Quick Pickled Carrot Spears (Printer View)

Crunchy carrot spears soaked in tangy brine, ideal for snacking, salads, or adding zest to dishes.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into spears

→ Brine

02 - 1 cup distilled white vinegar (240 ml)
03 - 1 cup water (240 ml)
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt

→ Aromatics & Spices

06 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
07 - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
08 - 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
09 - 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)

# Method:

01 - Place the carrot spears vertically into a clean quart-size glass jar. Arrange garlic, fresh dill sprigs, and spices evenly around the carrots.
02 - Combine distilled white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium flame, stirring until sugar and salt fully dissolve and the mixture simmers.
03 - Pour the hot brine carefully over the carrots in the jar, ensuring all spears are completely submerged.
04 - Allow the jar to cool uncovered to room temperature, then seal tightly with a lid.
05 - Chill the jar in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for quick pickles; for enhanced flavor, refrigerate 24 hours. Consume within 2 weeks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in an hour if you're impatient, but even better if you wait overnight.
  • The crunch stays sharp and satisfying, nothing soft or sad about these carrots.
  • You can taste the spices without them taking over, just enough bite and warmth.
02 -
  • If the brine doesn't cover the carrots completely, they'll turn soft and weird where they're exposed to air.
  • Don't seal the jar while it's still hot or the lid will warp and the brine will leak everywhere.
03 -
  • Cut the spears the same thickness so they pickle at the same rate, no mushy ones and no crunchy ones in the same jar.
  • If the brine tastes too sharp when you first make it, don't worry, it mellows out after a day in the fridge.
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