How to Make TikTok's Irresistible Spicy Pickled Garlic in Just 2 Minutes

Cloves of garlic hardly seem like a delicious snack, but when they're pickled, for some reason they're irresistible — at least according to just about everyone on TikTok.

In 2021, TikTok user Lala (@lalaleluu) shared a (since deleted) video of her eating spicy pickled garlic by the spoonful along with her easy recipe, and the trend blew up on the app. Plenty of other TikTokers tried it out, creating their own versions and even having it for breakfast. Two years later, people are still talking about it.

According to Lala's recipe, all you need to do is drain a jar of pickled garlic — the kind preserved in vinegar, not oil — and add sriracha (or a substitute), Korean chili flakes, and thyme before shaking up the jar and grabbing a spoon. "I'm going to have a tummy ache tomorrow, but it's so good!" Lala said between mouthfuls of garlic.

Is this recipe really worth the tummy ache? I initially wondered that (along with the rest of the comments section), but after trying it out myself, I can confirm that Lala was clearly onto something. This pickled garlic really is that tasty (and not weird at all, if you've ever eaten olives by the jar too).

In a follow-up TikTok (also since deleted), Lala explained that since the garlic is pickled instead of raw, it's not as harsh of a flavor as you might imagine, and if you like kimchi, which is the inspiration behind this snack, you're going to want to try this.

Follow the recipe for TikTok's spicy pickled garlic below and see for yourself. Your taste buds might surprise you — just don't forget to brush your teeth afterward!