Grilled carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, these carrots are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the olive oil and seasoning.
All the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens. However, if you don't have olive oil on hand, you can easily find it in the cooking oils section of your local supermarket. Make sure to choose a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Ingredients For Grilled Carrots Recipe
Carrots: These are the main ingredient, providing a sweet and earthy flavor when grilled.
Olive oil: Used to coat the carrots and help them cook evenly on the grill.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for Grilling Carrots
To achieve perfectly grilled carrots, ensure they are cut into uniform sticks. This promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming too charred while others remain undercooked. Additionally, consider using a grill basket to keep the carrots from falling through the grates. For added flavor, you can marinate the carrots in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture for about 30 minutes before grilling.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness when grilled, making them a great alternative.
carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar sweetness and can be cut into sticks for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point and a light flavor, perfect for grilling vegetables.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the taste of grilled vegetables.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor dimension to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes
How To Store / Freeze Your Grilled Carrots
- Allow the grilled carrots to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Transfer the cooled carrots to an airtight container. If you have a lot of carrots, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Grilled carrots can last up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to use, thaw the carrots in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the carrots on the stovetop. Place them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil and cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Avoid microwaving the carrots, as this can make them mushy and unevenly heated.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover grilled carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. This method helps retain their tenderness and slight char.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the grilled carrots. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through. This method can add a bit of extra caramelization to the carrots.
Microwave Method: Place the grilled carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them mushy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method can help restore some of the crispiness to the carrots.
Steaming Method: Place a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Add the grilled carrots to the basket and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5 minutes or until they are heated through. This method keeps the carrots moist and tender.
Essential Tools for Grilling Carrots
Grill: Used to cook the carrots, providing a smoky flavor and charred texture.
Large bowl: Used to toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Tongs: Essential for turning the carrots on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to peel and cut the carrots into sticks.
Knife: Used to peel and cut the carrots into sticks.
Serving platter: Used to serve the grilled carrots immediately after cooking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ahead: Peel and cut the carrots in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use a grill basket: Place the carrots in a grill basket to make turning them easier and more efficient.
Batch cooking: Grill extra carrots and use leftovers in salads or as a side dish for another meal.
Preheat properly: Ensure your grill is fully preheated to medium-high heat before adding the carrots to reduce cooking time.
Even cuts: Cut the carrots into uniform sticks to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Grilled Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the carrots on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
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