Pikliz (Haitian Pickled Slaw)

Fiery, tangy Haitian pikliz — crunchy cabbage, carrot, and scotch bonnet pickled in lime and vinegar. The essential spicy topping for griot and fritay.

Prep
20 min
Cook
0 min
Total
20 min
Makes
3 cups
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Why you'll love this recipe

Pikliz is Haiti's answer to a condiment that does it all — bright, sour, crunchy, and blazing hot. A jar in the fridge instantly lifts fried foods, grilled meats, and rice dishes. Best of all, there's no cooking; the vinegar does the work.

Pikliz (Haitian Pickled Slaw)
20 min · 3 cups

Ingredients

Servings
3 cups
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • ½ onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Toss the cabbage, carrot, onion, and scotch bonnet together in a bowl.
  2. Pack the vegetables tightly into a clean glass jar.
  3. Pour in the vinegar and lime juice until the vegetables are submerged, then add the cloves and salt.
  4. Seal and refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving — the flavor deepens over a week.

Nutrition (per serving)

20
Calories
1g
Protein
4g
Carbs
0g
Fat

Frequently asked questions

What do you eat pikliz with?
Pikliz is the classic topping for griot, fritay (fried foods), tassot, and rice and beans — anywhere you want bright heat and crunch.
How spicy is pikliz?
Traditionally very spicy. Use fewer scotch bonnets, or remove the seeds, for a milder slaw.

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