Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing grain bowl featuring tender carrots glazed in miso, served over fluffy quinoa with a sesame-topped finish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs carrots, quinoa, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and slice 2 lbs carrots into 1/2-inch thick coins. Toss with 1 tsp sesame oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over roasted carrots and toss to coat.
  4. Step 4: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Divide into bowls, top with miso-glazed carrots, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Miso-Glazed Carrot and Quinoa Bowl with Sesame gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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