- This recipe uses bold seasonings to make a basic roasted-carrot side dish extra delicious.
- The combo of carrots and extra-virgin olive oil makes an inflammation-fighting team.
- For a milder version of this recipe, you can omit the Sriracha.
Elevate your roasted carrots to our Bang Bang Carrots and be amazed at the delicious upgrade. Antioxidant-rich carrots are roasted at high heat, which brings out their natural sweetness and gives them bits of smoky, charred flavor around the edges. They are placed on a creamy bed of Bang Bang sauce made from calcium-packed yogurt, tangy mayo, sweet and hot chile sauces and fresh lime. We top them with sesame seeds for crunch and cilantro for brightness—you’ll love this new twist on roasted carrots. Keep reading for our expert tips on the roasting technique, ingredient substitutions and more.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- When preparing the carrots for a crowd, consider serving the sauce in a small bowl for dipping instead of spreading it on a platter.
- You can substitute the Sriracha with harissa paste or gochujang for a different heat and flavor profile, or add crushed red pepper to increase it further. If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the Sriracha.
- Consider adding garnishes such as scallions, chopped parsley or toasted peanuts to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Notes
- Carrots are a nutrient-rich root vegetable. Their color signals that they are an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which helps keep cells healthy. Beta-carotene is also converted into vitamin A and is important for immune function and reproductive health.
- Extra-virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy oil rich in monounsaturated fats. It is also a source of inflammation-lowering polyphenols that can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Greek-style yogurt is typically thicker than regular plain yogurt and has more protein. Your Greek-style yogurt may also contain probiotics, which help populate your gut with good bacteria. Always check the label to see if it contains live, active cultures—your clue that your yogurt contains probiotics.
