Add a burst of tangy-sweet umami to your meals with these vibrant Japanese Pickled Carrots! Thinly sliced carrots are immersed in a delicately balanced brine of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a harmony of flavors that's both refreshing and versatile. Enhanced with toasted sesame seeds and optional chili flakes for a hint of heat, this quick-pickling recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and is ready to enjoy in as little as 2 hours. Perfect as a crunchy side dish, a zesty topping for salads, or a flavorful addition to bento boxes, these pickled carrots are a must-have for fans of Japanese cuisine. Easy to make and packed with vibrant color and flavor, this recipe is an ideal way to elevate your meal with minimal effort.
Peel the carrots and cut them into thin matchstick-sized strips (about 5 cm long). You can use a knife, julienne peeler, or mandoline slicer for uniform size.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, soy sauce, and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
If desired, toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Place the carrot strips into a clean glass jar or heatproof container.
Pour the slightly cooled pickling liquid over the carrots, ensuring they are fully submerged. If using dried chili flakes, sprinkle them into the jar at this stage.
Cover the jar with a lid and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
Allow the carrots to pickle for at least 2 hours before serving, though 24 hours will yield a more developed flavor.
Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness and crunch.
Enjoy these pickled carrots as a side dish, salad topping, or bento box addition!
Serving size | 561.4 grams (561.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 385 |
Total Fat 5.90g | 8% |
Saturated Fat 0.80g | 4% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 2764mg | 120% |
Total Carbohydrate 80.70g | 29% |
Dietary Fiber 9.60g | 34% |
Total Sugars 64.30g | |
Protein 6.00g | 12% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 113mg | 9% |
Iron 2mg | 9% |
Potassium 1051mg | 22% |
Source of Calories