetables like green beans while infusing them with delicious flavor. Traditionally, pickling involves sterilizing jars and going through a hot water canning process However, you can pickle green beans without canning using a quick refrigerator pickling method. This technique allows you to enjoy tasty pickled green beans with crisp texture and tangy flavor, without the hassle of canning
Overview of Pickling Green Beans without Canning
Pickling green beans without canning simply involves packing raw green beans into sterilized jars along with your desired seasonings. Then, a vinegar mixture is heated and poured over the beans to pickle them. The jars are sealed and left to cool before storing in the refrigerator. After about a week the pickled green beans are ready to enjoy! The beans retain their crunchiness while absorbing the surrounding flavors.
This quick pickling method means you don’t have to own or use a water bath canner. Avoiding the canning process also means less time and effort. However, refrigerator pickled green beans must be consumed sooner than canned varieties. Below we’ll explore the easy process step-by-step.
Ingredients Needed for Pickled Green Beans
Pickling green beans requires just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Fresh dill, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and other seasonings as desired
Canning jars, lids, and rings are needed to store the pickled beans. A pot, saucepan, and canning funnel also help make the process easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for easily pickling green beans without canning:
Step 1: Prep the green beans
Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends. Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
Step 2: Sterilize the jars
Wash canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and sterilize by submerging in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep jars in hot water until ready to fill.
Step 3: Make the pickling brine
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Pack the jars
Using a canning funnel, tightly pack the green beans into the hot, sterilized jars. Add seasonings like garlic cloves, dill, and peppercorns to each jar.
Step 5: Pour the brine
Carefully ladle the hot vinegar brine into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. The brine should fully cover the beans.
Step 6: Seal the jars
Wipe jar rims with a clean towel. Place hot lids on top and screw on rings just until fingertip tight.
Step 7: Cool and store
Allow jars to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator. Leave to pickle for at least 5-7 days before enjoying.
And that’s all it takes! After a week of chilling in the refrigerator, your green beans will be infused with tangy, acidic flavor. Enjoy them as a crispy snack, salad topping, or accompaniment to meals.
Tips for Delicious Refrigerator Pickled Green Beans
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Add different seasonings to each jar to create variety. Try dill, garlic, peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, or bay leaves.
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For spicy pickled beans, include hot peppers like jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.
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Sprinkle in a little sugar to balance out the vinegar’s acidity.
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Store pickled green beans in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
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Use fresh, crisp green beans. Old or limp beans won’t pickle well.
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Keep the beans fully submerged in brine for best preservation.
The Benefits of Pickling Without Canning
Pickling green beans using a quick refrigerator method provides several advantages:
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It’s faster and easier than water bath canning. Less time, equipment, and effort required.
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No sterilization of jars needed prior to packing. The vinegar brine preserves the beans.
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Maximizes flavor as seasonings pickle with the beans.
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Produces tender-crisp beans thanks to the cool brining process.
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Lets you make smaller batches rather than large canner loads.
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Preserves texture and crunch that is often lost through canning.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to pickle green beans without hauling out the canner, give this refrigerator pickling method a try! It makes enjoying pickled green beans simple and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do refrigerator pickled green beans last?
Refrigerator pickled green beans will last 3 to 4 months when stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge. For best quality, aim to eat them within 2 months.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh, crisp green beans for pickling. Frozen green beans tend to become mushy during pickling.
What size jar is best for pickling green beans?
Wide-mouth pint jars or quart jars work well for pickling cut green beans. The wide opening makes it easy to add seasonings and fill with beans.
Is it safe to pickle green beans without vinegar?
Vinegar is important for safety when quick pickling. The acidity of the vinegar prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Don’t attempt to pickle green beans without vinegar.
How do I know when my pickled green beans are done?
Allow the jars to refrigerate for 5-7 days after pickling to fully develop the flavors. The beans will soften slightly but still retain crunch.
Can I use my own garden green beans for pickling?
Absolutely! Pickling is a great way to preserve your homegrown green beans. Just make sure to use fresh, firm beans and trim ends.
What’s the best way to store my pickled green beans?
Keep the pickled beans in their original jars, sealed tightly. Store them in the back of the refrigerator for longest freshness.
Enjoy the Tangy Crunch of Pickled Green Beans
Pickling green beans without canning enables you to quickly infuse them with mouthwatering flavor in no time. In less than 30 minutes of hands-on prep, you can make easy refrigerator pickled green beans to enjoy for weeks. Experiment with different vinegars, seasonings, and bean varieties. Add this tasty pickled veggie to salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and more!
Delicious ways to use pickled beans
Now that youve made them, here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
- As a snack, pickled green beans are a great crunchy treat by themselves. They can be served as a healthy snack after being drained of the brine.
- You can add pickled green beans to your favorite salad recipe to make it taste and feel even better. They go well with many kinds of greens, nuts, and cheeses, but feta or goat cheese go especially well with them.
- Put pickled green beans on a charcuterie board. They look great with any spread. For a colorful spread, put them out with cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and other pickled vegetables.
- You can put pickled green beans on top of cocktails, sandwiches, and other foods as a garnish. They spice up your dish with a tangy, crunchy taste.
- For a Bloody Mary or Caesar, if you like these drinks, try pickled green beans instead of celery as a garnish. The brine from the beans gives your drink an extra flavor boost.
- When making a stir-fry, add pickled green beans to your favorite recipe for a new take on an old favorite. They go well with many kinds of meat and vegetables, and the sour brine can balance out stronger tastes.
Are refrigerator pickles safe for kids to eat?
While these pickles are generally considered safe to consume, any pickles have a chance of containing food-poisoning bacteria.
Most adults do not become seriously ill if they ingest this bacteria. People who are immune-compromised, pregnant, or who already have a disease that makes their immune system weak shouldn’t eat refrigerator pickles.