Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Root & Carrots)

Ingredients

• 1 piece gobo or burdock root, approximately 2½ feet long
• 1 carrot small
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil add more if desired, up to 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 teaspoon dashi powder dried
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, or omit for savory kinpira gobo
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or wagiri, round-cut chili peppers, optional
• 1/2 tablespoon roasted white sesame seeds + more for garnish