Description

Spicy Pickled Carrots are a tangy and flavorful side dish featuring crisp carrots soaked in a zesty brine with garlic, red pepper flakes, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and uses the stovetop to create a quick pickling solution, resulting in a deliciously spicy snack or accompaniment that improves with time and keeps well refrigerated for up to three weeks.

Ingredients

Vegetables

1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds

Pickling Brine

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt

Spices and Flavorings

2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Carrots: Peel and cut the carrots into sticks or rounds as desired, then pack them tightly into a clean, heat-safe jar or container to ensure an even pickle.
Make Pickling Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Add Spices: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the smashed garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, mustard seeds (if using), and the bay leaf (if using) to infuse the brine with robust flavors.
Pour Brine Over Carrots: Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed carrots in the jar, making sure the carrots are completely submerged to ensure proper pickling.
Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal it with a lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop before serving.

Notes

The flavor of the pickled carrots will continue to intensify the longer they sit, making them tastier over time.
These pickled carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks for optimal freshness and safety.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
For a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, substitute apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar.