If you love vibrant, flavorful vegetables that feel indulgent yet wholesome, the Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender roasted broccoli and carrots glazed with a perfectly balanced mix of honey’s sweetness, soy’s umami richness, and the toasty warmth of sesame oil. It’s an easy, colorful side that makes weeknight dinners feel special, and the aroma while it roasts is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe hits the spot every time and elevates simple veggies into a dish worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but crucial for building its deep, layered flavors. Each one plays a role in adding texture, sweetness, or that hint of savory magic.
- Broccoli florets (2 heaping cups): Fresh, firm broccoli provides a satisfying crunch that softens beautifully when roasted.
- Carrots (1 pound): Peeled and chopped thick to roast into tender, naturally sweet morsels packed with vibrant color.
- Garlic (4 large cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant pungency that roasts down into mellow, savory notes.
- Avocado oil (2 Tbsp): A neutral oil perfect for high-heat roasting without overpowering flavors.
- Honey (2 Tbsp): Brings a delightful sweetness that caramelizes on the veggies, balancing the savory elements.
- Soy sauce, low sodium (2 Tbsp): Offers the umami punch with a mild saltiness; tamari works great for gluten-free needs.
- Rice vinegar (1 tsp): Adds a subtle tang that lifts the glaze and brightens the dish.
- Ground ginger (1 tsp): Warms the dish with a gentle spice that complements the honey and soy.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 Tbsp, divided): Half goes into roasting to infuse a distinct nutty flavor, the rest drizzled on top for finishing brilliance.
- Black pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked for a mild heat that plays off the sweetness and richness.
- Optional garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped parsley add visual appeal and bursts of fresh, toasty crunch.
How to Make Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the vegetables roast evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. The hot oven is key for that delicious caramelization that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.
Step 2: Toss the Veggies
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your chopped carrots, broccoli florets, and minced garlic. This fresh trio is the heart of your dish, and the minced garlic will give a mellow punch once roasted alongside the veggies.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Sauce
To the veggies, add the avocado oil, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Now comes the fun part: toss everything well so each piece is generously coated in this sticky, aromatic glaze. This mix will create a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that cling to every bite.
Step 4: Arrange for Roasting
Spread the coated broccoli and carrots out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer and spaced out; this helps the veggies roast to a perfect tender-crisp texture without steaming. Don’t skip this step if you want those nice browned edges.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and roast for about 30 minutes. Toss the veggies about halfway through cooking to encourage even roasting and color. You’ll know it’s ready when the carrots are tender and the broccoli has those irresistible browned, slightly crispy tips.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of toasted sesame oil over the hot veggies. This finishing touch adds a rich, nutty aroma and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish shine. For added zest, sprinkle a little black pepper, sesame seeds, and chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get creative and add more texture and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch, while freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of green that brightens the plate. A few cracks of black pepper round out the flavors beautifully and make every forkful sing.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe shines as a side to so many main dishes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or even tofu stir-fry. For a cozy weeknight, serve it alongside steamed rice or a bowl of fluffy quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond just a side, try tossing these roasted veggies into grain bowls, mixing them into warm pasta dishes, or even stuffing them into pita bread wraps with a drizzle of extra soy sauce or tahini. You can even use them as a topping for avocado toast to add crunch, flavor, and nutrients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted broccoli and carrots keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect ready-to-go side or snack to reheat throughout the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze this Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe, know that the texture of broccoli might soften somewhat once thawed. If freezing, spread the roasted veggies on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a 350°F oven or a cast iron skillet to revive the edges’ crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the roasted goodness and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, snap peas, or bell peppers work well. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly based on the vegetable’s density.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Definitely. Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based and just as delicious.
What’s the best way to get the veggies evenly roasted?
Spread them out in a single layer and toss halfway through cooking. Crowding the pan causes steaming rather than roasting, which means less crispy edges.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can toss the veggies with the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Roast fresh to ensure they keep their texture and brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe is a true flavor bomb that turns simple vegetables into a standout side dish. Its ease and vibrant taste make it one you’ll want to reach for over and over again. So, grab your baking sheet and enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors that fill your kitchen – trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Roasted Broccoli & Carrots with Honey, Soy, and Sesame Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Broccoli & Carrots recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender carrots and broccoli florets are tossed in a delicious mixture of avocado oil, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger, then roasted to caramelized perfection with garlic and toasted sesame oil. It’s an easy, nutritious way to enjoy roasted vegetables with a lovely balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 heaping cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz or 340 grams)
- 1 pound carrots (peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, low sodium (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (divided – 1 Tbsp to cook, 1 Tbsp to finish)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the peeled and chopped carrots, broccoli florets, and minced garlic. Ensure vegetables are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Mix Sauce: Add avocado oil, honey, low sodium soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the bowl with the vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the veggies are well-coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated broccoli and carrots onto the lined baking sheet. Spread them out in an even, spaced-out single layer so they roast evenly without steaming.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. For best results, toss the vegetables halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped parsley for added texture and color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
- Adjust the honey amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before garnishing.
- Make sure to cut the carrots evenly to match the broccoli cooking time.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop to retain crispness.
