Sesame Roasted Carrots

Roasting veggies has become my new go-to way to cook vegetables. Typically I roast veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper along with some fresh herbs and garlic but I’ve decided to expand my options and try different seasonings. I have to say these Asian Sesame Roasted Carrots with a combination of sesame oil and soy sauce is so simple and so tasty.

Since I love the nutty flavor of sesame oil, I imagined it would pair well with the sweetness of carrots and a touch of soy for salt. The results were delicious, especially with the ginger and garlic. It also works with these Sesame Broccoli, Sesame Green Beans, and Sesame Soy Edamame.

Consider making up these sesame-roasted carrots for your next Asian-inspired dish, or roast up a big batch to add to salads during the week or to snack on with your favorite hummus.

Looking for more Asian vegetables? Don't miss these Crispy Asian Brussel Sprouts and Asian Roasted Broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Asian Roasted Carrots

Here are just a few reasons why we think you’ll love this easy recipe.

• Few ingredients: You only need 4 ingredients to make this side dish.
• Healthy: Simple, clean ingredients for a healthy dish, no added sugar or salt.
• Family-friendly: Who doesn’t love carrots? Both kids and adults alike will love these carrots.
• Versatile: Carrots pair well with pretty much everything.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here is a list of the main ingredients and some alternatives.

• Carrots: Washed, dried, and halved. If you have large carrots you can quarter them. If you’ve run out of carrots use broccoli or cauliflower or anything you’ve got on hand.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil gives these carrots a nice Asian-inspired flavor but you can use olive too. If you do use olive oil you obviously won’t get the sesame flavor.
• Soy sauce: I prefer to use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Tamari is great if you want a gluten-free option. You can use coconut aminos if you follow the Whole30.
• Pepper: A touch of freshly ground pepper complements the flavor well.
• Optional: Freshly grated ginger and fresh garlic really up the flavor of these sesame carrots. These are also delicious with some chopped cilantro on top. 

How To Make Asian Sesame Carrots

Here are the simple steps you need to take to make sesame carrots.

• Preheat the oven: Get the oven ready to go and set it at 400 degrees. Or turn on your grill.
• Get the carrots ready: Place the carrots in a bowl with the sesame oil, soy sauce, and pepper, and the ginger and garlic if you are using them though I highly recommend you do as they add nicely to the flavor. Transfer the carrots to a parchment-lined cookie sheet or if you are roasting them on the grill place them in a foil pack or in a grill basket.
• Roast the carrots: The carrots will need between 25 and 30 minutes to cook or until they are fork-tender.

What Goes Well With Roasted Sesame Carrots

While we think anything will pair well with these carrots we especially like to eat them alongside these dishes.

• With grilled dishes: If you put the carrots on the grill here are some great options to cook along with them: Honey Soy Glazed Chicken, Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin, or this Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna.
• With roasted dishes: If you decide to roast the carrots in the oven try one of these recipes: Easy Orange Chicken,  Teriyaki Salmon, or Baked Tofu With Sweet Orange Ginger Sauce.
• Rice and grain bowls: Whenever I have leftover roasted Asian carrots I love adding them to rice bowls like this Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl or Asian Rice Bowl.
• Double up the sesame flavor:  Pair this with Sesame Chicken, Sesame Shrimp, or Sesame Beef.

How To Store Leftover Asian Carrots

In case you have a few carrots left over, here is how to store them.

• Fridge: Leftover sesame carrots will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftover carrots for up to 4 months.
• Thaw: Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Or place them in the microwave.

Recipe Ideas and Variations

Here are a few ways you can change this recipe for sesame carrots.

• Change up the sauce: Use coconut oil to add some coconut flavor or swap in olive oil for a more neutral flavor.
• Add spice: Spice up the carrots by adding sriracha or red chili flakes.
• Use another root vegetable: Change the carrots for parsnips or another root vegetable like beets, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.
• Add a garnish: Garnish the carrots with sesame seeds, green onions, chopped peanuts, or cashews.
• Add a sauce: Finish the dish with some homemade stir-fry sauce, teriyaki sauce, or peanut sauce.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your carrots work out well every time.

• To ensure the carrots cook at the same pace make sure they are cut the same size.
• Prep the sesame, soy, ginger, and garlic during your meal prep session so all you have to do is cut the carrots.
• For a super quick and easy roasted carrot dish use bottled salad dressing or Asian marinade.