Are you craving something sweet and spicy and absolutely irresistible? Get ready for a taste sensation with these delicious Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots! This recipe is as simple as mixing, roasting, and enjoying. Just toss together a medley of flavors—sesame oil, honey, chili paste, lime juice, and Fresno chili peppers—then let the oven work its magic. It's a set-it-and-forget-it dish that couldn't be easier.
This dish was inspired by my quest to perfect an Asian-style carrot salad. I stumbled upon a wickedly spicy sauce that stole the show during the process. Initially too intense, I tempered the sauce with organic honey, creating a delightfully sweet and spicy harmony. It transformed a simple veggie stir-fry into a flavor explosion.
Then, in a stroke of inspiration, I roasted baby carrots with this magical sauce, and the result was nothing short of addictive. Hence, carrots with sweet chili sauce were created using simple steps!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
4 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Looking for reasons to love this honey-glazed carrot? Here are five:
- Easy mix-and-roast method for effortless cooking.
- Sweetness of honey with a kick of chili paste.
- Pairs with any main course for a complete meal.
- Mild spice that even the little ones will enjoy.
Are Roasted Carrots Low Carb?
No, sweet and spicy roasted carrots are not low-carb. In this recipe, each serving has 27 g net carbs, which is on the high end of the carb spectrum. However, if you substitute honey for low-carb sweeteners like sugar-free syrup or liquid stevia, the carb count will go down to 19 g per serving. It is still a high carb count for those following a strict low carb diet so enjoy it if it fits your dietary preference.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots Ingredients List
To make the best oven-roasted glazed carrots, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby carrots
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 Fresno chili peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 scallion, sliced
Ingredients Substitutions
If you don't have all the ingredients, here are some handy alternatives that will give you equally great spicy glazed carrots:
- Honey: Cut down the carb count with liquid stevia or sugar-free syrup.
- Fresno chili peppers: Anaheim or poblano pepper will give you the same spice kick.
Additional Ingredients
A few additions to the honey chili carrots you have a most wonderful, uplifting carrot side dish recipe!
- Toppings: This recipe loves some toasted sesame seeds or toasted almonds on top.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro, fresh parsley, or mint for a beautiful herby aroma and flavors.
- Heat: If you like setting your palate on fire, toss in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper or chili flakes.
Note: The ingredient additions are superb ways of elevating the flavors of the vegan glazed carrots. However, remember that these ingredients are not included in the recipe.
Cooking Tools
Another reason I love this roasted carrots recipe is that it requires very few tools, which means minimum cleaning!
- Baking sheet or ovenproof skillet
- Medium to Large bowl
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs and spatula
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots: Step-by-step Guide
Cooking Method
- Oven roasting
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Combine the baby carrots, sesame oil, honey, chili paste, lime juice, sliced Fresno chili peppers, and kosher salt in a medium to large bowl.
- If desired, add fresh cracked pepper to taste.
💡 My Pro Tip
A thick sauce is the hallmark of this roasted baby carrots dish. If you use baby carrots that come pre-packaged from the store, drain the extra water in the pack and dry the carrots before using them for the recipe. If you don't drain the water or dry the carrots, your sauce will be too thin.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-made sweet and sour chili sauce. You can get this from the store to cut prep time. Store-bought versions are not low-carb, but since this recipe is not low-carb, we could swing for the fences.
- Mix all the carrots and seasoning on the baking sheet instead of the bowl to reduce cleanup.
- The honey clings to a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet but not a silicone baking mat. Use one for easier cleanup.
What to Serve with These Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots?
Honey-glazed, sweet and spicy carrots are a fine accompaniment to many main dishes. They are also enjoyable on their own, but I love to pair them with particular meals:
- Chipotle Chicken: Pair these Asian roasted carrots with chipotle chicken for a delightful contrast of flavors. The smoky heat of the chicken complements the flavors perfectly.
- Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings: For a tangy twist, serve these carrots alongside zesty lemon garlic chicken wings. The bright flavors of the wings enhance the sweetness of the roasted carrots.
- Pan-Seared Lamb Loin Chops: Serve pan-seared lamb loin chops with these sweet and spicy roasted carrots. The bold flavors of the lamb pair beautifully with the chili flavor.
- Grilled Pork Chops: Enhance grilled pork chops with these sweet and spicy roasted carrots. The savory pork balances the sweetness and spice of this spicy side dish.
- Saucy Beef Stroganoff: Add a pop of flavor to saucy beef stroganoff by serving it alongside these sweet and spicy roasted carrots. The carrots provide a delicious contrast to the creamy beef dish.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
- Transfer your honey-glazed roasted carrots to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
- Put the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat according to the instructions below.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat the roasted carrots in the oven at 177°C (350°F) until heated.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat on the stovetop. Stir gently until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave by adding a splash of water to create steam, then cover and reheat at a low heat setting.
Recipe Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots are easy to fall in love with. I am obsessed with them and wanted to share this recipe's goodness with the world. The enchanting carrot side dish oozes well-balanced sweetness from the caramelized baby carrots and honey. The heat is a nice kick to your palate; you can adjust it to suit you. Additions like mint, cilantro, or sesame seeds will take the dish's flavor out of this world.
Fantastic flavors aside, you will love the recipe because it is wonderfully hassle-free. It requires basic ingredients, few cooking tools, and minimum cleanup. Try these roasted carrots next time you're craving something sweet and spicy on the side.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes:
If carrot is your favorite veggie and you are looking for some healthy side dish ideas, check out these best carrot recipes:
FAQs
Your roasted carrots are not getting softer for various reasons, such as roasting at a lower temperature than the recommended 400°F (204°C), shorter cooking time, or cutting into uneven pieces.
If you are roasting large or thick carrots, parboiling is a useful step in ensuring even cooking and reducing the roasting time.
Carrots contain natural sugars at relatively lower levels than other vegetables. A typical medium-sized carrot has 3.4 g of sugar, and sugar levels vary across different varieties.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots 🥕
Ingredients
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots Ingredients List
- To make the best oven-roasted glazed carrots you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby carrots
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 Fresno chili peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 scallion sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Combine the baby carrots, sesame oil, honey, chili paste, lime juice, sliced Fresno chili peppers, and kosher salt in a medium to large bowl.
- If desired, add fresh cracked pepper to taste.
Cooking Instructions
- Spread the carrot mixture in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Avoid lining it with foil to prevent tearing as the honey caramelizes.
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the hot oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Stir the carrots and continue to roast for an additional 15 minutes.
- Use a spatula to scrape up all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan and mix them with the carrots.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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