When it comes to adding a burst of flavor and color to your meals, pickled plums are the perfect ingredient. With their tangy sweetness and versatility, they can elevate everything from sandwiches and salads to entrees and side dishes. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and sour snack or a spicy kick to add some excitement to your menu, we’ve got you covered with these 18 tangy pickled plums recipes.
From classic Japanese umeboshi plums to smoky chipotle-infused ones, each recipe on this list offers a unique twist on the traditional pickling process. With flavors ranging from honey-sweetened and rosemary-infused to spicy ginger and five-spice, there’s something for every taste bud and occasion. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of pickled plums, sharing our favorite recipes and tips to get you started.
Spicy Ginger Pickled Plums
Add a tangy and spicy twist to your meals with these flavorful pickled plums! Sweet, sour, and savory, they’re perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine plum slices, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days to allow flavors to meld.
4. After the pickling time, give the plums a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: None (refrigeration only)
Honey-Sweetened Pickled Plums
Savor the combination of sweet honey and tangy vinegar as these plums transform into a delicious pickled delight.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 plums, sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 cup (250ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125g) granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the plum slices and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the plums to release their juices.
2. Drain the plums and rinse them with cold water to remove excess salt.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, honey, black pepper, and 1/4 cup (60ml) of water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the plum slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch (2.5cm) of space at the top. Pour the pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 3 weeks before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Classic Japanese Umeboshi Plums
Umeboshi plums are a traditional Japanese ingredient used to add a tangy, sour flavor to various dishes, from sushi to soups. With this recipe, you can make your own umeboshi plums at home using just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh ume (Japanese plum) or substitute with sour cherries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup salt
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: Kombu seaweed sheet for added umami flavor
Instructions:
1. Rinse the plums and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, salt, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Garlic and Chili Pickled Plums
Add a tangy twist to your snack game with these Garlic and Chili Pickled Plums! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the bold flavors of garlic, chili peppers, and vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 plums (any variety), sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, garlic, and chili pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced plums to the pickling liquid and remove from heat.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days.
5. Before serving, give the plums a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus 24 hours of pickling time)
Rosemary-Infused Pickled Plums
Discover a unique twist on traditional pickling with this recipe that combines the sweetness of plums with the earthy flavor of rosemary. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, these pickled plums are sure to elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums, sliced
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sliced plums, chopped rosemary, and salt (if using). Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer the pickled plums to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup of pickled plums
Sweet and Sour Pickled Plums with Cinnamon
A twist on traditional pickling, this recipe adds a warm and comforting touch of cinnamon to the tangy sweetness of pickled plums. Perfect for topping yogurt or oatmeal, or as a unique addition to charcuterie boards.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh plums (any variety), sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tbsp pickling spice (optional)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and pickling spice (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced plums and cinnamon to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the plums evenly.
4. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until plums are tender and syrupy.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Five-Spice Pickled Plums
These pickled plums are a twist on the classic Chinese dessert, infusing sweet and sour flavors with the warmth of five-spice powder. Perfect as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or as a unique snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried plums (such as prunes)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine dried plums, sugar, and water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the plum mixture and reserve the liquid.
3. In a saucepan, combine reserved liquid, vinegar, five-spice powder, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the pickled plums into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
5. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Plums
This sweet and tangy recipe is perfect for using up ripe plums or as a unique condiment to add flavor to cheeses, meats, and crackers.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe plums, sliced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced plums, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
5. Store the pickled plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Zest Pickled Plums
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your favorite dishes with these sweet and tangy pickled plums. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, they’re sure to elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), pitted
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, orange zest, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the plums into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they’re completely covered.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate and allow to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Notes:
– Adjust the amount of orange zest to your taste.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Thai-Inspired Pickled Plums with Lemongrass
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy Thai-inspired pickling recipe, featuring plums infused with the aromatic flavors of lemongrass.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums (such as Japanese or Italian), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, lemongrass, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the plum pieces into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Pickled Plums
Elevate your snack game with these smoky chipotle pickled plums, a sweet and spicy twist on traditional pickles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced plums, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. After 30 minutes, refrigerate the pickled plums for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Vanilla Bean Pickled Plums
Transform juicy plums into a tangy and flavorful condiment with this easy recipe. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a unique accompaniment to cheese plates.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe plums (any variety), sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon pickling salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine plum slices and sugar. Let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the plums to release their juices.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, vanilla bean, and pickling salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack plum slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Star Anise and Clove Pickled Plums
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pickling, these plums are infused with the warm spices of star anise and cloves. Perfect as a side dish or topping for pork, cheese, or crackers.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 plums (any variety), sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tsp whole star anise
– 2 tsp whole cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, star anise, and cloves.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced plums to the pickling liquid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Lemon Basil Pickled Plums
This recipe combines the sweetness of plums with the brightness of lemon and the subtlety of basil, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums (such as Italian prunes), pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add white vinegar, lemon juice, and basil leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple-Glazed Pickled Plums
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these sweet and tangy pickled plums glazed with pure Canadian maple syrup. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, they’re a unique twist on traditional pickles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh plums, pitted
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, vinegar, water, sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the plums are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar, reserving the plums.
5. Pack the plums into the jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Pour the reserved pickling liquid over the plums.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Refrigerator Pickled Plums
In just a few hours, you can transform sweet plums into tangy and delicious pickles perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 plums (any variety), sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or white distilled)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced plums and vinegar.
2. Add water, sugar, and salt; stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (6-8 hours).
4. Before serving, give the pickles a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
These quick refrigerator pickled plums are perfect for topping yogurt parfaits, adding to salads, or enjoying as a healthy snack on their own. The best part? They’re ready in just a few short hours!
Sichuan Peppercorn Pickled Plums
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and numbing flavors with this unique pickling recipe, featuring Sichuan peppercorns. These plums are a perfect accompaniment to various Chinese dishes or as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Wash the plums and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, Sichuan peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the plums into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator. Allow the plums to pickle for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Red Wine Pickled Plums with Thyme
Elevate your charcuterie board or add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with these flavorful pickled plums. A perfect combination of sweet and sour, infused with the earthy notes of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound plums (such as Italian prune or Santa Rosa), sliced
– 1 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced plums and thyme sprigs to the pickling liquid. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 18 tangy pickled plums recipes! From classic Japanese Umeboshi Plums to Spicy Ginger Pickled Plums, and from Honey-Sweetened Pickled Plums to Smoky Chipotle Pickled Plums, there’s a recipe for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for sweet and sour flavors or bold and spicy ones, these pickled plum recipes will guide you through the process of creating delicious and unique condiments perfect for snacking, topping yogurt, or adding a tangy twist to your favorite dishes. Explore the world of pickling with us!