Description
Pickled Frog Balls, also known as zesty pickled Brussels sprouts, are a tangy, crunchy snack that brings bold flavor to any meal. Packed with spices and vinegar, these bite-sized pickles are perfect on charcuterie boards, in Bloody Marys, or as a flavorful sidekick to sandwiches and grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons dill seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 small dried red chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch Brussels sprouts for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Sterilize 4 pint-sized jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to use.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and pickling salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt.
- In each sterilized jar, place 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds, 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes (if using), a few peppercorns, a pinch of turmeric, and one dried chili.
- Pack Brussels sprouts tightly into jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Pour the hot brine over the sprouts, covering them completely. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal jars with lids.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal (optional but recommended for shelf stability).
- Let pickles sit for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place before opening for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, avoid over-blanching the sprouts.
- Customize your spice mix with bay leaves, coriander seeds, or fresh dill.
- Store opened jars in the refrigerator and consume within a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 sprouts
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pickled Brussels sprouts, frog balls, zesty pickles, spicy pickled vegetables, preserved Brussels sprouts