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Spicy Korean Carrots

Spicy Korean Carrots
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Spicy Korean Carrots are a quick, tangy, and crunchy side dish bursting with bold flavors of garlic, chili, and vinegar. Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant and healthy recipe delivers authentic Korean-inspired taste with minimal fuss, perfect as a salad, snack, or accompaniment to various dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g fresh, firm carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots), peeled and julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (neutral oil like sunflower or canola)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Honey (1 teaspoon, for a sweet twist)
  • Sesame oil (replace vegetable oil for nutty flavor)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and julienne the carrots into thin, matchstick-sized pieces to ensure even marination and perfect crunch in every bite.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, red chili flakes, ground cumin, vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, and sugar. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.
  3. Mix Carrots and Marinade: Pour the marinade over the carrot sticks and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. This step is crucial for consistent flavor distribution.
  4. Let It Rest: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the carrots to soak up the tangy spicy goodness. For deeper flavor, leave it overnight.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature. The carrots stay crunchy and delicious even after resting.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crunchy carrots to retain texture and absorb marinade better.
  • Adjust vinegar quantity carefully to suit your acidity preference.
  • Finely mince garlic to ensure even flavor distribution without overpowering bites.
  • Toss carrots thoroughly with marinade for consistent taste.
  • Refrigerate before serving to intensify flavors and soften sharpness.
  • To adjust spice, increase or decrease chili flakes or substitute with fresh chilies.
  • For a sweet balance, add honey or extra sugar.
  • Try substituting vegetable oil with sesame oil for authentic Korean aroma.
  • Combine with shredded radish or cucumbers to add crunch variation.
  • Store in an airtight container refrigerated up to 5 days; avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy Korean Carrots, Korean side dish, tangy carrot salad, quick Korean recipe, vegan Korean appetizer, crunchy Korean salad

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/spicy-korean-carrots/