Quick and Spicy Pickled Radish Recipe

Pickled radishes are a crisp, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment made in under 20 minutes with sliced radish, vinegar, spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for tacos, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more!

Table of Contents

• Why I Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Substitutions & Variations
• How to Make Pickled Radishes
• How to Store Pickled Radishes
• How to Use Pickled Radishes
• Other Pickled or Jar Recipes You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Connect With Me

As we move into the heart of spring, my kitchen has been buzzing with excitement. We recently subscribed to a local produce delivery program called The Good Food Box—a Calgary-based initiative that offers fresh fruits and vegetables at an incredibly affordable price. What I love most is that the program supports food accessibility for all Calgarians and empowers community members through a “hands-up” model rather than a “hands-out” one. Every box is packed by volunteers, and every time it arrives at our door, it feels like unwrapping a little gift of inspiration.

Last week, the box included a giant bag of radishes, and I’ll be honest—I don’t usually gravitate toward them. But one of my favorite things about cooking is letting seasonal ingredients challenge and inspire me. That’s how this quick pickled radish recipe came to life. It’s the kind of versatile, flavor-packed condiment that can brighten up everything from avocado toast to grilled meats to summer salads.

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick pickling is one of my favorite kitchen hacks—it transforms simple vegetables into punchy, crave-worthy toppings in a matter of minutes. These pickled radishes have a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness thanks to jalapeños, lemon juice, honey, and mustard seeds. And unlike traditional canning, there’s no special equipment required.

This is one of those recipes that feels both fancy and effortless. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste—just thinly slice whatever radishes you have on hand and pop them in a jar with a warm brine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into my go-to pickled radish recipe:

• ½ lb radishes, thinly sliced (red radishes work best)
• 2 tbsp pickled or sliced jalapeños (for heat and extra brine flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black peppercorns
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp honey

Tip: If you love a stronger vinegar flavor, feel free to use apple cider vinegar or even rice vinegar in place of white vinegar.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vinegar swap: Use apple cider vinegar for a fruity tang or rice vinegar for a subtle sweetness.
• Sugar-free: Replace the honey with maple syrup or leave it out entirely if you prefer a sharper pickle.
• Herbs: Add a few sprigs of dill or thyme for an herbaceous twist.
• Other vegetables: Try this same brine with sliced red onions, cucumbers, or carrots for a colorful pickled medley.

How to Make Pickled Radishes

This process takes just 15 minutes and requires no canning.

1. Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and honey. Warm over medium heat until honey dissolves. No need to bring to a boil.
2. Prep your veggies: Add the sliced radishes, garlic, jalapeños, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and salt to a clean jar.
3. Pour and pickle: Carefully pour the warm brine over the radish mixture in the jar. Let it cool at room temperature.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, let it pickle overnight.

How to Store Pickled Radishes

Store your pickled radishes in an airtight glass jar in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!). Over time, the flavor deepens, and the pink hue becomes even more vibrant.

How to Use Pickled Radishes

Need ideas? Try these:

• Add to tacos, burgers, or grilled cheese
• Spoon over grain bowls or noodle salads
• Use on avocado toast for color and crunch
• Layer into sandwiches and wraps
• Pair with cheese on a charcuterie board

They’re also perfect for adding brightness to rich or fatty foods, like roast chicken, pulled pork, or creamy dips.

Other Pickled or Jar Recipes You’ll Love

• Sumer Dill Pickles
• Pickled Cauliflower
• Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Final Thoughts

Pickled radishes are one of those little kitchen luxuries that take almost no effort but deliver huge flavor payoff. They’re tangy, spicy, sweet, and crisp—and such a smart way to make the most of fresh produce. Whether you’re loading up a picnic spread or adding some crunch to a weeknight bowl, these will quickly become your new favorite condiment.

Connect With Me

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