Every once in a while, a humble vegetable takes center stage and steals the show—and that’s exactly what happens with these Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots. Carrots, often overlooked as just another side, become irresistible when roasted to caramelized perfection and tossed in a bold, flavor-packed gochujang sauce.
This dish is where simplicity meets sophistication. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the savory heat of Korean gochujang paste, creating a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, spicy, and smoky with a hint of umami. Topped with chopped herbs and toasted pecans, every bite has a delicious contrast of textures.
Whether you’re serving these as a vibrant holiday side, a dinner party showstopper, or part of a cozy weeknight meal, they’ll elevate your table effortlessly. Even those who claim not to like carrots will come back for seconds.
Recipe Overview
These Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots feature tender, roasted heirloom carrots glazed in a rich gochujang-maple sauce and finished with fresh herbs and crunchy pecans. It’s a modern, plant-forward dish that brings bold global flavor with minimal effort—ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals.
Ingredients & Instructions
Gochujang Sauce
- ⅓ cup gochujang paste
- 2½ tbsp grapeseed oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave for a vegan alternative)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Roasted Carrots
- 1½ pounds heirloom carrots, tops trimmed, scrubbed, and halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or avocado oil)
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Handful of fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil, or parsley), chopped
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Arrange a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). This placement ensures that your carrots caramelize beautifully without burning.
2. Prepare the Gochujang Sauce
In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the gochujang paste, oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust for seasoning—if you prefer more heat, add an extra teaspoon of gochujang; for extra sweetness, a drizzle more of maple syrup does the trick. Set the sauce aside while the carrots roast.
Pro Tip: Gochujang paste can vary in spiciness depending on the brand. Start with less and add more gradually if you’re new to it.
3. Roast the Carrots
Spread the carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer for even roasting.
Roast for about 20 minutes, then check tenderness by piercing one with a sharp knife. If it still feels firm, continue roasting for another 10 minutes or more, depending on size. The goal is tender carrots with slightly caramelized edges.
4. Glaze the Carrots
Once tender, remove the carrots from the oven. Drizzle the gochujang sauce over them while still hot, then toss gently using tongs or a spatula until each carrot is fully coated in the spicy glaze. The residual heat helps the sauce cling perfectly, creating that glossy finish.
5. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glazed carrots to a warm serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs—choose cilantro for freshness, mint for brightness, or parsley for earthiness. Finally, top with toasted pecans for crunch and nutty depth.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy how the sweet, spicy, and nutty notes come together harmoniously.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose the Right Carrots
Heirloom carrots offer the best presentation with their vibrant colors and natural sweetness, but regular orange carrots work just as well. Try to choose similar-sized carrots for even cooking.
2. Spice Adjustments
- Want more kick? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prefer milder flavor? Mix a teaspoon of rice vinegar or lime juice into the sauce to balance the heat with brightness.
3. Flavor Enhancements
- Nut Swap: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or sesame seeds for a Korean-inspired twist.
- Add Citrus: A light squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted sesame oil or scallions on top for a deeper umami aroma.
4. Make It a Meal
These roasted carrots pair perfectly with:
- Jasmine rice or quinoa for a light, balanced meal.
- Grilled tofu, roasted chicken, or salmon for added protein.
- Korean-inspired mains, like bulgogi or kimchi fried rice, to complete a flavorful spread.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or lightly sauté them in a skillet with a drizzle of oil.
Serving Suggestions
These carrots are versatile enough to complement any meal:
- Serve them as a holiday side dish to balance richer mains like roast beef or turkey.
- Add them to grain bowls with greens, rice, and avocado.
- Toss cold leftovers into salads for a burst of sweet heat.
For presentation, garnish with a few extra herbs or a drizzle of leftover gochujang sauce right before serving.
Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots are a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The spicy-sweet glaze transforms everyday carrots into something bold, modern, and absolutely delicious. With caramelized edges, a glossy gochujang finish, and a sprinkle of herbs and nuts, every bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes.
Whether served alongside your favorite entrée or enjoyed as a stand-alone side, these carrots bring warmth, color, and personality to any table. It’s an easy, elegant dish that proves vegetables can be just as exciting as the main course.
FAQs
1. What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili peppers, rice, soybeans, and salt. It’s savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, adding depth to sauces and marinades.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the carrots ahead, refrigerate them, and toss with the gochujang sauce just before reheating to maintain their texture.
3. What can I use instead of gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, mix chili paste with a bit of soy sauce, maple syrup, and miso to mimic the flavor.
4. Are these carrots spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat level, depending on your gochujang brand. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less paste.
5. Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or replace them with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.
Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots combine tender roasted heirloom carrots with a spicy-sweet Korean glaze, fresh herbs, and toasted pecans for a bold, elegant side dish.
