Candied Jalapeños Recipe
Introduction
Candied jalapeños, also known as “cowboy candy,” offer a delightful balance of sweet heat that can elevate sandwiches, burgers, or cheese boards. This simple recipe transforms fresh jalapeños into a tangy, sweet treat that’s easy to make and keeps well.
Ingredients
- 13 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Using disposable gloves, rinse the jalapeños thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
- Step 2: Still wearing gloves, carefully slice each jalapeño into rounds. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and inner membranes before slicing.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Step 4: Stir in the curry powder, garlic powder, celery seed, and chipotle powder. Reduce the heat to low, then add the sliced jalapeños. Mix well to coat and let simmer for about 5 minutes, until the jalapeños shrink and change to a paler green.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Using a spoon or ladle, transfer the jalapeños and syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Wipe the rim before sealing.
Tips & Variations
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from the oils on your skin.
- For extra heat, keep the seeds; for less spice, remove them carefully before cooking.
- Try adding a cinnamon stick or star anise during simmering for a unique flavor twist.
- Use white vinegar instead of red wine vinegar if you prefer a sharper taste.
Storage
Store the candied jalapeños in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Use a clean utensil each time to avoid contamination. These spicy sweets can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and add a punch to many dishes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How spicy are candied jalapeños?
They retain some of the jalapeño heat, but the sweetness of the syrup balances the spice, making them pleasantly spicy rather than overwhelmingly hot.
Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can experiment with other peppers like serranos or fresnos, but the heat level and flavor will vary accordingly.
PrintCandied Jalapeños Recipe
Learn how to make deliciously sweet and tangy candied jalapeños with this simple stovetop recipe. These spicy-sweet jalapeño slices are simmered in a flavorful syrup infused with curry powder, garlic, celery seed, and chipotle powder, making them a perfect topping for sandwiches, burgers, or cheese platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied jalapeños 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 13 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Cleanse and rinse jalapeños: Using disposable gloves to protect your hands, place the jalapeños in a large colander or bowl and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry carefully with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice jalapeños: Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño into thin rounds. For a milder version, remove the inner membranes and seeds before slicing. Set the slices aside.
- Prepare the candied syrup and simmer jalapeños: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add curry powder, garlic powder, celery seed, and chipotle powder, stirring to incorporate. Reduce heat to low and add the sliced jalapeños. Stir to coat them evenly and simmer for about 5 minutes, during which the jalapeños will soften and change from bright green to a pale green.
- Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the contents to cool for approximately 10 minutes. Using a ladle or spoon, transfer the jalapeños and syrup into a clean glass or mason jar with an airtight lid. Wipe the jar rim clean before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and enjoy as a sweet, spicy condiment.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Removing seeds and membranes will reduce the heat level.
- The syrup can be used as a glaze or added to dressings for extra flavor.
- Ensure jars are sterilized to maximize shelf life.
- Use candied jalapeños as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or cheese boards.
Keywords: Candied jalapeños, sweet and spicy jalapeños, jalapeño recipe, jalapeño condiment, spicy-sweet toppings
