You've probably seen those pickled eggs in bars and pubs. They're a popular tasty appetizer that's been around for ages, and people love munching on them while sipping an ice-cold beer. But what do pickled eggs taste like?
Well, I'm here to spill the beans on pickled eggs and share three mouth-watering recipes you should definitely try at home! Before we begin don't forget to try these Pickled Red Beet Eggs.
Jump to:
What Is a Pickled Egg?
A pickled egg is a hard-boiled egg that's been soaked in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices. You just put the eggs in a jar with the pickling liquid and let them sit for a while, usually a few days or weeks. This process allows the eggs to soak up all the tasty flavors and get that tangy, slightly sour taste.
You can use different flavorful ingredients like apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic, onion, mustard seed, and dill to make the pickling solution. It's up to you to pick and choose what you like!
The History of Pickled Eggs
Pickle eggs have been a go-to snack for folks across the globe for ages. Sailors and soldiers especially loved them because they're packed with protein and can last long, making them the perfect travel food. Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, you could even find jars of pickled eggs right on the bar counter of neighborhood taverns.
These days, people still love munching on pickled eggs, and there are all kinds of flavors to choose from. You can stick with the classic kind or try something a little more daring, like beet-pickled or jalapeño-pickled eggs. There's something for everyone!
Nutritional Benefits of Pickled Eggs
Pickled eggs are a fantastic source of protein that your body needs to build and repair muscle and tissues. Plus, they're low in calories and carbs, making them a great snack if you're trying to maintain a healthy weight or manage your blood sugar levels.
But that's not all! Pickled eggs also have probiotics that help with digestion and boost your immune system. Snacking on pickled eggs is not only tasty, but also good for overall health and well-being!
What Do Pickled Eggs Taste Like?
Pickled eggs have a flavor that's all their own, and it can be tough to put into words. The first thing you'll taste is the tangy, sour flavor of the pickling solution. This solution is usually made with vinegar, salt, and other spices, giving the egg a distinct sweet and sour taste.
Once you get past the tanginess, you'll start to taste the egg itself. The texture will be firmer than a boiled egg, with a slightly rubbery feel. The yolk will be creamy and rich, and it will have absorbed some of the flavors from the pickling solution.
Why Are Pickled Eggs Rubbery?
Pickled eggs can become rubbery due to a few different factors. One possible reason is that they have been overcooked before pickling. Overboiling eggs can cause them to become tough and rubbery, and this texture is preserved even after pickling.
Another possible reason is that the eggs were too long in the pickling solution. The acidity of the pickling solution can cause the egg whites to become tough and rubbery if left in it for an extended period.
Lastly, the quality of the eggs can also play a role. If the eggs were already old or not very fresh before they were pickled, they may have had a rubbery texture to begin with, which would be further intensified by the pickling process.
How Long Is the Shelf Life of Pickled Eggs?
The shelf life of pickled eggs can vary depending on how they are prepared and stored. When properly prepared and stored in the refrigerator, pickled eggs typically last up to 3-4 weeks.
Note that the quality of the eggs and the pickling solution can also affect the shelf life. If the eggs were not fresh or the pickling solution was not properly prepared or stored, the pickled eggs may spoil more quickly and pose a risk of foodborne illness.
Do Pickled Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, you should keep your pickled eggs in your fridge to keep them fresh and safe to eat!
Just make sure to keep your refrigerator pickled eggs in a sealed container, and keep the temp at or below 40°F. And if you're taking them to a picnic or party, keep them chilled and put them back in the fridge when you're done snacking.
Three Delicious Pickled Eggs Recipe
Here are some of the most popular pickle egg recipes to try at home!
Beet Pickled Eggs
Lots of people in Eastern Europe and the US love beet-pickled eggs! They make a tasty snack or appetizer and can even be used to spruce up egg salads and sandwiches.
To make them yourself, start by boiling some farm-fresh eggs until they're hard. After peeling them, put in a jar or container with a pickling solution that includes cooked beets, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Then let them soak for a few hours or overnight, so they can absorb the color and flavor of the beets.
Besides tasting great and looking cool, beet-pickled eggs have some nutritional benefits. The pickled beets in the solution are high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure and improve digestion.
Jalapeno Pickled Eggs
Jalapeño pickled egg is a type of pickled egg that has a spicy flavor from jalapeño peppers. To make jalapeño pickled eggs, hard-boiled eggs should be soaked in a pickling solution made with vinegar, water, salt, sugar, sliced jalapeño peppers, and other seasonings like garlic and black pepper.
The eggs absorb the spicy flavor of the peppers and become tangy and flavorful. Jalapeño pickled eggs can be served as a snack or appetizer, sliced and added to sandwiches or salads, or used as a garnish for dishes like deviled eggs or egg salad.
Spiced Pickled Eggs
Spiced pickled eggs are hard-boiled eggs soaked in a pickling solution infused with aromatic spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The eggs absorb the flavors of the spices and become tangy and flavorful.
To make spiced pickled eggs, you can follow a recipe similar to the classic pickled egg recipe, but with various spices. Spiced pickled eggs are a delicious and easy snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed on their own or added to sandwiches, salads, or cheese boards for an extra burst of flavor.
