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Spicy Candied Jalapeños Recipe Easy Homemade Cowboy Candy with Apple Cider Vinegar

spicy candied jalapeños - featured image

This spicy candied jalapeños recipe, also known as cowboy candy, balances heat, sweetness, and tang with apple cider vinegar for a flavorful homemade condiment perfect for burgers, tacos, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh jalapeños, sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Slice about 1 pound (450 grams) of fresh jalapeños into thin rings, removing seeds if less heat is desired. Thinly slice 3 garlic cloves.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar, ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup, 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir gently to mix.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until syrup thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Add the sliced jalapeños and garlic to the syrup. Stir to coat evenly. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring every few minutes until jalapeños soften but retain slight crunch.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer jalapeños and garlic into sterilized glass jars. Pour syrup over, leaving about ½ inch headspace. Seal jars tightly.
  6. Let jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Allow flavors to meld for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes

Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat if desired. Stir syrup gently to avoid breaking jalapeño slices. Sterilize jars before storing to prevent spoilage. If syrup crystallizes when cooling, gently warm and stir again. Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy candied jalapeños, cowboy candy, jalapeño recipe, homemade condiment, apple cider vinegar, sweet and spicy, pickled jalapeños