Looking for a new way to enjoy carrots or sneak in more veggies? We have you covered!

These roasted carrots are similar to these honey glazed carrots with herbs, but with an Asian flair. The side dish fits in just about any quick meal plan, as it takes just less than 20 minutes!

And not to mention, the health benefits of carrots are pretty amazing!

So give this sesame roasted carrot recipe a try. Not only are they simple and delicious, but go with so many recipes detailed below!

Sesame Roasted Carrots Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition per serving: 100 calories, 3 g fat, 2 g protein, 16 g total carb, 3 g fiber

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4" coins
• 1 Tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil then add carrots in a single layer when hot.

2. Toss carrots with the oil and allow 5 minutes to cook, stirring occasionally. The carrots should be lightly browned and almost cooked through.

3. Lower to medium heat and add honey, soy sauce, and ginger to the pan. Stir to coat carrots. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken. The ginger will also become fragrant and the carrots easily pierced through with a fork.

4. Serve warm with our favorite meal combos listed below. Also, feel free to season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Prep and Serving Tips

From prepping a gluten-free option to pairing suggestions, use these tips to make the roasted carrots fit into any balanced meal plan.

Prep with Different Carrot Varities

From baby carrots to those colored purple, there are so many varieties of carrots that come in various sizes and colors. Feel free to play with different types of to color the dish.

If using large carrots, though, peel the carrots and cut into smaller sizes. This ensures evenly-cooked carrots and a nice presentation!

Experiment with Various Oils and Seasonings

Speaking of variety, feel free to use other preferred oils and seasonings as well.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Cilantro
• Cumin
• Garlic, minced or powder
• Olive oil
• Onion varieties such as green, red, or white
• Oyster sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Make the Dish Vegan or Gluten-Free

The carrot recipe can be simply tweaked to accommodate a number of dietary needs and preferences. Fit the carrots into a gluten-free or vegan diet with these tips:

• Make the dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. While tamari is naturally gluten-free, always verify if wheat has been added and it is certified gluten-free.

• Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a vegan option. A touch of brown sugar can also be substituted.

All-in-all, the carrots can fit into just about any meal plan with simple tweaks as needed.

Serve with a Protein Dish

To make a well-balanced meal, pair the carrots with a protein-rich entree. Some delicious pairings include:

• Beef and broccoli stir-fry. Couple the carrots with tender lean beef and emerald green broccoli. Pair with fluffy brown rice for the ultimate balanced dish. For a low-carb option, sub out the whole grain with riced cauliflower.

• Sesame soba noodles with edamame. Looking for a vegetarian option? Toss sesame carrots with soba noodles with fresh edamame. Also topped with a sweet chili soy sauce, there is a perfect balance of sweet and heat!

• Vegetable fried rice. Fried rice with veggies recipe is another vegetarian option packed with fresh flavors and nutrients. Ignite flavor by serving the sesame carrots alongside or atop the fried rice.

• Shrimp pasta. Unlike most shrimp pasta prepared with tablespoons of butter and rich in saturated fat, our version uses heart-healthy olive oil. It is packed with veggies, too, so you can enjoy shrimp and pasta without an ounce of guilt!

• Thai green or red curry. Green curry is traditionally prepared with green chilies, while red is prepared with many red chilies for one fiery hot dish. Whether preferred more sweet or spicy, or an equal combo of both, each dish is packed with flavor!

Really, there is no wrong way to enjoy these roasted carrots. Also tasting so good, it will be hard not to sneak some straight from the skillet before pairing and serving!