Hot Honey Pickled Carrots: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe

Introduction

Hot honey pickled carrots offer a perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy crunch. This quick recipe transforms ordinary carrots into a vibrant snack or condiment with just a few pantry ingredients.

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 apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, black peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Once the mixture is simmering, add the carrot sticks and stir to coat.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Transfer the carrots and pickling liquid to a jar or airtight container.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Use thinly sliced carrots if you prefer quicker pickling.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the pickled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 weeks. Before serving, bring to room temperature or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used, but apple cider vinegar adds a nice fruity tang that complements the honey and spices.

How spicy are these pickled carrots?

The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. The recipe as written offers a moderate spicy kick balanced by the sweetness of honey.

Hot Honey Pickled Carrots: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 25 minutes (includes cooling and preparation)
• Yield: 1 jar (approximately 4 servings) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hot Honey Pickled Carrots combine the tangy brightness of apple cider vinegar with the sweet heat of honey and red pepper flakes, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This quick pickled carrot recipe is easy to make and adds a vibrant, flavorful crunch to salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickling Liquid

• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, black peppercorns, and garlic. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer, ensuring the honey dissolves fully and the flavors meld together.
2. Add Carrots: Once simmering, add the peeled and cut carrot sticks to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to ensure all carrot pieces are evenly coated with the pickling liquid and spices.
3. Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent heat damage to the container and maintain texture integrity.
4. Transfer to Jar: Pour the carrots along with the pickling liquid and seasonings into a clean jar or airtight container, making sure the carrots are fully submerged to maximize pickling effectiveness.
5. Refrigerate and Marinate: Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the carrots to absorb the sweet and spicy flavors, creating a deliciously tangy and crunchy pickle.

Notes

• For a milder spice, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Pickled carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Use fresh carrots for the best crunch and flavor absorption.
• Try adding other spices like mustard seeds or coriander for variation.
• This recipe works well as a quick pickle but flavors deepen if left for 2-3 days before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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