Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Asian-Style Glazed Carrots?
They are a vibrant vegetable side dish that combines the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with umami flavors from toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
What are the main flavors in this recipe?
The dish features a blend of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, honey, and a splash of citrus from orange juice.
How many carrots do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 carrots, which should be peeled and sliced.
What kind of oil is used for sautรฉing?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil to provide a rich, nutty flavor.
Can I substitute the orange juice?
Yes, you can use pineapple juice or even plain water as a substitute for orange juice.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce.
How much ginger is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of grated gingerroot.
When do I add the honey?
Honey is added after the carrots have simmered and reached your desired tenderness, then cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How long do the carrots need to simmer?
The carrots should simmer covered for about 5-7 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender texture.
What is the purpose of covering the skillet?
Covering the skillet allows the carrots to steam and simmer evenly, ensuring they reach a crisp-tender texture without drying out.
Should the sesame seeds be toasted?
Toasting the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds is optional, depending on your preference for flavor depth.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The recipe is tagged as vegan-friendly, though strict vegans may choose to substitute the honey with an alternative sweetener like maple syrup.
How much hoisin sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of hoisin sauce.
What heat setting should I use to start?
Start by heating the sesame oil over medium-high heat before adding the carrots.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Reduce the heat to medium-low once the liquid ingredients have been added to simmer the carrots.
How much honey is in the glaze?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of honey to create the sweet glaze.
When should I add the sesame seeds?
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the carrots after removing the skillet from the heat.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/8 teaspoon of pepper and salt to taste at the very end.
What determines the cooking time for the carrots?
The cooking time depends on the thickness of your carrot slices; thicker slices may take longer to become tender.
Can I use water instead of juice?
Yes, if you do not have orange or pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of water can be used.
How should I serve these carrots?
They should be served warm as a delicious accompaniment to any main meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick side dish and involves simple cooking steps.
What provides the 'Asian-style' flavor profile?
The combination of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and sesame seeds creates the signature Asian flavor profile.
Are the carrots peeled in this recipe?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the carrots should be peeled and sliced.
What provides the citrus note in the glaze?
Orange juice provides the primary citrus note, though pineapple juice is a suggested alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served warm, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
What is the texture of the finished carrots?
The goal is a crisp-tender texture that still has a slight bite rather than being mushy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized under healthy recipes as it uses fresh vegetables and flavorful yet light ingredients.
Does this recipe include any spice or heat?
The recipe is savory and sweet rather than spicy, though the ginger provides a very mild warmth.