Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 to 5 cups)
- 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced into rings
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 to 3 sprigs fresh dill, optional
For the Hot Honey Pickling Brine
- 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar, optional, for extra sweetness
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
Instructions
Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Slice the jalapeños into rings. For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds. Make sure the florets are fairly even in size so they pickle at the same rate. Pat them dry so they do not dilute the brine.
Place the cauliflower florets into a clean glass jar. Add the jalapeño slices, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and dill if using. Pack the florets snugly so they stay below the brine, but do not crush them. A wide-mouth quart jar is ideal. Tuck the jalapeños and garlic between the florets so they are distributed throughout the jar.
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey, sugar (if using), salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat gently, stirring until the honey and salt dissolve. Bring the mixture to a brief simmer, then remove from the heat. Do not boil the brine for long, since extra cooking is not necessary and can change its flavor.
Carefully pour the warm brine into the jar until the cauliflower is fully covered. Leave a little space at the top and gently tap the jar to release trapped air bubbles. Use a clean utensil to press down any florets that float above the brine. Everything should be completely submerged.
Allow the jar to cool at room temperature until it is no longer hot, then cover and refrigerate promptly. Do not leave the jar out for long periods, and never store it at room temperature.
For the best flavor, chill for at least 24 hours. The cauliflower will become more flavorful after 2 to 3 days. Gently tilt the jar once a day so the honey, spices, and heat stay evenly distributed.
Serve cold as a crunchy, sweet-and-spicy snack or add it to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, and appetizer boards. Always use a clean fork or tongs to take florets from the jar. 🌶️🍯