Korean Carrot Salad: A Vibrant and Easy Ultimate Recipe
Korean Carrot Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish featuring julienned carrots tossed in a flavorful dressing of apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and spices. This vibrant salad is easy to prepare, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors, enhanced by sesame seeds and optional green onions. Ideal as a light appetizer or a crisp accompaniment to various meals, it brings a delightful crunch and bright taste to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 tablespoon salt
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them thinly into julienne strips using a knife or mandoline for uniformity.
- Salt Carrots: Place the julienned carrots into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps keep the salad crisp.
- Rinse and Drain: After resting, rinse the salted carrots thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and the dressing is well mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained carrots to the bowl with the dressing and toss thoroughly, ensuring every carrot strip is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add Seeds and Onion: Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and, if using, the finely chopped green onions. Toss lightly to evenly distribute the garnish without crushing the ingredients.
- Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together for an enhanced taste experience.
- Serve: Transfer the marinated Korean carrot salad to a serving dish and enjoy it fresh as a vibrant, crunchy side dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the dressing.
- Julienning the carrots thinly ensures the dressing absorbs well and provides the best texture.
- Use toasted sesame seeds for a more aromatic garnish.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Green onions are optional but add a mild onion flavor and color contrast.
Keywords: Korean carrot salad, Korean side dish, vegan salad, no-cook salad, sesame carrot salad, quick Korean recipes, healthy carrot salad
