Korean-style carrot salad: A bold twist on a classic dish

Carrot salad is a classic we've known since childhood, but it's worth trying something new occasionally. Korean-style carrot salad, full of oriental spices, offers a completely different take on this popular vegetable. Spicy, slightly sour, and very aromatic—this version of the salad might surprise the whole family. Additionally, it's quick to prepare, and its taste pairs perfectly with various dishes, especially meat.

Korean-style carrot salad stands out from other salads with its intense flavour from spices, vinegar, and garlic. Combining the spiciness of chili with the sour note of vinegar makes this salad a perfect match for meat dishes and rice, but it can also be served as a standalone snack. It's a quick and easy-to-make alternative to traditional salads that surprise with its richness of flavour.

Ingredients:

                  
• 450 grams of carrots,
• 3-4 cloves of garlic,
• 1 teaspoon of salt,
• 1 teaspoon of sugar,
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander,
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili (or to taste),
• 60 milliliters of vinegar (e.g., wine or apple cider),
• 60 milliliters of vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower),
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce,
• 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds (optional).

Preparation:

        
1. Peel the carrots and grate them using a large-hole grater. Press the garlic through a crusher.
2. In a bowl, mix salt, sugar, coriander, chili, vinegar, soy sauce, and oil thoroughly.
3. Pour the mixture over the grated carrots and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
4. For the best flavour, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld.
5. Before serving, you can sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Additional Tips:

    
1. For a more intense flavour, make the salad the day before and store it in the refrigerator to allow all the ingredients to blend well.
2. You can also adjust the amount of chili to your taste—if you prefer a milder flavour, add less spice, and for spicy food enthusiasts, increase the amount.
3. Toasted sesame adds an extra nutty aroma that pairs excellently with carrots, but it's not necessary.

Korean-style carrot salad is a simple yet impressive way to diversify everyday meals. Its intense flavour will surely appeal to all lovers of bold dishes.