Red Hot Carrots Recipe

Inspired by El Chico's famous recipe, these Red Hot Carrots are a vibrant and flavorful side dish or condiment. Perfect for adding a sweet and spicy kick to your enchiladas, chili, or beans! This recipe delivers tender-crisp carrots bursting with zesty flavor after a 24-hour marinade. Easy to make and even easier to love!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1455 mins
Calories 147.8 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 4.8 (6 Reviews)
Red Hot Carrots 21

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Red Hot Carrots

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How to Make Red Hot Carrots

  1. Blanch 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds, in a pot of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Drain the carrots thoroughly.
  3. In a large, non-reactive bowl, whisk together the following marinade ingredients: 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Add the blanched carrots to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (or up to 3 days for deeper flavor).
  5. Before serving, taste the carrots and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, chili powder for heat, or vinegar for tanginess.
  6. Serve chilled as a vibrant side dish or condiment with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

44g

Fat

3g

Carbs

8g

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