These delicious marinated carrots have been a staple in our family for a long time. The recipe is very common in Russia and is known there as ‘Korean carrots’.
There are dozens of variations of this recipe. The base is recipe consists of seasoned shredded carrots marinated in oil and vinegar. The addition of fresh garlic and ground coriander seeds make the carrots very fragrant and aromatic. Many recipes call for chili powder along with paprika. I like adding cayenne pepper for some kick.
Sugar is commonly added when making marinated carrots, typically 3/4 tablespoon per pound of carrots. Personally, I prefer the unsweetened version and always skip the sugar. If you like the sweeter carrots, add it back in. Both variations taste great, it all comes down to your personal preference.
It may sound as though 2.2 lbs of carrots is a lot. It’s not. You will run out quickly. Very quickly. So you better make enough. These carrots are great on their own, as snack or as an appetizer. You can also served them with grilled, roasted or fried meats. You can even add them to sandwiches. These carrots also pair very well with potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes.
You can simply slice the carrots but traditionally they are shredded. I think shredded carrots just taste better. Shredding or grating this many carrots by hand is a chore so use a food processor if possible. It will help tremendously. When shredding carrots make sure you use a grater with fine holes. I use a disk with 1/16 inch (2 mm) holes in my food processor and really like the thickness of the carrots.
These marinated carrots can be consumed as soon as you make them and will taste very good. But if you let them marinate for at least 6 hours they will taste exceptionally good. They will only get better with time and you will keep in a fridge for a couple of weeks without any degradation in taste.
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs carrots shredded
- 1 yellow onion peeled and quatered
- 5 cloves garlic peeled and pressed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar plus more to taste
- 1 Tbsp sugar optional, only if you like sweeter carrots
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Place the shredded carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add salt, sugar (optionally), paprika, cayenne pepper, ground coriander seeds, pressed garlic, black pepper and vinegar. Mix really well and taste. Adjust for salt and vinegar if needed.
- Heat oil in a medium size sauce pan over high heat. Carefully add the quartered onions and cook until outer parts of the onions get golden brown. Remove from the heat and discard the onions.
- Pour the hot oil very slowly over the carrots while mixing the carrots with a wooden spoon with a long handle to avoid burning hands. Ideally, have one person gently pour the oil while the other person is mixing the salad.
- Transfer the shredded carrots into an air tight container and refrigerate. The carrots will be ready in about 6 hours. Will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Mike says
Why do you not use the onions other than flavoring the oil.
Victor @ Taste of Artisan says
I don't think I have a good reason for that, to be honest. Traditionally, we don't add onions but I like the idea of adding them.
Irene says
Great way to eat more carrots and easy to add to any salad. I have recently become a vegetarian and I look for ways to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. I didn't eat enough carrots because it seemed like too much work every time to peel a carrot and grate it. Now, I make this dish once a week and whenever I feel like having a bit of spiced carrots I add them to my salad bowl. Orange color and spicy taste makes it more fun to eat with other colorful veggies like bits and red cabbage, or just to brake a boring color and taste of quinoa.
Victor @ Taste of Artisan says
Great to hear that, Irene. You must try my pickled cabbage too if you haven't already. It's a hit in our home.
Carrie says
I can't emphasize enough how tasty this recipe is. It's fantastic on sandwiches but is also incredible on its own. Carrots, especially raw, are so nutritious, but generally not very appealing, at least if you ask me. It's so cool to stumble on a recipe that makes them more or less addictive. I can't wait to put on tacos and also try as a side with potatoes. Thank you so much for sharing!
Victor @ Taste of Artisan says
You are very welcome! Enjoy!
Carrie says
I can't wait to try your other vegetable recipes. Marinated Zucchini, Marinated Eggplant, and Pickled Cabbage up next 🙂 🙂
Lisa Smith says
The combination of delectable taste, perfect crunch & vivid color make this a welcome addition for any table . I added some shredded red cabbage, chopped up cooked beets & a can of garbanzo beans (drained). I also doubled the amount of vinegar.
victor says
Sounds delicious!
kelsey says
This looks lovely! I shredded some carrots and red cabbage and was looking for something to do with it to spice it up... I think I've found it! I'll comment back afterward to let you know how fabulous it was 🙂
victor says
Awesome! I have a couple of very healthy and just as delicious shredded cabbage recipes, need to find time to post them (will try to do that by end of this month). Make them on the weekend and enjoy all week. My kids love them.