Are you looking to add a tangy twist to your meals? Look no further than the humble pickled plum! With its sweet and sour flavor profile, this versatile ingredient can elevate everything from sandwiches to salads. But what makes pickled plums so special is their incredible range of flavors – from spicy to sweet, and everything in between.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different recipes for pickled plums that showcase the incredible variety of flavors you can achieve with this simple ingredient. From classic pairings like honey and ginger to bold combinations like chili lime and rosemary, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own pickled plums at home.
Spicy Honey Pickled Plums
Sweet and tangy, these Spicy Honey Pickled Plums are a unique twist on traditional pickling. Perfect for topping yogurt or oatmeal, using as a garnish for cocktails, or serving as a sweet and spicy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums (such as Italian prunes or Santa Rosa), sliced
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp pickling spice blend (containing mustard seeds, coriander, and turmeric)
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, water, pickling spice blend, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack sliced plums into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
4. Seal jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Allow pickles to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ginger and Star Anise Pickled Plums
Transform ordinary plums into a sweet and tangy condiment by pickling them with ginger and star anise. This unique recipe adds a warm, aromatic flavor to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add sliced ginger and whole star anise pods to the syrup. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Pack plum slices into a clean glass jar or container. 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 at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pickled Plum Chutney
Add a tangy twist to your snacks or meals with this sweet and sour pickled plum chutney recipe. This condiment is perfect for topping naan bread, yogurt, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums (such as Italian prunes), pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, vinegar, water, ginger, and cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the 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. Stir in salt to taste.
5. Let the chutney cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Umeboshi Pickled Plums
Umeboshi, a type of pickled plum, is a traditional Japanese condiment used to add flavor and balance to various dishes. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make your own umeboshi at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums (ume), pitted
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup salt
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup Kombu seaweed (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the plums and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the plums and combine them with sugar, salt, and rice vinegar in a saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. If using Kombu seaweed, add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Thai-Inspired Chili Lime Pickled Plums
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the flavors of Thailand with a twist on traditional pickling. These spicy, sour, and savory plums make a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes or as a unique snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pickling plums (such as Japanese or Chinese plums)
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice vinegar, chili flakes, lime juice, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the plums into a clean glass jar or container with the sliced red onion (if using).
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 1 week.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Rosemary and Garlic Pickled Plums
Add a twist to traditional pickling with this fragrant and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of plums with the pungency of rosemary and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums, sliced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, garlic, and rosemary. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the sliced plums into a clean glass jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quick Refrigerator Pickled Plums
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with these quick and easy pickled plums! Perfect as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or salads, or as a side dish for grilled meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh plums (such as Italian Prunes or Japanese Plums), sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine work well)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Optional: garlic cloves, peppercorns, or other aromatics for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack plum slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Pour hot pickling liquid over plums, making sure they’re fully covered.
5. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes or up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a refrigerator pickle!
Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Plums
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors with this easy-to-make recipe for pickled plums. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, these tangy treats will add a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh plums (such as Italian prunes or Santa Rosa), washed and halved
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, balsamic vinegar, sugar, water, white wine vinegar, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Transfer the pickled plums to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Five-Spice Pickled Plums
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pickling, these Five-Spice Pickled Plums are perfect for topping yogurt or oatmeal, adding to salads, or serving as a unique condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb plums (any variety), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tsp five-spice powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, five-spice powder, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack plum slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at top.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (pickling liquid), 24 hours (refrigeration time)
Orange Zest and Cinnamon Pickled Plums
This unique recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the brightness of orange zest and the warmth of cinnamon, creating a tangy and flavorful condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh plums (such as Italian prunes), sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, vinegar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in orange zest and cinnamon stick.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
6. Store the pickled plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Pickled Plums
Elevate your snack game with these sweetly tangy and smokily spicy pickled plums! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with a depth of flavor from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums, sliced
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 cup vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, chipotle peppers, vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the plums are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Vanilla Bean and Cardamom Pickled Plums
This recipe adds a unique twist to traditional pickling by combining the sweetness of plums with the warmth of vanilla and cardamom. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, these pickled plums are sure to elevate your meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh plums, sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 2 whole cardamom pods
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced plums, white vinegar, sugar, water, and salt.
2. Add the split vanilla bean and whole cardamom pods to the mixture.
3. 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.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Pickled Plums with Thyme
Elevate your charcuterie board or savory dish with these sweet and tangy red wine pickled plums infused with the earthy flavor of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green plums, pitted
– 1 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the plums, red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, thyme sprigs, and salt.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 3 days to allow the plums to pickle.
3. After pickling, discard the thyme sprigs and store the pickled plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: At least 24 hours or up to 3 days for pickling.
Korean Gochujang Pickled Plums
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your meals with these Korean-inspired pickled plums, infused with the bold flavor of gochujang.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried plums (such as apricots or prunes)
– 1/2 cup gochujang paste
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Rinse the dried plums and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the plums again.
3. In a saucepan, combine gochujang paste, chili flakes, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, garlic, and ginger.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the soaked plums to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are rehydrated and the flavors have melded together.
6. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Basil Pickled Plums
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your plums with this refreshing recipe, perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a sweet and tangy garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh plums, sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh basil, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack plum slices into a clean glass jar or container with the basil sprigs.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Maple Syrup and Clove Pickled Plums
Sweet and tangy, these Maple Syrup and Clove Pickled Plums are a unique and delicious addition to any charcuterie board or dessert platter. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warmth of cloves and the richness of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums, sliced
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced plums, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, ground cloves, and salt.
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. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sichuan Peppercorn Pickled Plums
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional pickled plums, this recipe combines the tanginess of vinegar with the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns. Perfect as a topping for noodles or rice dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dried plums (Mume)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the plums and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the plums, then combine with sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorn oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
3. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Store the pickled plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 24 hours (plus soaking time)
Turmeric and Ginger Pickled Plums
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and tangy Turmeric and Ginger Pickled Plums, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a unique topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, honey, turmeric powder, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the plum slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to pucker up with these 18 tangy pickled plums recipes! From sweet and sour to spicy and smoky, there’s something for every taste bud. Try making Spicy Honey Pickled Plums or Ginger and Star Anise Pickled Plums for a unique flavor combination. Or, go classic with Sweet and Sour Pickled Plum Chutney or Japanese Umeboshi Pickled Plums. For a spicy kick, try Thai-Inspired Chili Lime Pickled Plums or Smoky Chipotle Pickled Plums. And don’t forget to check out the other 13 recipes for even more flavor inspiration!
