How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (2024)

Updated: Mar. 17, 2024

Thinking of making carrot cake? Before you jump in, learn how to shred carrots. And, no, you don't have to do this tedious work by hand!

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Whether you’re making a fancy vertical carrot cake or a simple version of the classic in a 13×9 pan, all recipes start the same: shredding carrots.

The good news here is that how to shred carrots is totally up to you and what tools you have in your kitchen—and the recipe you’re making (carrot cake isn’t the only dish with carrot shreds!).

We’re certain that no matter what level of kitchen experience you have, you’ve got one of these gadgets or will want to add one to your cart.

How to Shred Carrots with a Box Grater

How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (1)Getty Images/NATALIA KHIMICH

If you want to shred carrots like Grandma (or just don’t have a kitchen stocked with every gadget under the sun), break out a classic box grater.

To shred carrots with a box grater, start by peeling them; our Test Kitchen loves this Kuhn Rikon peeler. Then shred away on the box grater. You’ll find that the side with the largest holes is the easiest to useand it makes the perfect-sized shreds for all sorts of recipes including carrot muffins and coleslaw.

This method does take the most time, but it uses a gadget you already have at home and builds some muscle!

Best for:

How to Shred Carrots with a Food Processor

How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (2)Getty Images/SusanadelCampoPhoto

If you’ve got a food processor in your kitchen, don’t hesitate to pull it out for this task. All you have to do is peel your carrots, cut off the ends and chop the carrots into chunks a few inches long. Then fit your food processor with the grater disk (this comes in the box of most major food processor models) and pop in the carrots. Pulse until the carrots are perfectly grated.

This whole process of shredding carrots with a food processor will take seconds, which means you can get to stirring up recipes faster.

Best for:

How to Shred Carrots with a Mandoline

How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (3)Getty Images/arinahabich

We get it: Shredding carrots with a box grater can be pretty time-consuming (and food processors are pricey). If you want a method that’s speedy but won’t break the bank, try a mandoline with a grating surface. Just peel your carrots, cut off the ends and shred away!

This OXO mandoline is especially nice since it comes with different graters, plus a handy container to catch the carrots as you shred.

With a mandoline, you can quickly grate carrots. Just be sure that you use the guard that’s included in the box; mandolines are notoriously sharp. You want to shred carrots, not fingers.

Best for:

  • Carrot cakes and other bakes
  • Salads and slaws
  • Stir frys
  • Relish

How to Shred Carrots with a Julienne Peeler

How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (4)Getty Images/Enrique Díaz / 7cero

You can also shred carrots with a julienne peeler. This gadget is compact enough to toss in the drawer with your spatulas and won’t break the bank (you can get this OXO model for about $11).

To shred carrots, just use this tiny tool like you would a regular vegetable peeler. As you pull it along the carrot, it’ll create fine, long strips.

Best for:

Tools for Shredding Carrots

You know the methods, now it’s time to select the gear that suits your style best.

How to Shred Carrots 4 Different Ways (2024)

FAQs

How to shred carrots? ›

Any large carrots will work here. Wash the carrots well, and use a vegetable peeler to peel off their skins. Place a box grater on a cutting board. Using a downward motion, scrape the pointed end of the carrot along the large holes of the box grater.

How to shred carrots without grater? ›

Shred Carrots by Hand

This method uses a simple vegetable peeler, a knife, and a fork. Use the fork to stabilize one end of the carrot, and then use the peeler to peel extra-thin slices of carrot onto a cutting board. Once you have thin carrot strips, use a sharp knife to cut the strips lengthwise into shreds.

What is the easiest way to grate vegetables? ›

Most vegetables can be shredded with a box grater, a hand grater, or a food processor—however, cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy greens can just as easily be shredded with a knife.

How do you keep shredded carrots from turning brown? ›

Cut carrots into your desired size and shape (sticks, coins, chunks). Place the cut carrots in an air tight container (I used a wide-mouth mason jar but any air-tight container you have will work) and cover the carrots with water. Place the lid tightly on your container and store carrots in the fridge.

How to shred carrots fast? ›

All you have to do is peel your carrots, cut off the ends and chop the carrots into chunks a few inches long. Then fit your food processor with the grater disk (this comes in the box of most major food processor models) and pop in the carrots. Pulse until the carrots are perfectly grated.

Can you shred vegetables in a cheese grater? ›

As you get more advanced in your cooking basics, you will quickly learn that there are two ways to grate vegetables efficiently. You can either use a food processor or a cheese grater.

Can you use a blender to grate carrots? ›

Use a food processor or blender to shred up your carrots.

It takes less time than grating the carrots by hand.

What is the difference between grated carrots and shredded carrots? ›

The main difference between shredded and grated carrots is the size and appearance of the results. Shredded carrots typically look like long, thin strips while grated carrots are much smaller, almost crumb-like. This is due to a difference in blade size between a shredder and a grater.

Why did my shredded carrots turn green? ›

Carrots contain pigments that are sensitive to changes in pH balance. When the shreds of carrot come into contact with the alkaline baking soda, a chemical reaction takes place that causes the pigments to change color. Ipso facto, green carrots!

Can shredded carrots go bad? ›

Raw carrots, when properly stored will usually stay fresh for around 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. If your carrots are sliced or chopped, you can store them in the fridge and they'll last for about 2 to 3 weeks.

What tool do you use to shred carrots? ›

Yes, you can shred or grate carrots without a food processor using a few different methods. You can use a box grater, a plane grater, a julienne peeler or a mandolin to get similar results to shredding with a food processor.

How to shred vegetables without a shredder? ›

Food Processor

This popular kitchen appliance requires less physical effort and time to grate or shred carrots. To easily grate carrots in a food processor, all you need to do manually is peel the whole carrots and cut off the ends before chopping them into 2-3 inch long pieces. The food processor will handle the rest.

Do you have to peel carrots before shredding? ›

Because a carrot's skin isn't as thick as other root vegetables (like potatoes) or winter squashes, carrots are perfectly safe and delicious to eat without peeling so long as they are properly cleaned. When it comes down to it, peeling carrots or keeping the skin on is a matter of personal preference.

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