Chamoy pickles are a delicious and tangy snack that combines the flavors of traditional pickles with the spicy, sweet, and sour taste of chamoy sauce.

The first time I got chamoy pickles from the store, I really loved them. They tasted sweet, tangy, and a little spicy – just the way I like it. But when I saw the price – $18.50 – I was surprised! That’s a lot of money for pickles!

So, I decided to try making them at home. It was easier than I thought! I found a simple recipe online and gave it a try. And guess what? They turned out perfect! Just as tasty as the ones from the store, but much cheaper.

Now, I make my chamoy pickles at home all the time. It’s fun and saves me a lot of money. Plus, I can make them exactly how I like them. Making pickles at home was a great idea – I’m never going back to buying them from the store!

What is Chamoy Pickle?

A chamoy pickle is a type of pickle that is infused with chamoy sauce, a Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit (often apricot or plum), chili peppers, and a combination of sweet and sour flavors. The pickles can be made from various vegetables, such as cucumbers or carrots, and are typically soaked in a brine that includes chamoy sauce along with other seasonings like Tajin seasoning, sugar, vinegar, and spices.

How to Make Chamoy Pickle

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole dill pickles
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon chamoy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet candy chamoy powder
• 1 tablespoon Tajin seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Prepare the whole dill pickles: Drain the liquid from the jar of whole dill pickles. Optionally, you can slice the whole pickles into spears or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Place the pickles in a clean glass jar or container.

Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine water, vinegar, sugar, chamoy sauce, sweet candy chamoy powder, Tajin seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour the brine over the pickles: Once the brine is ready, carefully pour it over the whole dill pickles in the jar, ensuring that all the pickles are submerged in the liquid. Use a spoon to press down the pickles if needed.

Cool and store: Let the chamoy pickles cool to room temperature, then cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will develop. These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Serve: Enjoy your delicious homemade chamoy pickles as a snack or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes!

Tips for Making Perfect Chamoy Pickle

Adjust Spice Level: The amount of red pepper flakes and Tajin seasoning can be adjusted to suit your preference for spiciness. Start with the suggested amounts in the recipe, then taste the brine and add more if you like it spicier, or reduce if you prefer a milder flavor.

Balance Sweetness: The sweetness of the pickles can be adjusted by varying the amount of sugar and sweet candy chamoy powder. Taste the brine before pouring it over the pickles, and adjust the sugar and sweet candy chamoy powder accordingly to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

Allow Time to Marinate: While it’s tempting to dig into the pickles right away, allowing them to marinate in the brine for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to meld and intensify. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they will become, so plan for optimal taste.

These tips will help you customize the recipe to your liking and ensure that your chamoy pickles turn out flavorful and delicious!

How to Enjoy Chamoy Pickles

As a Snack: Simply grab a few pickles from the jar and enjoy them on their own. Their sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors make for a satisfying snack any time of day.

On Tacos or Sandwiches: Add chamoy pickles as a flavorful topping to your favorite tacos or sandwiches. They can add a unique twist to your meals and complement other ingredients perfectly.

With Cheese and Crackers: Serve chamoy pickles alongside cheese and crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your guests.

In Salads: Chop up chamoy pickles and add them to salads for an extra burst of flavor. They can add a tangy and spicy kick to both green salads and grain salads.

As a Garnish: Use chamoy pickles as a garnish for cocktails or mocktails. They can add a fun and flavorful touch to drinks like margaritas or micheladas.

In Recipes: Incorporate chamoy pickles into your favorite recipes, such as stir-fries, rice dishes, or even pasta salads. Their unique flavor can enhance a wide range of dishes.

However you choose to enjoy them, chamoy pickles will surely add a delicious and distinctive flavor to your meals and snacks!

How To Store

To store chamoy pickles, refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting their flavor. Label the container with the date of preparation to track their freshness. Keep the pickles away from heat and light to prevent spoilage. Periodically check for signs of spoilage, such as mold or off odors, and discard if necessary.

Conclusion

Chamoy pickles are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a snack, a topping, or an ingredient in recipes, their unique taste adds a delicious twist to any dish. By storing them properly in the refrigerator and following basic food safety guidelines, you can enjoy the deliciousness of chamoy pickles for longer periods.

FAQ

Can I make chamoy pickles without chamoy sauce?

• While chamoy sauce is a key ingredient in traditional chamoy pickles, you can experiment with alternative sauces or combinations of spices to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Are chamoy pickles spicy?

• Yes, chamoy pickles often have a spicy kick due to the inclusion of ingredients like red pepper flakes, Tajin seasoning, or chili peppers in the chamoy sauce.

Can I use different vegetables to make chamoy pickles?

• Absolutely! While cucumbers are a common choice, you can use other vegetables such as carrots, jicama, or mangoes to make chamoy pickles. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Where can I buy chamoy sauce to make chamoy pickles?

• Chamoy sauce can often be found in the international foods section of grocery stores, specialty Mexican markets, or online retailers. You can also try making your chamoy sauce at home using common ingredients like pickled fruit, chili powder, and sugar.