Vegan Cowboy Candy (candied jalapenos)

Vegan Cowboy Candy, also known as candied jalapenos, can be served as a condiment on about anything or enjoyed by itself.

This simple treat is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy peppers that can give a recipe or snack a perfect kick of flavors.

What is Cowboy Candy?

Cowboy Candy, also known as candied jalapenos, is a condiment made with peppers that have been simmered in brine made with vinegar, sugar, and spices.

I like that this condiment can be used on about anything from appetizers to snacks and beyond.

Have you tried my recipe for Vodka and Mango Salsa?

That salsa recipe is made with fresh fruit that has been tossed with salsa ingredients such as peppers, and the accented with vodka (or lime juice). Both this recipe for cowboy candy and that recipe for mango salsa are delicious recipes made with jalapenos.

Cowboy Candy is best when stored in glass jars. You can find a selection of canning jars here.

Why we love this recipe for candied jalapenos.

Candied jalapenos are a fun twist on the usual hot pepper. The balance of sweet and spicy makes this condiment perfect for a wide range of uses.

Here is what else we like about this recipe.

• This recipe is simple to make.
• Candied jalapenos can be used in other recipes such as Jalapeno Cornbread.
• These peppers also go great on top of our favorite Vegan Ice Cream Recipe.
• Because it is stored in a jar, cowboy candy makes for a nice gift ideas too.
• It takes about a half hour to make this recipe.
• Even cowgirls can enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients needed to make homemade cowboy candy.

• Apple cider vinegar. The liquid used to preserve these peppers.
• Sugar. Added for flavor and for preservation of the peppers.
• Salt. Use a larger salt such as sea salt.
• Mustard Seed, celery seed, and Coriander Seed. Added as aromatic and flavor elements.
• Garlic Powder. Use 'powder' and not 'salt'.
• Jalapeno Peppers. Use fresh jalapenos for best results in this recipe.
• You will also need canning jars that have been sterilized according to the manufacturer's directions.

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Tips for making the best candied jalapenos.

To make this recipe you will need to slice and remove the seeds from the peppers. I like to wear gloves when I do this. Also take precautions such as not rubbing your eyes as these peppers are hot.

More helpful tips for you.

1. When slicing the peppers, it is best to slice them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a cohesive presentation.
2. Change up the flavor of your cowboy peppers by using other kinds of peppers. Serranos or Fresno peppers can take the heat up a notch. Milder peppers, such poblanos can offer a sweet and smoky option.
3. To make this more hot, you can add jalapeno seeds and membranes. To make this less hot, try removing the seeds and membranes.
4. Adjust the amount of sugar. Using less sugar can create a spicier candy, while more sugar can make a sweeter candy.
5. Adding spices can also personalize this recipe. I like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, chili powder, cardamom, or even vanilla bean.
6. Store you cooked cowboy candy in clean, sterilized canning jars and be sure to seal them tightly.

How to make Vegan Cowboy Candy

Prep Time: 5 minutes .
Cook Time: 25 minutes .
Servings: 30, depending on how this is used. .

1. Carefully remove the stems and slice the jalapenos into slices that are about a quarter inch in width. You can remove the seeds or use them.
2. To make the syrup, combine together the vinegar, sugar, and spices in a large pot. Heat the ingredients on medium high heat, using a whisk or similar item to stir occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved (about two and a half to three minutes).
3. Add the jalapenos to the pot and bring the ingredients to a boil. Then bump the heat down to low and allow the ingredients to simmer until the peppers are soft (about four to five more minutes). You will need to stir occasionally to ensure that pepper slices are covered with the sugary syrup.
4. To remove the jalapenos from the pot, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the jalapenos from the pot to the prepared jars (leaving the liquid in the pot).
5. The remaining liquid will be used to make a thick syrup to store the peppers in. Return the pot with the liquid to to your stove on medium heat and cook until a thick syrup has formed and has reduced by half (about seven to ten minutes).
6. Carefully ladle or pour the syrup over the jalapenos so the the jars are filled to about a quarter inch from the tops of the jars. You can use a chopstick or similar item to press down on the peppers as needed.
7. Wipe down the rims of the jars to remove any syrup using a damp paper or kitchen towel and then screw on the lids.
8. Place the jarred peppers into your refrigerator.

Expert Tip 👉 I have not tried this but, I have heard that these can also be canned for a longer shelf life. The method can vary depending on the amount of vinegar you have used.

How to store cowboy candy.

Cowboy candy, as prepared in this recipe, should be stored in its syrup. When properly stored in jars, this cowboy candy should keep for about two to three weeks when refrigerated.

You may also be interested in these ideas.

• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Roasted Red Pepper Gazpacho
• How to make Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Simple Vegetarian Mushroom Ramen Bowl (video)
• Vegetarian Slow Cooker Taco Soup
• 3 Ingredient Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Print the recipe for Vegan Cowboy Candy

Vegan Cowboy Candy, aka candied jalapenos, a simple and delicious sweet and spicy condiment, dessert or snack recipe.

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.

Spice up your snacks with Vegan Cowboy Candy. Learn how to make candied jalapenos that are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.