So you’re craving something salty, tangy, and maybe a little old-school… but you don’t exactly feel like busting out a dozen pots, pans, and weird gadgets, right? Enter: pub style pickled eggs. Yep, those mysterious jars of eggs you’ve probably seen sitting on the counter of a dive bar or your uncle’s garage. Turns out, they’re not that mysterious—or scary. In fact, they’re ridiculously easy to make, and once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t hop on the pickled-egg bandwagon sooner.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, it’s idiot-proof. Seriously, if you can boil water and peel an egg without crying (okay, even if you cry a little), you can nail this recipe.
Second, they’re the ultimate snack-that’s-not-actually-trash. Unlike chips or mystery drive-thru food, these little guys have protein, flavor, and a weirdly satisfying crunch. Plus, they last forever in the fridge. Like, the “I forgot about these for weeks, and they’re still fine” kind of forever.
And let’s be real: pulling out a jar of homemade pickled eggs when friends come over instantly gives you bonus “cool kitchen wizard” points. People will think you’re fancy when really, you just boiled eggs and threw them in vinegar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s keep it simple. Here’s your grocery list:
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12 hard-boiled eggs – The stars of the show. Try not to crack them like a caveman.
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2 cups white vinegar – The tangy hero that makes eggs last longer than a college student’s ramen stash.
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1 cup water – To tone down the vinegar punch.
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1 tablespoon salt – Flavor booster and preservative.
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1 tablespoon sugar – Don’t skip this; it balances the tang.
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2 garlic cloves – Smash them like you’re in an action movie.
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1 teaspoon black peppercorns – Whole, not ground.
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1 teaspoon mustard seeds – Optional, but adds a nice kick.
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1 small onion, sliced – Because why not add a little flair?
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Red pepper flakes (optional) – If you want your eggs to bite back.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Boil the eggs.
Toss your eggs in a pot of water, bring it to a boil, then cook for about 9–10 minutes. Done. -
Cool and peel.
Dump them in ice water so they stop cooking, then peel. If peeling makes you want to throw eggs across the room, welcome to the club. -
Make the brine.
In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, and spices. Bring to a quick boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. -
Layer it up.
Place peeled eggs and onion slices in a big glass jar (or multiple jars if you’re fancy). -
Pour the brine.
Carefully pour the hot brine over the eggs until they’re fully covered. Seal the jar tight. -
Chill and wait.
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 days before eating. Yes, waiting sucks, but trust me, the flavor is worth it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the peel test. If your eggs are too fresh, peeling will make you cry. Use slightly older eggs—they peel easier.
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Not letting them sit. Eating them the same day? Nope. That’s just a sad boiled egg in vinegar. Give them a few days.
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Using plastic containers. Vinegar + plastic = weird flavors. Glass jars only, my friend.
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Forgetting to cover the eggs fully. If they peek out of the brine, they dry up and look like weird alien eggs.
Alternatives & Substitutions
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Vinegar swap: Don’t have white vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar for a mellower flavor. Malt vinegar works too if you want that true “pub snack” vibe.
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Spice it up: Toss in jalapeños, dill, or even curry powder for flavor twists. (Curry pickled eggs = genius.)
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Sweet tooth fix: Like your pickles sweeter? Double the sugar. No judgment.
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Egg type: Quail eggs = bite-sized fancy. Duck eggs = richer flavor. Chicken eggs = the OG classic.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I eat them right away?
Technically yes, but also no. They won’t taste pickled—just like boiled eggs drowning in vinegar. Give it 3–4 days, minimum.
How long do pickled eggs last?
About a month in the fridge. But spoiler: you’ll probably eat them all before then.
Do they really need to stay in the fridge?
Yes, unless you enjoy living dangerously. Keep them cold.
Can I reuse the brine?
Please don’t. It’s like reusing a teabag—it just won’t be the same.
Will my house smell like vinegar forever?
Only for a little while. Light a candle, open a window, or embrace the “bar kitchen” vibe.
Do pickled eggs taste like regular eggs?
Kinda, but tangier, firmer, and way more addictive. Think: boiled egg + pickle had a baby.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—pub style pickled eggs that make you look way cooler (and maybe a little weirder) than you actually are. They’re salty, tangy, protein-packed, and ridiculously easy to pull off.
So go ahead, boil those eggs, whip up that brine, and wait a few days. Then crack open a jar, grab a beer, and pretend you’re in your favorite dive bar—without the sticky floors.
Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!
Related Recipes To Explore:-
- Irresistible Cherry Yum Yum Recipe
- Adult Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Easy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
- Irresistible Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe
- Japanese Fried Rice Recipe
Pub Style Pickled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small onion thinly sliced (optional)
- 2-3 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 small beet peeled and sliced (optional for pink eggs)
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Peel the eggs: Gently peel eggs under running water and set aside.
- Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool slightly.
- Pack the jars: Sterilize a quart-sized mason jar. Layer eggs, onion, and beet slices (if using) in the jar.
- Add the brine: Pour warm brine over eggs, ensuring they’re submerged. Leave 1/2 inch headspace. Seal the jar.
- Pickle: Refrigerate for at least 1 week, shaking occasionally for even flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3-4 months. Keep eggs submerged in brine.
- Spicy Variation: Add jalapeño slices for extra heat.
- Colorful Eggs: Use beets for pink eggs or turmeric for yellow.
- Serving Idea: Slice and serve on salads or with crackers.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
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