A true pub favourite, this Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Recipe is done my way. With so many variations competing for “the best” tasting egg, I had to come up with my own version too.
I will admit this is the first time I have attempted making pickled eggs. All these years, I really thought they were disgusting. The concept of putting a hard boiled egg in brine was something that I could not wrap my head around.
Since I was a kid, my mom made pickled eggs. In fact, she was a true “canner”. All kinds of pickles, fruits, jams, canned tomatoes, sauces and of course sauerkraut, lined the walls of the cold cellar.
I still remember that room in the basement. It was dark and only had a small light bulb that did not provide much light at all. The door was hard to open, and the cement floor was uneven. Inside the wooden shelves were lined with various sizes of glass jars. It was like entering some sort of dingy, creepy biology lab.
Perhaps my childhood imagination got the best of me. That room totally freaked me out. Whenever my mom asked me to go get something, I would take a flashlight with me. I was in and out as fast as possible, hoping I got the right jar. Maybe that is why I don’t have a cold room in my house??
Do You Like Pickled Eggs?
Ok, so back to the pickled eggs. Mom would make these for every stag or bachelor party that was hosted by the family. Seems the guys loved eating these, especially when they drank beer. Guess that is why they are a pub favourite, especially in the UK.
For the life of me I could never figure out why these are such a hit. Hard boiled eggs are delicious, but after sitting in a jar of vinegar? It just reminded me of preserving something in a science lab. The smell, and from what I could see (since I didn’t eat them) the texture, did not appeal to my culinary senses.
Of course, my husband happens to be one of those people who loves pickled eggs. He would always be so happy when mom made them. In fact ,she would make a jar just for him. Perfect, I got to see these sitting in my fridge every time I opened the door.
We will be married 40 years this October. Finally, I decided that I would make hubby happy, and try to re-create my mom’s pickled eggs. After searching I finally found her handwritten recipe. That alone brought back some fond memories of the wonderful food I once enjoyed. I still miss her cooking, at least most of it. She also made pickled herrings (yuk). Just listening to the crunch as the knife cut through the fish. Creepy science project number 2!!
So Many Variations
After looking at her recipe, I just could not see how this would be tasty. Vinegar, salt, and mustard powder? Really? What happened to balance? Isn’t there supposed to be water, sugar, and seasoning?
Not liking the sounds of her recipe, I sat down with trusty google to search for a better alternative. I personally didn’t have anything to taste reference it to. I NEVER tasted any pickled eggs she made.
My search revealed endless recipes of pickled eggs. Brines can be all vinegar, no vinegar, beet juice (if you want pink ones), white vinegar, cider vinegar, and even just water. Some had salt, some had sugar, some had both. Dill, onion, garlic, various herbs and spices, each recipe slightly different from the next. All aiming for the end result of the perfect pickled egg.
So MY version consists of vinegar, water, sea salt and pickling spice. Hard boil some eggs. Sterilize a glass jar. Boil the brine, and let it cool slightly. Place the peeled eggs in the jar, and cover with the brine and seal.
I left them on the counter for a couple of hours, then I placed them in the fridge. Allow at least 2-3 days before eating. The longer they sit in the brine, the stronger the taste.
Ok now for the test. I let hubby do the honours. I sure didn’t need to, I don’t know how they are supposed to taste, let alone compare this recipe to my mom’s. Well to my surprise, he LOVED them. In fact even better than mom’s!! They paired perfectly with one of his favourite beers Beaus Lug Tread.
Curiosity got the best of me. I really needed to find out what the fascination is with this pub fare. Cautiously I finally ate my very first pickled egg. I didn’t know what to expect. The way I can explain it is a mild vinegar taste, with a huge hit of pickling spice. The texture of the egg is similar to a hard boiled egg. The yolk is about the same, with the egg white having a slight “rubber” feel to it. Apparently the longer they sit in the brine, the more rubber they become.
Do I love it? No. Do I hate it? No. One thing I do know, I can finally say I made and tasted a pickled egg. The fact that it actually beat my mom’s version (which was gold), does bring a smile to my face.
If you are looking for the perfect way to boil eggs for this Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Recipe, check out the post How To Bake Perfect Boiled Eggs In Oven from my friend Julia over at Imagelicious.
What about you, pickled eggs “yay” or “nay”?
For more great eggs recipes try: The Green Devil or Poached Eggs and Lentil Hash.
Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Done My Way
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs (hard boiled & peeled)
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp course sea salt
- 1 tbs pickling spice
Instructions
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Sterilize a large mouth jar.
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Hard boil and peel the eggs.
To make the Brine:
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In a pot combine the vinegar, water, salt and pickling spice.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
To Pickle:
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Place peeled eggs into the clean jar.
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Pour brine over eggs.
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Seal jar. Leave on kitchen counter for about 1 hour, then place in fridge.
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Let eggs sit in brine for at least 3 days before eating.
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ENJOY!!
Recipe Notes
***Always keep the pickled eggs refrigerated until ready to eat*** These will keep for several months.
You can take them out of the brine and bring them to room temperature before eating if you wish.
You can make less brine if you wish. I wanted to make sure I had the eggs completely submerged in the liquid.
Will eggs go bad if canned and place in a cool area with my other canned items?
Seriously I don’t know how long these will actually last. I can say I have made them and kept them in the fridge for several weeks. You can buy them in the grocery store here….so they will last for quite some time….in the fridge….at least that is where I would keep them.
How nice of you to recreate your mom’s famous pickled egg recipe for the hubby Gloria. I have to say that I don’t think I have ever had pickled eggs but I bet they make a nice addition to salads.
Thanks…it took me a LONG time to do it, but he is happy I did.
I totally get the creepiness of the basement / cellar. We had a wine cellar that I would often be convinced into venturing in to grab things from. Whether that was pickled goods, wine, whatever it may be. It really wigged me out. I could see why that would add an element of skepticism when it comes to pickling things! Now that I have broken down that barrier I love pickling! I hope I have time to try your recipe soon, thank you for sharing!
HAHAH…yes the creepy cellar….so funny. Hope you give these a try.
Do you have to stick them in the fridge? I remember my aunt making them all the time but hers was always on the counter which her house stayed cool. So I am just wondering if you have to stick them in the fridge?
I keep mine in the fridge, because I make them and the last a few months. In bars they keep them on the counter…but would go through them faster than us for sure. You can always bring out a few and let them get to room temperature if you like…either way they are delicious. Hope you give them a try…my hubby LOVES them. Too bad it took me so long to make them for him.
This looks so simple! Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome….ENJOY!!
I have never tried picklesd egg this looks interesting will try
Hope you enjoy them.
Making me hungry!
I am SO intrigued by these!!! YUM!
Well it certainly too me a LONG time to make them and eat them.
I’ve never tried them, but I like a little vinegar pucker and pickling spice, so who knows? Might be my new favorite!
The are unique that is for sure. Hope you give them a try.
Can’t wait to try this!
Hope you enjoy them!!
Great pictures. Beautiful shot.
Thanks so much…hope you give them a try.
I only tried pickled eggs once or twice that I recall and didn’t care for them. My Mom used to make these pickled beets with eggs in them, the eggs had great color but tasted pretty awful.
Yup I think it a love or hate relationship with pickled eggs.
Now, this is something very new to me as I’ve never pickled eggs ever at home but have had it many a times outside. Infact, it looks so easy to make our own pickled version and I’ll give it a try soon.
They are not difficult, but I really do think they are a “love”or “hate” food item.
I’m a huge fan of anything pickled. I can’t seem to get enough of it. I love the sugary, acidic taste of pickled food. Although I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted pickled eggs before. These will be next on my list. How long would they last?
Well let me know how you like them. Seriously I really think they are a “guy” thing…and least more guys like them.
I’ve actually never had pickled eggs before! I love eggs in all form so I’m sure I would love these. I must try this recipe!
If you try them,let me know what you think!!
Gloria, I haven’t eaten pickled eggs. I Never thought that one existed. But your post made me think that I am wrong. Love that you made a perfect pickled eggs, mom are always best inspiration when comes to cook as we grow up eating the food made by them. Still I find difficult in recreating my mom’s few recipe. I don’t know I will pickle the eggs may be in future.
Well don’t feel bad if you don’t do pickled eggs….it took me 40 years of marriage to try them too!!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried pickled eggs before, but there are some Wyoming companies that make pickled quail eggs that I have been curious about. My husband would probably love these with some of his favorite beer made in, Milk Stout Nitro
Well they seem to go well with beer….so he may just like them.
I’ve never eat a pickled egg myself. Seem like they are man food. I have made them years ago but you are braver than me. I didn’t taste them. Just handed them off to the guys LOL.
Yup…I hear ya. Took me forever to give them a try myself.
This is very interesting recipe. I often eat pickled cucumbers and even make them sometimes at home but it would never crossed my mind to pickle eggs. I’m not really sure if I would like it or not but I definitely need to try it out.
Well don’t feel bad, it took me a long time to give these a try. It just might be a “love” or “hate” relationship for this one.
My aunt’s house used to have that same little creepy cold cellar, we’d always run in and out with a flashlight too – scary! I’ve never tried a pickled egg, but this looks like a really interesting recipe!
HAHA…see it is creepy right!! One day you might give these a try…it took me a LONG time to finally try time too.
This would be a nice hostess gift for someone who loves beer. Just imagine – a nice basket filled with a few artisanal beers, a packet of crisps and a jar of these pickled eggs!
Well I would have to agree….a beer lover would love this idea. In fact, we were bottling wine today…and the store owner was intrigued as well.
I love the story behind your pickled egg recipe! These look a lot better than the ones I see at bars!
Well the story is really what made me finally make them.
I’ve never tried pickled Eggs either. Not sure Why since I love hard boiled eggs and pickles..Just seems like it would be a good combination. But I’ve never really canned anything so maybe that’s why. Glad Hubby loved these 🙂
Well I love hard boiled eggs too…and it took me this long to give these at try.
I never tried pickled eggs before but I’m curious now. We eat a lot of hard boiled eggs for Easter. I might just go and try something different this year. Lovely story 😉
Hope you like them…and have a great Easter!!
Your pickled eggs really fascinate me. I’ve never seen in the States except for beet juice pickled eggs and they turn a neat purple. Now, I would try these because I do like hard cooked eggs. Now, if you’re a guy don’t read the rest—- but guys tastes go out the door when they’re drinking beer. They will try all sorts of disgusting things. That being said — this is definitely not disgusting. I’m anxious to try it.
HAHAH…well it sure took a long time for these to make an appearance in my house. As you can tell from my story….I wasn’t a fan. Hubby is glad I experimented in the kitchen for him.
I’m loving your version of pickled eggs. It’s not something I eat very often but I think it’s going to happen soon after reading your post. I’ll let you know how they turn out.
HAHA…well I hope they turn out for you. ENJOY…and I would love to know how you like them.
this is brand new to me – now you are inspiring me to try a pickled egg
Well it sure took me a long time to give them a try.
I’m just now at this later stage of life starting to enjoy the taste of pickled food, and I’ve never tried pickled eggs before. Such a wonderful read!
Glad you enjoyed the read. I does bring back memories for me…so I just had to share.
I remember eating a lot of these growing up, but since moving to the U.S I haven’t had any. I need to try this recipe.
You were way braver than me that’s for sure.
Such a funny post! I’ve never tried pickled eggs either, and honestly, I’m a little scared to! Lol. But you make it seem really approachable!
HAHAH…well I totally understand the “scared”….took me long enough to give them a try.
I’m with you sister — pickled eggs – not so much. There are so many other things I want to eat pickled — like pickles, I’m not going with the eggs – but I absolutely love the story about your Mom’s room lined with canned items and how you did this for your husband. My hats off to you!
Thanks so much….he was thrilled I did too.
I’ve never had pickled eggs before, but have seen them in a restaurant once. Now I really need to give these a try!
Well enjoy the experiment. You just might be surprised with the results too.
What a great read Gloria. I love pickled vegetables but I’ve never tried a pickled egg. They’re always on the counter with the pickled onions at the Fish and Chip Shop but I’ve never fancied them with a chip supper somehow, although I do have a pickled onion. Maybe it’s time to have a try 🙂
Well it sure took me long enough to give them a try. Hubby is so happy I finally took the plunge!!
This really made me laugh! While I love pickled vegetables, I’m also slightly apprehensive about the pickled egg. But they seem so popular, it would be a shame not to give it a go! I look forward to trying your recipe.
HAHAH…well I am glad you had a good laugh. However….your apprehension is totally understood. It took me 40 years of marriage to give these a try.
This is new for me and I’m totally taken by this. I’m definitely going to give this dish a try.
They are very popular in the UK…and of course in many pubs. I do know that hubby is very happy I finally gave them a try.
Great recipe and so timely with Easter just around the corner!
Well if this is you cup of tea, hope you give them a try. Took me long enough.
Pickled eggs are such a classic British snack food. I know someone who would like these
Hope they enjoy them.
I never realized pickled eggs were popular anywhere else other than in small town bars in Saskatchewan(Canada) I love pickled eggs. I have since I was a kid. I made hard boiled eggs in my instant pot(it’s a game changer!) Not that hard boiled eggs are difficult to make but the ones from the instant pot peeled so easily. I’ll be making this recipe tonight and I’ll post how they taste in 3 days when they’re ready ?
Awesome…hope you like them. My husband still reaves about them…guess that means he wants more.
Never tried these but it does sound interesting with the vinegar and salt, I would actually love to try it.
Well it sure took me a long time to try them…so that’s ok!!
Oh this sounds so delish. I cannot remember the last time I had pickled eggs. Must be years!! and they do go well with alcohol as I recall. I must try these..
Well it took me YEARS to make them…so it’s a balance right. As for the alcohol, apparently it does.
I”ve don’t think I’ve ever had a pickled egg, pickled onion yes but not an egg. I’ve had 100 year old Chinese preserved egg, which are kind of green and murky looking and I actually quite like them, occasionally! Not sure I’ll be pickling eggs just yet, I need to taste one first – have you any left???? 😉
HAHA…yes there are a few left. Hubby keeps dipping into the jar. I do think I will have to make them again for sure…for him!!
I’m with you, Gloria! I haven’t tried pickled eggs and the idea of them is a bit scary! After your description I am not as scared of trying them though but it’s not something that appeals to me. Your pictures, however, are lovely! And I love your story of the “science experiment” basement with the jars. Back in Russia my grandparents also had a similar space.
I still remember that creepy room. Thanks for the comment…and hope you give them a try.