Description
Spicy Korean Carrots is a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring julienned carrots marinated in a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing with garlic, sesame, and Korean red pepper flakes. This quick and easy Korean-inspired salad offers a perfect balance of heat and umami, making it a great accompaniment to grilled meats, rice bowls, or as part of a Korean banchan spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Place the peeled and julienned carrots into a large mixing bowl to start forming the base of your salad.
- Mellow the Garlic: In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Then, carefully pour the hot oil over the minced garlic placed in a heatproof bowl to gently cook and mellow the garlic’s sharp flavor.
- Mix Dressing: To the garlic oil mixture, add sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors into a balanced dressing.
- Toss Carrots with Dressing: Pour this seasoned oil mixture over the prepared carrots. Toss well to coat the carrots evenly with the spicy, tangy dressing.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the carrot salad and stir again to incorporate the nutty texture.
- Marinate: Let the salad marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, refrigerate for a few hours to deepen the taste further.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, adding a fresh and vibrant touch.
Notes
- This dish is commonly known as “Korean-style marinated carrots” and enjoys popularity in Russian-Korean cuisine.
- Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice bowls, or as part of a Korean banchan side dish assortment.
- To increase the heat level, add extra gochugaru or a pinch of chili flakes according to taste.
