Middle Eastern Pickled Mangoes (Amba)|Hilda's Kitchen Blog

Name: Middle Eastern Pickled Mangoes (Amba)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 large unripe mangos; 1½ cups apple cider vinegar; ½ cup water; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 dried chilis ((or more if you're brave)); 4 cloves garlic; 1 Tbsp salt; 1 tsp curry; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp fenugreek

Published: Mar 1, 2018 Updated: Apr 1, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 10 Comments

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Pickled Mangoes are consumed in great quantities in the Middle East and are known as Amba. They are sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious! Although Amba can be purchased at most Middle Eastern markets, it's so much better when you make your own with this easy recipe. Serve the pickled mangoes in Sabich and Falafel sandwiches or eat them straight out of the jar!

Pickled mangoes are popular in many cultures, however, various methods are used to prepare them. For example, in the Philippines, they are called Burong Mangga. The Filipino version is sweeter and has fewer spices, although peppercorns are sometimes added.

Li Hing Pickled Mango are Hawaiian pickled mangoes. Li Hing Mui are salty dried plums that are used in the brine to add flavor and give the mangoes their red color. Sometimes Li Hing powder is used instead. This powder is also used to flavor shave ice, a popular treat in Hawaii.

Why This Recipe Works

Amba is very tasty and super easy to prepare! It lasts a long time in the refrigerator and can be served on the side of many dishes or eaten as a healthy snack when you are craving something sweet and sour.

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

Firm Mangoes: Use large green mangoes that are firm to the touch. Ripe mangoes will not retain their shape and will have a mushy texture.
Pickling Solution: I like to use apple cider vinegar in my pickling solution. You can substitute with white vinegar or rice vinegar if you need to.
Chiles: This recipe calls for 2 dried chiles to make the pickled mangoes spicy. If you prefer the pickled mangoes mild, you can leave the chiles out.
Pickled Mango Seasoning: You'll need the following spices to make pickled mangoes: curry powder, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. I don't add sugar to my Amba, but if you want to add a little more sweetness you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar.

How to Make Pickled Mangoes

STEP 1: While the jars are sterilizing, peel and slice the mangoes.

STEP 2: Next, combine vinegar, water, and oil in a small saucepan. Add the chiles, garlic, and spices. Bring to a boil then remove this brining solution from the heat.

STEP 3: Place mango slices, chilis, and garlic into the sterilized jars.

sliced mango in a jar with more on the side

STEP 4: Pour the brine over the mangoes and hand tighten the lids.

STEP 5: Process the jars for ten minutes in the boiling water. Store the jars in a pantry for at least a week to allow the flavors to come together. Shake the jar every now and then to redistribute the spices. Once open, refrigerate the jars for up to six months.

Serving Suggestions

Amba is very popular in the Middle East, as well as India. In most Middle Eastern cultures, pickles are served on the side accompanying most meals.

Amba, on the other hand, is usually served in sandwiches. Sabich is a traditional Israeli sandwich consisting of a Pita Pocket stuffed with fried eggplant, boiled egg, sliced tomatoes, and pickled mangos.

Sabich Sandwich with fixings on the side

Recipe FAQs

Which type of mango is best to pickle?

I never knew there were so many mango varieties until I researched the subject!
To make pickled mango, use unripe or firm mangos. If they're too ripe, they will fall apart once pickled. I've used Kent and Haden mangos with good results.

Check out this post to learn about some common mango varieties.

How long does pickled mango last?

Pickled Mango or Amba can last for six months or more when stored in the refrigerator.

Although the pickled mangos consistency might get mushier over time, it's still good to eat and should not go bad as long as bacteria isn't introduced into the container.

Expert Tips

Shake the jar every now and then to redistribute the spices.
If you like more spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the brine.
Pickled mango is also a great addition to Falafel, Shaw arma, and Kabob sandwiches.
If you're like me, you might even find yourself sneaking some straight out of the jar when you're craving a sour treat!

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