Skip to main content

Garlic-Chile Vinegar

Sliced garlic with two red Thai chiles in a mason jar filled to the top with vinegar.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou

This spicy-tangy-funky condiment will become your secret weapon. Make a big batch (you can also try using different chiles, such as jalapeño, serrano, habanero, Fresno) and add a splash to soups, stews, braises, and creamy dressings. It'll bring some heat, acid, and lots of garlic flavor.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

7 red or green Thai chiles
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (1 1/2") piece ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
2 cups distilled white vinegar
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Special Equipment

A heatproof 1-qt. jar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place chiles, garlic, and ginger in a jar. Bring vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Pour hot brine into jar; let cool 30 minutes. Cover and chill at least 4 hours before using.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 2

    Garlic-chile vinegar can be made 4 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.

Read More
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Rotisserie chicken makes quick work of these no-cook rolls with a spicy peanut sauce.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
Tender, buttery breakfast pastries with crisp caramelized edges, a fragrant cinnamon-orange filling, and a crackly sugar topping.
So much more affordable than ordering from those fast casual salad chains.
This thrifty riff hinges on canned butter beans and a juicy grated tomato marinade.