Spicy Pickled Carrots

Add a zesty kick to your snacking routine with Spicy Pickled Carrots! Thinly sliced fresh carrots soak up the bold flavors of vinegar, sugar, and spices in this easy recipe, resulting in a tangy, slightly spicy snack that’s perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or devouring on its own.

Ready Time

30 mins

Yields

10 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
2 cups (475ml) white vinegar
1 cup (250ml) water
1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60g) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30g) pickling spice
1 tsp (5g) red pepper flakes
1 tsp (5g) whole black peppercorns

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots and pickling spice. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the carrots to soften and the flavors to meld.

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

Pack the carrot slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.

Pour the hot pickling liquid over the carrots, making sure they are completely covered. Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature.

Store it in the refrigerator.

Let the carrots pickle in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer they sit, the spicier they’ll become!

Notes

For a more intense pickle, use more red pepper flakes or let the carrots sit for a longer period.

Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste! To ensure the carrots are crunchy, slice them thinly and uniformly.

You can also use a mandoline for even thinner slices.

For a colorful twist, add some sliced red onions or bell peppers to the jar with the carrots.

If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

You can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it away once it’s added! These pickled carrots make a great topping for salads, sandwiches, or as a snack on their own.

Get creative with how you use them! These spicy pickled carrots will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Make a batch and enjoy them all year round!