Effortless Quick Pickled Rhubarb

Featured in Kitchen Basics & Cooking Fundamentals.

Love something tangy and sweet? You’ll have this zippy rhubarb jarred up in about 15 minutes. Sliced rhubarb cozies up with garlic, sugar, vinegar, and a spicy mix like mustard seeds, peppercorns, or a bit of star anise for kick. Pour your hot vinegar mix on top, let it chill, then tuck it in the fridge at least overnight so everything mingles just right. It’s awesome on salads, meats, or your next cheese board—anything that needs a boost of color and sharp flavor. Waiting longer only makes it tastier and crunchier, so be patient if you can!

Sarah Recipes
Updated on Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:43:03 GMT
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Effortless Quick Pickled Rhubarb | recipesaddicts.com

Got heaps of rhubarb or just craving something different with a savory kick This quick-pickled rhubarb is a flavor bomb and you only need about fifteen minutes to whip it up It's sweet a bit tangy and smells amazing Snack on it straight from the jar or throw it on your sandwiches salads or cheese spreads

I made this for a backyard BBQ and it was the first thing to vanish Now every spring my buddies keep bugging me to bring more pickled rhubarb

Tasty Ingredients

  • Fresh garlic: Firm cloves bring a bit of punch to the brine and stay crisp
  • Star anise pods: For sweet aroma and pretty looks whole pods are best
  • Yellow mustard seeds: If you can get them pick fat unbroken seeds for their zing
  • Whole black peppercorns: Start peppery then mellow out the longer they sit
  • Kosher salt: Go for medium salt so your rhubarb stays crunchy
  • Granulated sugar: White sugar lets the rhubarb's flavor pop
  • Distilled white vinegar: Super tangy and keeps everything sharp and clean
  • Rhubarb: Deep red thin stalks make everything look and taste better

Simple Walkthrough

Chill and Pickle:
After it's cooled pop the lid on and stick it in the fridge for a day or longer The flavors just get better so try to wait at least one day
Cool Completely:
Leave the jar open at room temp until it cools down That way the brine really gets into your rhubarb and no extra water forms inside
Pour Brine Over Rhubarb:
Gently pour that hot brine right into your jar over the rhubarb and garlic Fill it up to just below the rim so you can seal it after
Make the Brine:
Mix everything for the brine—vinegar sugar salt star anise mustard seeds and peppercorns—in a pot Heat it and keep whisking until you see big bubbles and all the sugar and salt's gone
Prepare the Jar:
Slice your rhubarb however you like—halfinch or quarterinch pieces work best Pack the jar tight with those plus smashed garlic Longer sticks can go in straight up and down for a cool effect
A jar of Pickled Rhubarb. Pin it
A jar of Pickled Rhubarb. | recipesaddicts.com

Whenever I use star anise it takes me right back to baking spicy cakes with my grandma It’s just an easy way to make savory things smell amazing

Keep It Fresh

Always store your pickled rhubarb in the fridge and keep the lid tight For crunchiest results eat within a month Use a clean fork or spoon every time so it stays fresh as long as possible

Swap Options

No star anise No problem—try a little chunk of cinnamon stick You can swap in red wine vinegar for a gentler taste Or use honey instead of sugar for a bit of flowery sweetness

Serving Ideas

Pickled rhubarb totally steals the show on cheese boards especially next to any creamy soft cheese Slide it into your favorite sandwich or stack it with your grilled meats like pork for something bright and zingy I even toss some into grain salads right before eating for a pop of flavor

Easy Pickled Rhubarb. Pin it
Easy Pickled Rhubarb. | recipesaddicts.com

History and Traditions

Rhubarb's got deep roots up north where folks preserve whatever they can before winter Fast pickles have always taken fresh stuff and turned it into bright tangy snacks Grandpa and grandma always had jars filled with pickled goodies—this is just my fun twist on their oldschool ways

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will pickled rhubarb keep in the fridge?

Keep your jar sealed in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for about a month. The flavor gets even better as time goes by.

→ Is green rhubarb okay to use?

Totally! Red rhubarb is just milder and looks prettier, but green rhubarb works fine, though it might taste a bit more tart.

→ Are whole spices a must?

Whole spices like mustard seeds and peppercorns make the rhubarb taste more interesting. Ground spices cloud things up but can work in a pinch.

→ What goes well with pickled rhubarb?

It’s great with cheeses, on grilled meats or even tossed into salads when you want something sharp and bright on your plate.

→ When can I eat pickled rhubarb?

Let it chill in the fridge for at least one full day so everything soaks in. You’ll get better crunch and flavor that way.

Effortless Quick Pickled Rhubarb

Lively pickled rhubarb with garlic and spice, perfect with charcuterie, tossed in salads, or served with grilled foods.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sarah

Category: Cooking 101

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 1 litre (quart) jar

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Pickling Mix

01 2 star anise pods, whole
02 3 grams mustard seeds, yellow
03 4 grams black peppercorns, whole
04 7 grams kosher salt
05 67 grams regular sugar
06 295 millilitres distilled white vinegar
07 3 garlic cloves, medium, smashed
08 340 grams rhubarb, red and tender, cut into 6-12 mm chunks

Instructions

Step 01

Let your pickles sit out till they hit room temperature. Pop on the lid and chill in the fridge. Wait at least a day before you dig in. They'll get even better with time.

Step 02

Slowly pour the steaming pickling liquid right over the garlic and rhubarb. Make sure everything is totally covered.

Step 03

Toss the vinegar, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and star anise into a pot. Crank the heat up to medium-high and wait for it to bubble and for the sugar to disappear.

Step 04

Drop in the sliced rhubarb and bashed garlic into a clean glass jar (one litre).

Notes

  1. Try these tangy rhubarb bites on grilled meat, on a cheese plate, or tossed into salad. They soften up and get tastier the longer they chill. Eat within a month for the freshest flavor.
  2. Inspired by Martha Stewart Living, May 2021.

Tools You'll Need

  • Glass jar with lid, one litre
  • Pot or saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 114
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 5 g