Orange Glazed Carrot Noodles

$Here’s what you need to make Orange Glazed Carrot Noodles: - 4 medium carrots, spiralized into noodles - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish These fresh ingredients bring vibrant flavors and a bright color to your dish. Carrots are the star here, and spiralizing them gives you a fun noodle shape that kids and adults enjoy. The orange zest and juice add a sweet and zesty punch that makes this dish stand out. The honey or maple syrup gives it that perfect touch of sweetness. Use tamari if you want to keep it gluten-free. Trust me; these ingredients blend together for a dish you’ll love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To begin, you need to spiralize the carrots into noodle shapes. You can use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler for this. First, wash the carrots well. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Then, place the carrot in the spiralizer and turn it gently. This creates long, thin noodles that are fun to eat. When you finish, set the noodles aside in a bowl. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to warm but not smoke. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You will smell a lovely aroma. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Now, it’s time to incorporate the carrot noodles into the skillet. Toss them gently in the ginger and garlic mix. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to make the noodles tender but still a bit crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour this orange glaze over the noodles. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness as needed. When ready, transfer the glazed carrot noodles to a serving plate. For a nice finish, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Enjoy the beautiful and colorful dish! To get the best texture for your carrot noodles, focus on cooking them just right. You want them tender but still crisp. Aim for about 2-3 minutes of cooking time in the skillet. Watch closely! If you overcook them, they can turn mushy. A great tip is to stir gently while they cook. This way, they heat evenly. Adjusting the sweetness of the glaze can make a big difference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For a more balanced taste, consider adding a dash of soy sauce. You can also play with other seasonings. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Garnishing can elevate your dish. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and crunch. Serve these noodles warm on a nice plate to impress. You can pair them with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will give your dish a vibrant flavor that dried spices simply can't replicate. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can modify the amount of honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a sweeter or more savory dish. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just make sure not to overcook the noodles to maintain their texture. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition! {{image_2}} - Making it vegan: To make this dish vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while keeping it plant-based. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Gluten-free alternatives: If you need a gluten-free meal, choose tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Most brands are gluten-free, so check the label. - Other vegetables to use with the glaze: While carrot noodles shine, you can try zucchini or sweet potato noodles. These add unique flavors and textures. You can also mix different vegetables for a colorful dish. - Alternative sweeteners: Maple syrup works well, but you can also use agave syrup or coconut sugar. Each adds a different taste, so feel free to experiment with what you have. - Adding protein options like tofu or chickpeas: For extra protein, toss in cubed tofu or cooked chickpeas. They soak up the glaze and add texture. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. - Experimenting with spices: Add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You can also use herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh twist. Mixing spices can create new flavor profiles each time you make this dish. To keep your orange glazed carrot noodles fresh, follow these steps: - Cool down: Let the noodles cool to room temperature before storing. - Use airtight containers: Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. - Refrigerate promptly: Store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. These methods help retain the flavor and texture of the noodles. They can last up to three days in the fridge. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Here’s how to do it right: - Microwave method: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second increments until warm. - Stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil. Stir the noodles until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. Both methods help keep the noodles tender without turning them mushy. You can freeze carrot noodles, but they do need some care. - Freezing: Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. - Thawing: To thaw, place the noodles in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Freezing may change the texture slightly, but the flavor stays strong. You can pair Orange Glazed Carrot Noodles with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Complementary side dishes: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed broccoli. A side of rice adds a nice touch too. - Protein pairings: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal. These proteins enhance the dish and make it more filling. Yes, you can use regular carrots. However, spiralizing has its perks: - Benefits of spiralizing: Spiralized carrots cook quickly and add a fun texture. They also soak up the glaze well. - Alternative preparation methods: If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can julienne or thinly slice the carrots. Cook them a bit longer to ensure they soften. Making this recipe ahead is simple. Here’s how: - Pre-preparation tips: Spiralize the carrots and prepare the glaze in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. - Reheating suggestions for meal prep: When ready to eat, heat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat. Add the glaze and warm until heated through. This keeps the texture just right. This blog post guides you through making delicious orange glazed carrot noodles. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can adjust the recipe for various diets and even learn how to store leftovers. In the end, these noodles are easy to make and fun to customize. Enjoy creating your own twist on this tasty dish!$

Orange Glazed Carrot Noodles

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring spiralized carrot noodles coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium carrots, spiralized into noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange zest and juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
to garnish chopped green onions
to garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

Begin by spiralizing the carrots into noodle shapes using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Incorporate the carrot noodles into the skillet, tossing them to coat with the ginger and garlic mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are just tender but still slightly crisp.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Pour the orange glaze over the carrot noodles, stirring well to ensure even coating. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting sweetness as needed.
Remove from heat and transfer the glazed carrot noodles to a serving plate.

Notes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Serve warm and enjoy the colorful and flavorful presentation!

Keyword carrot noodles, orange glaze, vegetarian