Hot Honey Pickled Carrots: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe

Introduction

Hot honey pickled carrots offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that brighten up any meal or snack. These tangy, crunchy carrots are easy to make and add a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, or cheese boards.

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 the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Once simmering, add the carrot sticks and stir to fully coat them in the pickling liquid.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Transfer both the carrots and the pickling liquid into a jar or airtight container.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a sliced fresh chili to the pickling liquid.
• Try substituting apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder acidity.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for additional flavor layers.
• Use peeled cucumber sticks instead of carrots for a refreshing twist.

Storage

Store the pickled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor, consume within the first week. When ready to eat, enjoy them cold directly from the fridge or bring to room temperature. Avoid freezing as it can affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar, but honey adds a distinct floral sweetness and slight depth to the flavor.

How spicy are these pickled carrots?

The heat comes from the red pepper flakes and is moderate. If you prefer milder carrots, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, increase the amount or add fresh chili peppers.

Hot Honey Pickled Carrots: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes plus 24 hours refrigeration
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hot Honey Pickled Carrots are a vibrant and flavorful snack combining the natural sweetness of honey with the tang of apple cider vinegar and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. This easy-to-make pickled carrot recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, ideal for a zesty appetizer, side dish, or topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, black peppercorns, and smashed garlic cloves. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey and salt.
2. Add Carrots to Simmering Liquid: Once the liquid is simmering, add the peeled and cut carrot sticks to the saucepan. Stir well to ensure all the carrots are evenly coated with the hot honey pickling liquid.
3. Remove from Heat and Cool: Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the carrots and pickling liquid to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors infuse as the mixture comes to a safe handling temperature.
4. Transfer to Container: Pour the carrots and their pickling liquid into a clean jar or airtight container, making sure the carrots are fully submerged in the liquid to preserve flavor and texture.
5. Refrigerate to Develop Flavor: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period lets the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors meld beautifully, resulting in deliciously pickled carrots.

Notes

• Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture in pickles.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
• Ensure carrots are fully submerged in the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
• These pickled carrots can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
• Try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Pickles & Preserves
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pickled carrots, hot honey carrots, spicy pickled carrots, sweet and spicy pickles, easy pickled vegetables