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Pickled mustard seeds in a blue bowl with a spoon.

Homemade Pickled Mustard Seeds

Keri Bevan
Homemade pickled mustard seeds can be used in so many ways. They're a great way to level up your favorite sandwich or salad. They're also easy to make, and once you taste them, I guarantee they'll earn a permanent spot in your fridge.
5 from 27 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 28 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • ½ cup yellow mustard seeds
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine the white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, bay leaves and salt in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve all the ingredients.
  • Meanwhile, put the mustard seeds in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
  • Remove the pan from the stove and strain through a fine mesh strainer. Return the seeds to the empty pan, and repeat step 2 three additional times. This is called blanching, and it's what removes the bitterness from the mustard seeds. For more information on the importance of blanching mustard seeds before pickling, see note #1 below.
  • Now, transfer the blanched seeds to the pot with the brine. Bring to a boil and quickly reduce the heat to a low simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the water has been absorbed and the seeds are gelatinous. Keep a close on the seeds as they're boiling, and add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the seeds become too dry.
  • Transfer the seeds to a clean container and allow them to cool. Cover and refrigerate.

Notes

  • You really shouldn't skip blanching your mustard seeds. Mustard seed can have a very bitter flavor if you pickle them without blanching them first. I know it's a hassle, and there's a good few recipes on the internet that skip this step, but trust me on this: you will taste the bitterness of the mustard seeds and it will spoil your pickle.

Nutrition

Calories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword pickled mustard seeds
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