Miso-Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds
Sweet, umami-packed carrots glazed in a savory miso sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a perfect side that complements any main course. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs white miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and cut into 1-inch coins carrots
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 lb peeled carrot coins in a medium saucepan, add 2 tbsp water, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until tender but still holding shape, then drain excess water.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the miso mixture into the hot carrots, tossing to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the carrots like a glossy glaze. Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds, and serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Carrots with Sesame Seeds?
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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds?
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 Carrots with Sesame Seeds 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 Carrots with Sesame Seeds 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
