Looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your meals? Say hello to these vibrant Quick Pickled Carrot Spears! In just 10 minutes, you can transform ordinary carrots into a zesty, crunchy delight that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Perfect as a snack, a colorful side, or a unique topping for your salads and sandwiches, these pickled carrots are not just easy to make—they're a game-changer for your taste buds! Dive into this simple recipe and discover how you can impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots, cut into spears
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the carrots. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Peel the carrots if desired, then cut them into uniform spears, approximately 3 to 4 inches in length. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent pickling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, chili flakes, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture well until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. This will create your pickling brine.
- Once the brine is ready, place the carrot spears into a clean, sterilized jar or container. Make sure the jar is large enough to hold all the carrot spears and the brine.
- Pour the prepared pickling brine over the carrot spears, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, you can use a clean weight or a small plate to keep the carrots submerged in the brine.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid. Allow the pickled carrots to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to begin the pickling process. If you have more time, you can refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight for a more developed flavor.
- After the initial pickling time, your quick pickled carrot spears are ready to enjoy! They can be served as a crunchy snack, a side dish, or a vibrant addition to salads and sandwiches. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and crunch, select fresh, firm carrots. Look for ones that are bright in color and free from blemishes.
- Uniform Spear Size: Cutting the carrots into uniform spears (about 3 to 4 inches long) ensures even pickling, so every bite is just as delicious as the last.
- Customize Your Brine: Feel free to experiment with the pickling brine! Add spices like mustard seeds or dill for a unique twist, or adjust the sugar and salt levels to suit your taste.
- Sterilize Your Jar: Make sure to use a clean, sterilized jar to store your pickled carrots. This helps prevent any unwanted bacteria and extends the shelf life of your pickles.
- Let Them Marinate: While 10 minutes is enough to start the pickling process, allowing the carrots to sit longer in the fridge will deepen the flavor. For the best results, let them pickle overnight!
- Storage: Store your quick pickled carrot spears in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a crunchy snack or a colorful addition to your favorite dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 25kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
