Pickled Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Honey Pickled Carrots offer a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that brighten up any meal. This easy recipe transforms simple carrots into a vibrant, crunchy snack or a flavorful side dish perfect for salads and sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, black peppercorns, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Once simmering, add the carrot sticks and stir to ensure they are well coated in the pickling liquid.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Transfer the carrots along with the pickling liquid to a jar or airtight container.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use fresh, firm carrots and slice them into uniform sticks.
• Add herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor twist.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a milder taste.

Storage

Store honey pickled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor will continue to intensify over time. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Make sure to always use a clean utensil to avoid contamination.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of cut carrot sticks?

Yes, baby carrots can be used, but the pickling time might vary slightly since they are firmer and smaller. Ensure they are fully submerged in the pickling liquid.

How long do honey pickled carrots last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, they last up to 2 weeks with great flavor and texture.

Pickled Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

Honey Pickled Carrots are a sweet and tangy twist on a classic pickle, combining crisp carrot sticks with a flavorful brine of apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, and spices. This easy no-cook refrigerator pickle is perfect as a snack, salad topping, or side dish, offering a refreshing balance of sweetness and heat from red pepper flakes.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickling Brine

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

Vegetables

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare the pickling brine: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, black peppercorns, and smashed garlic cloves. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, allowing the honey to dissolve and the flavors to blend.
2. Add the carrots: Once the brine is simmering, add the peeled and cut carrot sticks to the saucepan. Stir well to coat the carrots evenly with the hot brine, ensuring they absorb the flavors.
3. Cool the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the carrots and brine to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling step helps prevent condensation in the storage container and ensures safer refrigeration.
4. Transfer to storage: Pour the carrots along with the pickling liquid into a clean jar or airtight container, making sure the carrots are fully submerged in the brine.
5. Refrigerate and marinate: Place the container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the carrots to develop their signature sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Notes

• For spicier pickles, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
• Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and crunch.
• These pickled carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Ensure the carrots are fully submerged in the brine to prevent spoilage.
• Try adding other spices such as mustard seeds or dill for variation.

Keywords: honey pickled carrots, pickled carrots, sweet and spicy pickles, refrigerator pickles, easy pickled vegetables, apple cider vinegar pickles