Ingredients
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 1 dozen hard-boiled eggs serve as the base of this dish. Be sure to peel them carefully to keep the surface smooth for even pickling.
- White Vinegar and Water: A mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water forms the tangy base of the pickling brine, ensuring the eggs are fully infused with flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup of sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar, creating a slightly sweet and tangy brine that complements the mustard seeds.
- Mustard Seeds and Celery Seeds: 1/2 cup of mustard seeds and 1/4 cup of celery seeds add a savory, slightly spicy kick to the brine, making each bite of the eggs full of flavor.
- Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder gives the brine its signature yellow hue while adding a subtle earthy flavor to the eggs.
- Salt: 1 tablespoon of salt enhances all the flavors and helps preserve the eggs as they pickle.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Brine
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of yellow mustard seeds, 1/4 cup of celery seeds, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir the mixture as you bring it to a boil. Make sure all the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Once the mixture boils, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
- While the brine cools, peel the 1 dozen hard-boiled eggs. Make sure to handle them carefully to avoid any cracks, as this will help them pickle evenly.
- Step 3: Add Brine to Eggs
- Place the peeled eggs into a clean, sterilized jar or container with a lid. Once the brine has cooled to room temperature, pour it over the eggs. Make sure all the eggs are fully submerged in the brine. If needed, use a small plate or a clean weight to keep the eggs submerged.
- Step 4: Refrigerate
- Seal the jar or container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the eggs pickle for at least 5 days before eating to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
- Step 5: Serve
- After 5 days, the pickled eggs are ready to enjoy. You can serve them whole, sliced, or chopped, depending on how you want to use them. They make a great snack, addition to salads, or topping for a charcuterie board.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Once pickled, these Mustard Pickled Eggs are perfect served whole as a snack or appetizer, or sliced into salads or sandwiches for an extra tangy kick. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board, adding a pop of color and flavor.
- The pickled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit, so they might taste even better after the first week.
- Be sure to keep the eggs fully submerged in the brine while storing them to ensure even pickling and preservation.
Helpful Notes
- If you want a spicier version of these pickled eggs, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the brine.
- For a more vibrant yellow color, you can increase the amount of turmeric used in the recipe. Just be mindful that turmeric has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.
- These pickled eggs are a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs from events like Easter or other family gatherings.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Rachael Ray: Try using these pickled eggs as a base for a deviled egg recipe, swapping the usual boiled eggs with these tangy pickled ones for a flavorful twist.
- Ina Garten: Add a bit of Dijon mustard to the brine for an extra layer of flavor, making the mustard element even more pronounced.
- Alton Brown: For a quicker infusion of flavor, gently prick the eggs with a fork before placing them in the brine to allow it to penetrate more quickly.