Spicy & Savory Cheongyang Pepper Soy Sauce Pickle
Homemade Delicious Cheongyang Pepper Soy Sauce Pickle, Simple Pepper Pickle Recipe, Spicy Pepper Soy Sauce Preserve
Easily make a crunchy and flavorful Cheongyang pepper soy sauce pickle at home using spicy Cheongyang peppers. It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or as a snack with drinks!
Main Ingredients- 45 Cheongyang peppers (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for washing peppers)
- 7 Dried red dates
Pickling Brine Ingredients- 1/2 cup sugar (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup water (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup rice wine (or soju) (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup vinegar (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup sugar (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup water (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup rice wine (or soju) (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 cup vinegar (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Cheongyang peppers thoroughly under running water multiple times. To remove any residual pesticide, soak them in a vinegar-water solution for about 5 minutes, then rinse again.
Step 2
It can be tricky to estimate the right amount of pickling brine needed for pickles. Here’s a simple trick: Place the peppers in your prepared container and fill it with enough water to cover the peppers. Then, pour this water into a measuring cup. The amount of water you measured is exactly the amount of pickling brine you need to make. This method ensures you make just the right amount without wasting ingredients.
Step 3
Using the method described above, the water needed to cover the peppers measured about 500ml. Therefore, we will make the pickling brine with a total volume of 500ml.
Step 4
After washing and drying the Cheongyang peppers, trim off the stems, leaving about 1cm. Be careful not to cut too short, as this could cause the peppers to break apart.
Step 5
It’s crucial to ensure the peppers are completely dry after trimming the stems to prevent spoilage and ensure a long shelf life for your pickles. Either air-dry them in a well-ventilated area until they are slightly withered, or pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Step 6
To allow the pickling brine to penetrate the Cheongyang peppers evenly, use a toothpick to poke 1-2 small holes about 1cm deep into the pointed end of each pepper. This will help the seasoning soak through to the core, resulting in a more flavorful pickle.
Step 7
Place the prepared and thoroughly dried Cheongyang peppers into sterilized glass jars. Avoid packing the jars too tightly; leave a little space.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the pickling brine. In a wok or pot, measure and combine 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) sugar, 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) soy sauce, 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) water, and 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) rice wine or soju. For added umami, add a piece of dried kelp about the size of your palm.
Step 9
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients. After simmering for 5 minutes, remove and discard the kelp. Leaving the kelp in for too long can impart a bitter taste.
Step 10
Finally, add 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) of vinegar to complete the pickling brine. There’s no need to boil it for a long time after adding the vinegar.
Step 11
Let the prepared pickling brine cool down slightly. Pouring hot brine over the peppers can make them mushy. Wait until the brine is warm or lukewarm before carefully pouring it over the Cheongyang peppers in the glass jars.
Step 12
Wash the 7 dried red dates thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Dates add a subtle sweetness and pleasant aroma to the pickles.
Step 13
Add the prepared dried red dates to the jar with the pickling brine. If the Cheongyang peppers float to the top, use a heavy weight or a small plate to submerge them in the brine. This prevents them from spoiling and ensures even pickling.
Step 14
Allow the pickles to mature at room temperature for 3-4 days. You’ll notice the Cheongyang peppers changing from green to a yellowish hue, indicating that the brine has penetrated well. After this initial period, store the pickles in the refrigerator and enjoy their delicious flavor!
