Spicy-Sweet Gochujang Roasted Carrots (2024)

A simple side dish that can be made on a sheet pan: Gochujang Roasted Carrots. Classic roasted carrots are roasted on high heat with a spicy-sweet, sticky glaze. Spicy Gochujang paste adds flavorful dimension to an easy and delicious side dish.

Gochujang Roasted Carrots

For a classic side dish with a twist — try spicy-sweet Gochujang Roasted Carrots. The sweet earthy flavor of roasted carrots with a spicy-sweet Gochujang glaze. So delicious — you’l want to eat them straight off the sheet pan!

When I learned how to roast vegetables, it quickly became a favorite. Easy and convenient, the vegetables are tossed on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at high heat until caramelized and delicious!

This cooking method works for many different veggies: broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, brussel sprouts, etc. But root vegetables — like earthy sweet carrots — are especially delicious when roasted. The high heat intensifies the flavor and caramelizes the edges.

The mellow sweetness of roasted carrots is delicious on its own. But with a flavorful glaze, it’s even more amazing.

An effortless and elegant side dish. Good for weeknight dinner. And great for potlucks and holiday meals.

Earthy, sweet-roasted carrots. Intense, fiery, spicy-sweet Gochujang. The sticky, sweet glaze and crispy, caramelized ends make these especially tasty!

What is Korean Gochujang?

Gochujang is Korean Chili Paste. A fermented paste, it’s full of rich, spicy-sweet, umami flavor. Gochujang can be added to stews and soups as a thickener. It also makes a great glaze or sauce.

More Gochujang recipes: Gochujang Jjigae, Spicy Gochujang Chicken, or Gochujang Sauce (Bibimbap Sauce).

Look for Gochujang at the Korean market in plastic tubs or glass jars. Sometimes, there’s a spicy level from 1-5 but not always. You can also find it at regular grocery stores in the Asian food aisle or even on Amazon.

Ingredients:

• Carrots. Choose either trimmed whole carrots or large carrots cut into same-sized strips. Heirloom multi-colored carrots taste especially good and make for a beautiful presentation.
• Gochujang. Korean chili paste. Spicy-sweet and full of rich flavor. Lasts a long time in the fridge like sriracha or ketchup.
• Soy Sauce. For umami-rich, deep flavor.
• Rice Vinegar. Adds tangy, sharp flavor. Can be subbed with regular white vinegar.
• Honey. For glazy, syrupy sweetness. To make it vegan, swap with maple syrup.
• Ginger. Freshly minced ginger add spicy freshness. A classic pairing with carrots.
• Sesame Oil. Drizzle right before serving for an aromatic, nutty aroma.
• Sesame Seeds + Parsley. Optional garnish. Adds color and texture.

Instructions:

1. Prep carrots. Place carrots (ends trimmed) on a large sheet pan. Add salt, pepper, and oil. Mix together with hands until every carrot is evenly coated.
2. Roast carrots. Roast at 425F until 80% cooked, but not completely soft, about 12-15 min. (Test the carrots by sliding a knife into one. The carrots should not be rock hard but have a little give.)
3. Make glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients.
4. Add glaze. Drizzle glaze over carrots. Toss with a spatula. Roast until the carrot are soft and the sauce has caramelized, about 5-8 minutes. Watch the pan carefully! The glaze burns easily!
5. Serve and enjoy. Remove from the sheet pan and onto a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

PRO Tips:

• Adjust spice level. Gochujang comes in spicy levels ranging from 1-5. For my recipes, I use medium spicy Gochujang flavor, level 3. If you prefer less spicy, choose 1 or 2.
• Use parchment paper. The glaze is sticky and easily burns. For easier cleanup, use parchment paper.
• Keep an eye on the glaze. The glaze will reduce significantly. Observe in the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t burn too much.

Helpful Kitchen Tools:

• Sheet Pan. A high-quality rimmed sheet pan will make roasting the carrots easy and flavorful. Roasting at high heat will intensify the carrots’ sweet flavor and reduce the glaze into a syrupy, salty-sweet coating.

More easy sides:

• Classic Soft Dinner Rolls
• Korean Potato Salad
• Spicy Sweet Potato Fries + Chipotle Aioli
• Arugula Quinoa Salad
• Roasted Miso Caulifower
• Instant Pot Turmeric Rice with Kale

Tags

Dairy-free Gluten Free Gochujang healthy vegan Vegetarian

2 Comments

1. Pingback: Gochujang Chicken Drumsticks - The Subversive Table

2. 

   naomijasminx

   January 24, 2019 at 3:52 PM ·Reply

   these sound great, what a tasty twist!