Vietnamese Quick and Easy Pickled Carrots. Add a tangy and refreshing twist to your dishes with these easy-to-make pickled carrots. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, these vegan pickled carrots are a great topping for lettuce wraps, banh mi, charcuterie boards, and more.
Perfect for adding a traditional touch to any dish, this recipe is a must-try for any pickle lover. These pickled carrots are the perfect traditional topping for banh mi. But they are not only for Vietnamese sandwiches! I love adding these to a rice bowl or spring roll bowl and always have a jar of these in the fridge. Any time I have guests over they absolutely love enjoying these pickled carrots!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
- 1 tbsp organic sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar. Cane sugar, maple syrup, or even honey can be used as substitutes.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavor in this simple recipe. Kosher salt or sea salt can be used, but avoid table salt as it may contain additives that can affect the taste.
- 1 cup warm water: Helps dissolve the sugar and salt. Make sure it’s warm but not hot water to avoid cooking the carrots prematurely.
- 250-300 grams carrots: Large carrots work best, but baby carrots or carrot sticks can also be used. Julienne or cut into matchsticks for the perfect size.
- ¼ cup organic sugar: Adds sweetness to the pickling liquid. Cane sugar or maple syrup are great alternatives.
- 1 cup distilled vinegar: Provides the tangy flavor for the brine. White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar can also be used.
Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Red onions: Add thinly sliced red onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Mustard seeds: These add a mild spiciness and depth to the brine.
- Red pepper flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh ginger: Thin slices of fresh ginger can add a unique, aromatic twist.
- Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, herby flavor to the pickles.
- Garlic cloves: A few whole garlic cloves will infuse the pickles with a savory note.
Helpful Tools
Kitchen Gear
- Julienne peeler or regular vegetable peeler: For cutting the carrots into matchsticks or ribbons.
- Medium-sized mixing bowl: For massaging the salt and sugar into the carrots.
- Strainer: To rinse the carrots after massaging.
- Small bowl: For combining the pickling ingredients.
- Pint-sized mason jars or glass jars: For storing the pickled carrots.
- Small saucepan or medium saucepan: For heating the pickling liquid if needed.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
Optional Tools
- Medium-high heat stove: To gently simmer the pickling liquid if desired.
- Amazon affiliate links: For purchasing any special canning equipment or ingredients.
- Water bath canner: If you want to make shelf-stable pickles, a water bath canner is required.
Benefits of Pickling
Pickling is a great way to preserve vegetables and add a burst of flavor to your meals. Here are some benefits of pickling, especially quick pickles like these quick pickled carrots:
Health Benefits
- Probiotics: Some pickling methods encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can be good for gut health.
- Low-Calorie Flavor: Pickles add a tangy, flavorful punch to dishes without adding many calories.
- Nutrient Preservation: Pickling can help preserve the vitamins and nutrients in vegetables, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Culinary Benefits
- Versatility: Pickled vegetables are a great addition to a variety of dishes like grain bowls, rice bowls, favorite salads, and even carne asada.
- Burst of Flavor: The tangy flavor of pickles can enhance the taste of any meal, providing a refreshing contrast to rich or spicy foods.
- Convenience: Quick pickles like these are easy to make and require no special canning equipment, making them accessible to anyone.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different vinegars, spices, and additional ingredients to create your own unique pickling brine.
Practical Benefits
- Preservation: Pickling extends the shelf life of vegetables, reducing food waste.
- Seasonal Enjoyment: Enjoy seasonal vegetables like carrots all year round by pickling them at the peak of their freshness.
- Meal Prep: Pickled vegetables are perfect for meal prep. They store well in the fridge and can be added to meals throughout the week.
The Basics of Quick Pickling
Quick pickling is an easy way to preserve vegetables and add a burst of flavor to your meals. Unlike traditional canning methods, quick pickling, or refrigerator pickles, doesn’t require special equipment or extensive time. Here’s a simple guide to mastering the pickling process with a flavorful brine.
Ingredients for Quick Pickling
The key to great quick pickles lies in the balance of the ingredients. Here are the basics you’ll need:
- Vinegar: Use equal amounts of distilled vinegar and water. You can also experiment with different vinegars like rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to vary the flavor.
- Water: Combine vinegar with an equal amount of water. Use 1 cup water for every 1 cup of vinegar.
- Sugar and Salt: The full amount of sugar and salt will depend on the sweetness and saltiness you prefer. For sweet pickles, add more sugar; for a tangy flavor, adjust accordingly.
- Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and even slices of hot pepper work well for quick pickling. Carrot ribbons or pieces of carrot add a pop of color to your jars.
The Pickling Process
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the vegetables. Carrots can be julienned, sliced into carrot ribbons, or cut into matchsticks. Place the carrots or other vegetables in a clean jar.
- Make the Brine: In a small bowl, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This vinegar mixture is the base of your pickle brine.
- Add Flavorings: Enhance the brine with spices such as coriander seeds, mustard seeds, or a little bit of olive oil for extra richness. For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or slices of hot pepper.
- Pour the Brine: Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and shake gently to mix.
- Refrigerate: Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it sit for a couple of hours. The best part of quick pickling is that it only takes a few minutes of prep time, and the vegetables will be ready to eat in a short period.
Tips for Perfect Quick Pickles
- Experiment with Vinegars: Rice vinegar provides a mild sweetness, while red wine vinegar offers a robust flavor. Different vinegars can bring out unique tastes in your pickles.
- Customize Your Brine: Adjust the sugar and salt levels to your liking. Adding spices like fresh dill, garlic cloves, or coriander seeds can make your pickles stand out.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best-tasting pickles, use fresh vegetables from grocery stores or your garden.
- Time of Year: Quick pickling is perfect for preserving seasonal produce, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors all year round.
- Meal Ideas: Quick-pickled carrots are a great addition to rice bowls, grain bowls, and salads. They add a burst of flavor and a crunchy texture to any meal.
Special Equipment
The beauty of quick pickling is that it requires minimal equipment:
- Glass Jars: Pint jars or mason jars are perfect for storing pickles. They are available at most grocery stores or via affiliate links on sites like Amazon.
- Mixing Bowl: A little bowl is handy for combining vinegar and other ingredients.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan is useful if you need to heat the brine for better flavor infusion.
Quick Pickled Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp organic sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 250-300 grams carrots (large carrots or baby carrots)
- ¼ cup organic sugar
- 1 cup distilled vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: First, peel the carrots using a regular vegetable peeler or julienne peeler. Cut the carrots into matchsticks or ribbons.
- Massage Carrots: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the carrot sticks, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tbsp organic sugar. Massage the salt and sugar into the carrots for 5 minutes until they become flexible.
- Rinse Carrots: Place the carrots into a strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove the excess salt and sugar.
- Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a small bowl or medium saucepan, combine 1 cup warm water, ¼ cup organic sugar, and 1 cup distilled vinegar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. For a hot brine, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Pack Jars: Place the carrots into pint jars or glass jars. Pour the pickling liquid over the carrots, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Marinate: Allow the carrots to marinate in the brine for at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving. For the best-tasting pickles, refrigerate for 24 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
This quick pickled carrots recipe is a great way to add a tangy flavor to your favorite salads, grain bowls, or as a side dish. Enjoy the burst of flavor and the crunchy carrots as a perfect addition to your meals!
How To Make These Easy-Pickled Vietnamese Carrots
To make easy pickled carrots, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, start by peeling the carrots and cutting them into thin matchsticks, also known as julienne.
How do you cut food into matchsticks?
Cut the item into thin even strips, similar to the size and shape of matchsticks. Julienne or Julienning is another term for cutting food into matchsticks.
Next, place the sliced carrots into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add half a teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of organic sugar. Use your hands to massage the salt and sugar into the carrots for about 5 minutes. This process will help to soften the carrots and enhance their flavor.
The most important step when making these Vietnamese Pickled Carrots is to massage them for a full 5 minutes.
Once you have massaged the carrots, rinse them thoroughly with cold water using a strainer. It is normal for some of the orange color from the carrots to rinse off during this process.
In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, add one cup of warm water, a quarter cup of organic sugar, and one cup of distilled vinegar. Mix well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Next, transfer the carrots to a pint-sized mason jar and pour the pickling brine over the top, making sure to cover the carrots completely. Allow the carrots to marinate in the brine for at least one hour before serving. The longer the carrots sit in the brine, the more intense their flavor will become. For best results, let the carrots marinate for 24 hours.
Vietnamese Pickled Carrots can be ready in as little as an hour, but the full flavor comes out over time. After 24 hours these delicious vegan pickled carrots are at their best and ready to serve on top of all your favorite dishes!
Finally, store the pickled carrots in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. These easy pickled carrots are perfect for snacking on their own or adding to salads, sandwiches, or tacos for a tangy crunch.
Tips & Tricks
- Use organic and fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture
- Experiment with different types of vinegar to add variety to the flavor of your pickled carrots
- Make sure to completely cover the carrots with the pickling brine to ensure that they are fully pickled
- Let the carrots sit in the brine for at least one hour, but for best results, marinate for 24 hours or more
- Store the pickled carrots in the refrigerator for up to three weeks
FAQ: Vietnamese Quick Pickled Carrots
The pickled carrots can be paired with a variety of dishes such as lettuce wraps, summer rolls, salads, vegan burgers or sausages, charcuterie boards, snack platters, tacos, and more.
The carrots are not cooked but instead softened by massaging them with sugar and salt. They also soften slightly in the warm brine when mixed together in the mason jar. The recipe can also be made with a combination of carrots and daikon.
Daikon is a mild-flavored winter radish. It has a crispy texture and resembles a large white carrot.
Yes, feel free to adjust the amounts of sugar and salt to your taste preferences.
Vietnamese Quick Pickled Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp organic sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 250-300 grams carrots
- ¼ cup organic sugar
- 1 cup distilled vinegar
Instructions
- First, peel the carrots.
- Cut the carrots into matchsticks. (Julienne)
- Add carrots into a medium sized mixing bowl, and add 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp organic sugar.
- Massage the salt and sugar into the carrots for 5 minutes total. The carrots should become flexible and will not bend when snapped.
- Next, add the carrots into a stainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water. It is normal for some orange colouring from the carrots to rinse off during this process.
- In a medium mixing bowl add 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup organic sugar, and 1 cup distilled vinegar.
- Mix well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the carrots to a pint sized mason jar and cover completely with the pickling brine.
- Allow the carrots to marinate in the brine for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavour will intensify over time, and is best after 24 hours.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Easy Pickled Carrots
To make these delicious pickled carrots, start by peeling and cutting them into matchsticks. Then, toss them with sugar and salt to soften the texture. These carrots don’t require cooking, and the warm brine mixture in the mason jar will do the rest. Mix in some grated daikon for a unique twist on the traditional vegan recipe.
Quick pickled carrots are a perfect snack option for those who crave a tangy and refreshing taste but don’t have the patience to wait for traditional pickles to mature. Unlike slow pickling, quick pickling requires no heating, no canning, and no wait time. Get ready to elevate your taste buds with these easy and addictive pickled carrots.
Thank you for sharing super easy to follow and turned out great! I got a lot of compliments on these pickled carrots!! 🥕 😍
Thank you SO much for trying out my recipe! So happy it was easy to follow and your family and friends loved it as well 🥰
This is great!! So quick and easy and takes my salads to the next level.
Hi Jessica, Thanks so much for trying out my recipe!