Homemade Pickled Lettuce
Experience a burst of tangy flavor and delightful crunch with our Homemade Pickled Lettuce. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms ordinary lettuce into a zesty, mouthwatering condiment perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a tasty side. With the vibrant green of fresh lettuce and a jar of brimming flavors, it's a refreshing addition that will elevate your meals. Discover how to make and enjoy this tangy treat that's both simple and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large Glass Jars with Lids - You'll need glass jars to hold the pickled lettuce and pickling liquid. Ensure they are clean and have airtight lids to create a proper seal.
- Knife and Cutting Board - For washing, chopping, and preparing the lettuce before pickling.
- Medium Saucepan - Prepare the pickling liquid, which includes heating and mixing the vinegar, water, sugar, and spices.
- Stove - To heat and simmer the pickling liquid.
- Clean Towel or Cooling Rack - For allowing the pickled lettuce jars to cool and come to room temperature.
- Refrigerator - Store the sealed pickled lettuce jars safely and keep them fresh.
- Clean Utensils - You'll need clean utensils for handling the lettuce, as well as for ladling the pickling liquid into the jars. This helps prevent contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients in the pickling liquid.
Ingredients
- 1 head of lettuce - romaine or iceberg works well
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cloves garlic - peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds - optional, for flavor
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Prepare the lettuce:
- Wash and separate the lettuce leaves. tear them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Place the lettuce in a clean, dry glass jar or multiple jars if needed.1 head of lettuce
Prepare the pickling liquid:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds (if using), and bay leaf. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. bring the pickling liquid to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.2 cups white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons salt, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 bay leaf
Pour the pickling liquid:
- Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the lettuce in the jar(s), ensuring the lettuce is completely submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the jar for expansion.
Cool and seal:
- Allow the jar(s) to cool to room temperature. once cooled, seal the jar(s) tightly with lids.
Refrigerate and marinate:
- Place the sealed jar(s) in the refrigerator. let the pickled lettuce marinate for at least 24 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy:
- Your homemade pickled lettuce is ready to use as a tangy and crunchy addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a tasty side dish.
Notes
Stored in the refrigerator, pickled lettuce can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the freshness of the lettuce and the cleanliness of your equipment. Remember to use clean utensils when removing pickled lettuce to prevent contamination.
This pickled lettuce recipe adds a delightful zing to your dishes and is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of lettuce in a new and exciting way.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.