Make snappy, tangy dilly beans quickly without canning. These refrigerator pickles are perfect for snacking and use fresh dill and garlic for bold flavor.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:2 quarts1x
Category:Snack
Method:Quick Pickling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
4 cups water
1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
2 tablespoons pickling salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
4 heads fresh dill (or 4 teaspoons dill seed)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy beans)
Instructions
Wash the green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends off the beans.
Prepare your jars: Use two quart-sized or four pint-sized canning jars with lids and bands. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and keep them warm.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, pickling salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Remove from heat.
Pack the jars: Divide the garlic cloves, dill heads (or seed), and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly among the prepared jars.
Pack the trimmed green beans tightly into the jars, standing them up vertically if possible. Pack them firmly to keep them crunchy.
Pour the hot brine over the beans, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar. Ensure all beans are covered by the brine.
Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar. Adjust the brine level if necessary to maintain 1/2 inch headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Place the lids on and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
Cool and store: Let the jars cool to room temperature on the counter. Once cool, place the jars in the refrigerator.
Wait at least 24 hours before eating the dilly beans. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Notes
For the crunchiest beans, you can soak the trimmed green beans in ice water for 1 hour before packing them into the jars.
If you prefer a traditional canned version, process these jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes after sealing.
These refrigerator pickles are a great alternative to complex meal planning when you need a quick, flavorful side dish.