Homemade Escabeche (Mexican Pickled Vegetables) are a perfect quick pickle condiment for your Mexican food! Great on tacos, burritos, and more!
I am a huge lover of Mexican recipes, only second to Italian, and this Homemade Escabeche is a great Mexican condiment to have on hand!
Typically, escabeche salad is made with red onion, carrot, and jalapeno peppers in a quick pickle. But you can add any other favorite vegetables, such as cauliflower (which I have seen a good amount of!).
If you want it super spicy, add either more jalapeno or a spicier pepper like serrano peppers or even habanero to this escabeche recipe. (Spicy carrots are just amazing as a sweet and spicy condiment!).
Also use more or less of any ingredient as you prefer. I personally love LOTS of onion and less carrot, so go with what you love!
It is an easy recipe to feel like you are at your favorite Mexican restaurant or local taqueria!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These pickled vegetables bring a ton of flavor with a tang to any recipe.
The acidity of the pickling liquid is a great balance to anything that is heavy or rich.
It is incredibly easy to make and a great condiment to share with anything Mexican or Latin!
What is Escabeche
Escabeche recipes originated when preserving food was highly necessary, blending Mediterranean food with Arabic methods.
Traditionally, escabeche refers to a method of preserving fish or meat by marinating it in a flavorful blend of vinegar, aromatic herbs, spices, and vegetables.
Modern adaptations have expanded the horizons of escabeche, making it suitable for a wide range of ingredients.
You will often find this vegetable escabeche recipe in Mexican restaurants served up as a condiment.
Pickled carrots and red onions are the most common variations or ingredients to find.
Ingredients Needed
You can find the full recipe and quantities in the recipe card below.
Here is what you need to make this Mexican pickled vegetable salad:
Red Onions – you could also use white or yellow onion if preferred
Carrots
Jalapeno – or spicier peppers if you want it hot!
Coriander (seed or ground)
Cumin (seed or ground)
Apple Cider Vinegar – white vinegar will also work
Sugar
Salt
Spices
The pickling in this vegetable escabeche recipe is very similar to Vietnamese Banh Mi pickles or classic cucumber pickles, but with Mexican spices of cumin and coriander.
Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant but tastes rather different, so if you are one of the people that things cilantro tastes like soap (which is hereditary, and fortunately not a problem I have), you might still like coriander!
The coriander seed and cumin seed are technically better options for a pickle, but if you are like me and do not want to buy an entire spice for one recipe, ground coriander and ground cumin are great as well.
The recipe includes amounts for both. Just know the ground spices might make the brine a little cloudy but otherwise the flavor should still be the same.
Instruction Overview
Want to know how to make escabeche? It literally takes just a few minutes to make Mexican Pickled Vegetables with an apple cider vinegar base.
And I recommend storing the escabeche vegetable salad in mason jars so you can see the contents.
Cut up your vegetables and place them in two pint jars. Heat your brine ingredients and then pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables.
Let the refrigerator pickles soak for at least 30 minutes and they are ready! Just pop them in the refrigerator once the jars are cool enough to handle (room temperature).
If you prefer crunchy veggies, you want to eat them within the first few days. They will get softer the longer they sit in the mixture of vinegar.
FAQs
What does escabeche mean in cooking?
What is the difference between escabeche and ceviche?
Ceviche is made with raw fish or shrimp in a mixture that involves an acid, such as lime, lemon, or vinegar. The acid very gently and lightly “cooks” the meat.
You could say it is somewhat pickled for this reason but is cooked and made in a very different way.
How is escabeche eaten?
But my favorite way to use them is as a topping or condiment for other tasty Mexican foods. It is perfect on tacos! See a list of our tacos below the recipe card.
Does escabeche need to be refrigerated?
Uses for Escabeche
This easy quick pickle recipe is a perfect condiment for your favorite Mexican dishes.
My favorite way to eat escabeche is on top of tacos! The acidity, crunch, and flavors are just perfect for pretty much any taco. You can find some of our favorite Mexican recipes and tacos to try it with below!
It also makes a great snack or side dish, and can be used on top of any other recipe that you want to bring some crunch and acidity to.
Modifications and Changes
Use any vegetable you want such as cauliflower florets, green beans, radishes, or garlic cloves! It is a great way to preserve and use up any vegetables you might need to get through.
Want it spicy? Use hotter peppers like a serrano, and/or more of them!
If desired, you can add a bay leaf or two to the vinegar and spice mixture. The bay leaves will add some subtle floral flavor.
Kim’s Tips
The thicker the vegetables are cut, the crunchier or firmer they are likely to be. Take this into consideration when thinking about what texture you want for how you are using them.
Change up the ratios to what you love. I am personally a fan of more onion, less carrot.
Taco Recipes Perfect for Escabeche
Taco Recipes
Whether Taco Tuesday or any day of the week, these taco recipes will bring excitement to dinner!
Escabeche Recipe (Mexican Pickled Vegetables)
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots sliced thin
- 1 large jalapeno sliced into thin rings
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (or 3/4 teaspoon coriander seeds)
- 1/4 heaping teaspoon ground cumin (or 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds)
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cut the vegetables and place them in a pint sized mason jar (or two). Use more or less of any vegetable as desired.1 small red onion, 2 medium carrots, 1 large jalapeno
- If using whole seeds, toast them in a small pot over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 heaping teaspoon ground cumin
- Add the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to the pot (and add the ground spices here if using ground instead) and bring to a boil.1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar, 3/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 heaping teaspoon ground cumin
- Remove the pot from the heat and pour the vinegar mixture into the jars over the vegetables. Let cool and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe, it is very helpful and I am so excited to try it!
This escabeche would be the perfect addition to our appetizer night! Thanks for all the tips, makes it even easier to make!
Pretty sure the vinegar to water ratio is reversed here. My first attempt I followed the recipe precisely and it ended up tasting like purely apple cider vinegar. I switched the ratio from 2:1 vinegar/water to 1:2 water/vinegar and it tasted much more like escabeche. The spices are good though!
Hi John,
So sorry you did not like it. It is not reversed as any pickled recipe should have at least 50% vinegar. I’ve had a lot of success with this recipe and guests but glad you found a ratio that works for you!
John – Possible solution for your taste, but in your description of the before after ratios; you ended up with the same/original ratios. I think you meant to indicate you switched the ratios from 2:1 vinegar/water to 1:2 vinegar/water; = less vinegar and more water is what I think you were trying to convey.
I love pickled vegetables but these have taken it to the next level! The chilli really adds an amazing flavour and heat! Iāll be eating these all summer!
This would be so perfect to make for topping tacos with! Love this. š
Hello. Is this recipe suitable for hot water bath canning? Thanks!
Hi Heidi,
I have not tried it, but I would suggest following instructions for doing so from a pickled recipe for your best chance! I would assume it would work, but again, have not tried it myself. Please let us know how it goes!
Loved the flavour of these! And so quick to make too! Thanks for the recipe!
I love this vegetable mixture and I’m so glad I found your recipe to make at home! This makes the best savory snack every time!
I love the mixture of the sweet carrot and onion and sour, and the colours are beautiful!
Pickled foods are my obsession. I can’t wait to give these Mexican pickles a try. Thanks for the recipe.
I love anything pickled and these look amazing.
I do pickled onions all the time. I also make my own escabeche de jalapeƱos. Now, I have to incorporate your veggie escabeche into my repertoire. Thanks for sharing.
I have never pickled anything in my life, but now I want to because this looks amazing!! I am bookmarking this to make this weekend š
Yummo! Everything I love in the one bowl. Thanks for a great recipe.
Such an easy recipe. Gathering all the ingredients, I am sure my mom will love this. Yum!
This pickled condiment is super colorful and seems very versatile as well. Thank you for sharing
This was an incredible tasting recipe that our family will cherish for the years to come. Great tips, tricks, and instructions! Have a fabulous day!
How long can I keep this in the refrigerator?
They should last at least two months!
I have all of the needed ingredients in my garden – excited to try this out with them all! Sounds delicious! Thanks for the share!
Hello everyone,
How soon can you eat them after jarring them?
Hi Doug,
They can be eaten as soon as 30 minutes after putting in the refrigerator
This is my second time making this recipe, tripled the recipe, added 2 heads of garlic and also red seedless sweeties (I call them red jalapeno) in addition to the green ones. Made 6 jars of 1 cup. absolutely delish and gorgeous presentation in glass jar.
thank you so much for posting.
How wonderful! I am so glad you like it and your additions sound amazing!
I love making these ahead of time. They add the perfect pop of acid to sandwiches and quesadillas
We make escabeche at home so i know that this dish is great! The ingredients are fresh and well taken care of, the flavors we’re on point and the presentation is good!