Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Zesty Lime Ranch

These fried pickled jalapeños are light, tender, and oh-so-crunchy. The sauce is cool and fresh, so the two together are the perfect combo! The perfect party appetizer. Inexpensive, easy, and fast to make. Great with a cold beer!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 667 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 medium lime, zested and juiced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Drain peppers and reserve 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon of brine from the jar. Pat peppers dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Combine sour cream, ranch seasoning, the zest and juice of the lime, and one teaspoon of reserved jalapeño liquid. Stir well and set aside. This could be made up to 3 days ahead.

Step 3

Pour oil in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 4

Whisk together flour, taco seasoning, remaining reserved jalapeño juice, and water in a shallow dish until smooth. Toss dried jalapeños in cornstarch until lightly coated and shake off any excess. Coat slices in flour mixture with a fork and allow the excess to drip off.

Step 5

Add several coated slices to the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp, 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to drain and repeat with remaining jalapeños, in batches. Serve immediately with ranch dip.