Zesty Spicy Pickled Eggs

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### **How to Make Zesty Spicy Pickled Eggs**

#### **1. Hard-Boil the Eggs:**
– Place the eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
– Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully and set aside.

#### **2. Prepare the Pickling Brine:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the **vinegars**, **water**, **sugar**, and **salt**. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
– Add the **red pepper flakes**, **mustard seeds**, **peppercorns**, **garlic**, **onion**, **chili peppers**, and **bay leaves** to the brine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

#### **3. Assemble the Pickled Eggs:**
– Place the peeled eggs into a clean glass jar or multiple jars, ensuring they fit snugly.
– Pour the hot brine over the eggs, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, add a little more vinegar and water to cover the eggs completely.

#### **4. Seal and Store:**
– Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jars.

#### **5. Let the Flavors Develop:**
– Allow the eggs to pickle for at least **3-5 days** before enjoying them. For deeper flavor and spice, let them sit for up to a week or more.

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### **How to Enjoy Your Zesty Spicy Pickled Eggs**

– **As a Snack:** Perfect on their own as a quick, protein-packed snack.
– **In Salads:** Slice them up to add zest to green salads or potato salads.
– **With Sandwiches:** Add slices to sandwiches or wraps for a tangy twist.
– **On a Charcuterie Board:** A unique addition to any cheese and meat platter.
– **With Drinks:** Pair them with a cold beer or Bloody Mary for a pub-style treat.

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### **Tips for Success**

1. **Sterilize Your Jars:** To keep your pickled eggs fresh and safe, sterilize your jars and lids before use by boiling them for a few minutes.
2. **Customize the Heat:** Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper and fresh chili peppers to suit your spice preference.
3. **Experiment with Flavors:** Add a pinch of turmeric for color or fresh dill for a herby twist.
4. **Storage:** Store the pickled eggs in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

Zesty Spicy Pickled Eggs are the perfect combination of tangy, bold, and spicy. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or as a snack to keep on hand, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Once you try these, you’ll see why pickled eggs have been a beloved treat for generations!

Ready to spice up your snack game? Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!