• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Savory Thoughts
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegetarian
    • Sweets
    • Drinks and Cocktails
    • Seafood
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vitamix
    • Haitian
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Quick Easy & Delicious Haitian Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Haitian Food » Pikliz – Spicy Coleslaw Recipe

    Pikliz – Spicy Coleslaw Recipe

    Posted On December 15, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated January 6, 2022 23 Comments

    • Pin
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe
    Haitian Pikliz with two pictures and words in the middle Pinterest pin

    Haitian Pikliz, a yummy deliciousness usually accompanies fried foods (fritay). It is a spicy condiment popular in Haitian cuisine made of cabbage, carrots and various seasonings.

    Haitian pikliz in small jars

    About Haitian Pikliz

    If you want to “WOW” your taste buds with even more acidic flavors, controlled by the heat of scotch bonnet peppers, or habanero peppers – this is a must!

    Pikliz is made with cabbage, carrots, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, vinegar and lime or lemon juice.

     This is one of the staples that you will find on a regular basis in most Haitian households. The base ingredients are the vinegar and cabbage. The heat from this concoction and the acidity are a perfect marriage for fried foods. Truly anything you want to mix it with.

    Haitian Pikliz Recipe in a mason jar with red bell pepper in the back, black bowl, and lime.

    The crunchiness of the cabbage makes it a great companion for rice. Haitian practically mix pikliz with almost everything. But if you have never tasted pikliz before, I would suggest eating it with meat or fried plantains. Also depending on your ability sustain heat, you can adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers added to your pikliz (pickled cabbage recipe).

    Pickled Cabbage Ingredients

    The full recipe with the exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card, but here you’ll find the exact ingredients used to help you make this recipe perfectly every single time!

    Cabbage – a prominent condiment in European cuisine can be prepared in many different ways from fermenting to pickling and everything else in between. An excellent source of vitamin K and C, as well as dietary fiber.

    Distilled Vinegar – Adds a strong depth of flavor to the cabbage while helping it maintain a long shelf-life. It is also a sour liquid made by fermentation of various diluted alcoholic liquids into a liquid containing acetic acid. It can be produced from apples, grapes, and or malted barley.

    pikliz in white plate with 3 habanero peppers and dish cloth

    Distilled white vinegar, which derived from industrial alcohol is widely used in pickled slaw. Vinegar is widely used in culinary from pickling, marinades, and salad dressing to name a few. 

    Vinegar also does have numerous health benefits. Many have used it to manage blood sugar levels, diabetes, and for weight management.

    Lemon – Lemon is used in this recipe as it helps to balance out the vinegar. It is highly used for its juices to make flavorful cocktails such as a world favorite, lemonade. A citrus fruit known for its versatility, use in both culinary and non-culinary settings. An excellent source of natural vitamin C to help support the immune system and digestive tract.

    Habanero Or Scotch Bonnet Peppers – Are used to spice up the pickled cabbage recipe mixture. If you can withstand the heat, is an also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. This flowery pepper helps boost immune system, reduces inflammation, and may even help fight cancerous cells. It can help increase the body’s metabolism, which may help in weigh management.

    It is also a great source of iron and copper, which supports blood cell formation.

    Kosher Salt and Lemon Pepper  are used to season the cabbage. 

    Haitian pikliz in two clear jars with pikliz on a plate in the background with spicy copper on a gray board

    Pikliz Variations

    Optional ingredients that may be added are bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers.

    Haitian pikliz Recipe in a clear mason jar with red bell pepper in the back, yellow pepper and black bowl in the background.

    MORE HAITIAN RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY

    If you made these plantain balls, try one of these recipes next:

    Haitian Chicken Tacos

    Haitian Tasso 

    We would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Please follow us on YouTube to see all of our latest videos!

    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

    Haitian pikliz in two clear jars with pikliz on a plate in the background with spicy copper on a gray board

    Pickled Cabbage Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    A Haitian's favorite condiment when it comes to fried foods. Aside from fried foods, Haitian Pikliz is served with other dishes such as red beans and rice, fish, and poultry.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Sides
    Cuisine Haitian, International
    Servings 36 People
    Calories 215 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bag Tri-color coleslaw mix 1 lb.
    • 6 Habanero Peppers or Scotch Bonnet Peppers. Chopped. Wear gloves when handling hot peppers
    • Juice From 1 Lemon
    • 2 Tsp. Kosher Salt
    • 2 Cups Distilled White Vinegar
    • 2 Tsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning

    Instructions
     

    • Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until well combined.
      Pikliz mixture in white plate on gray background with pepper on the side
    • Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two hours before serving.
      Haitian pikliz in two clear jars with pikliz on a plate in the background with spicy copper on a gray board

    Video

    Notes

    (This post was first published on July 5, 2018. The content and pictures have been updated)
    ****** When handling the hot peppers, it is highly recommended you wear gloves to protect your hands (and face or eyes if touched afterwards) from burning, as the peppers are extremely hot/spicy. 
    Lemon Pepper is not a common ingredient in Haitian Pikliz, however it is used in this recipe as it enhances the flavor in this side dish.
    After a few days, the cabbage and carrots will soften slightly but retain their crunch which will add texture to any meal.
    This bright pikliz is the ideal for any time of the year and is perfect for backyard parties, and beach parties, and family functions. 
    Pikliz usually last up to 6 months in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just add vinegar as the liquid lowers.
    Using a mason jar is also great for storing pikliz as well.
    **** Calories are estimated per serving. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 36PeopleCalories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 7gSodium: 2999mgPotassium: 1230mgFiber: 14gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 7950IUVitamin C: 503.3mgCalcium: 230mgIron: 2.5mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    « Instant Pot Flan
    Butter Bean Hummus »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Saint

      August 21, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      Hello. Is this recipe very spicy? Can’t tolerate spicy at his time.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        August 25, 2022 at 11:44 pm

        Hello! Yes, it is very spicy.

        Reply
    2. Tif

      December 29, 2020 at 5:41 am

      is there away to dilute them if we added too many peppers?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 30, 2020 at 9:02 pm

        Hi Tif,
        If you added too many peppers you’ll need to offset it with the cabbage and vinegar mixture. If you don’t want to add the distilled vinegar, apple cider will work as well. it may alter the taste slightly. You may also need to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

        Reply
    3. Osmond Naylor

      May 13, 2020 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      My son has been a regular visitor to Haiti working on a conservation farm for a bamboo project. He has brought me a few items of food but ‘piklitz’ was wonderful. Now that I have the recipe I shall be savouring this regularly. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 13, 2020 at 9:46 pm

        That’s so wonderful to hear. Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jacqui

      September 13, 2018 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      I like how you modified this Pikliz – cilantro sounds amazing! I have started to use it in many dishes now – thanks to its incredible flavor that is so unique! Great recipe.

      Reply
      • MDesir

        September 17, 2018 at 1:47 am

        Hello, Jacqui! Thank you for your wonderful comment. I am glad you are using it many dishes and found it to be delicious!

        Reply
    5. Elaine

      June 21, 2018 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      It does look like a great condiment to fried dishes! I would imagine that beans would be perfect, too! Great recipe.

      Reply
      • MDesir

        June 22, 2018 at 2:33 pm

        Thank you, Elaine. It is one of our favorites to have in Haiti.

        Reply
    6. Syama

      May 04, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      It is so awesome that this could stay in the fridge for days ! I think these will go perfect on my fried fish sandwiches .

      Reply
    7. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food

      April 19, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love it that this coleslaw contains no mayonnaise. I get so tired of the same old calorie-bomb coleslaws! The spicy tanginess of this version sounds absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    8. Karishma

      March 06, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      Love this recipe! Will definitely try it out.thanks!

      Reply
    9. Kathryn

      March 06, 2018 at 2:38 am

      My first thought was “do you think you use enough peppers” but my second one was that my middle son (the pepper man) would LOVE this!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        March 06, 2018 at 9:38 am

        hahahah! The key is to make it spicy, very spicy 🙂 Thanks for reading Kathryn!

        Reply
    10. Helena

      March 05, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      I really like triple color coleslaw. This recipe looks super delicious and fresh!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        March 05, 2018 at 7:13 pm

        It’s very easy, indeed. I also love the fact it lasts a long time in the refrigerator.

        Reply
        • WendolaPM

          January 06, 2021 at 8:15 pm

          5 stars
          This is my new favourite thing. I absolutely love this on everything! I added red onions and cilantro to mine. Perfect!

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            January 07, 2021 at 1:53 am

            Thank you so much. I am so glad to hear that. We love it too. Cilantro is also a nice touch.

            Reply
    11. Jena Leigh

      March 05, 2018 at 1:50 am

      Oh my goshy! Im going to try this and make it for my guests. Its pretty cool that it can lasts for months. This will be perfect for my veg sandwiches too!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        March 05, 2018 at 1:04 pm

        I hope you like it, Jenna. It’s spicy. Let me know how you like it.

        Reply
        • Fefe

          December 06, 2018 at 4:52 am

          5 stars
          @Mdesir…Her name is Jena….like my daughter. I think I’m going to like it even more made with the cilantro! I intend to make pikliz jars for culinary gift giving!

          Reply
          • MDesir

            December 15, 2018 at 2:46 am

            That’s a wonderful gift idea. Thank you, I did not think about that. Perfect gift.

            Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    We’re AJ & Mirlene. We create delicious traditional Haitian Food Recipes with a spin to make it easy for you to make. Join us and let's cook something delicious!

    Learn more about us ->

    Savory Thoughts Author Portrait

    As Seen On

    Favorite Recipes

    Copyright © 2023 · SAVORYTHOUGHTS.COM · Privacy Policy