These honey glazed carrots are sweet, tender, and oh-so-simple to make! Just toss fresh carrots in a delightful honey and butter mixture for a tasty side dish.
I love how they brighten up any meal! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that even on busy nights, I can still add a touch of sweetness to dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are handy, but you can use regular carrots too. Just peel and slice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Carrots add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control of the salt level. If you prefer a healthier option, try using olive oil or a dairy-free substitute like vegan butter.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweet flavor, but if you’re vegan, maple syrup is an excellent alternative. It creates a different taste, but it’s still delightful!
Parsley: This optional garnish adds a fresh touch to your dish. If you don’t have parsley, try chives or cilantro for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Carrots Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender carrots lies in boiling them properly first. This method softens the carrots before adding the glaze. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large skillet for even cooking. Fill it halfway with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and simmer. This step takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once they are just tender, drain excess water before adding them back to the pan to coat with the glaze.
This way, you’ll achieve perfectly tender carrots with a delicious honey coating! Enjoy the sweet flavor in every bite!
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled and trimmed regular carrots)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparing the carrots and boiling them, plus about 5 minutes for glazing them in the pan. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Carrots:
Start by placing the baby carrots in a large skillet or sauté pan. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the carrots halfway. Add a small pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the carrots as they cook.
2. Cooking the Carrots:
Now, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly, and let them simmer for about 8-10 minutes. You want the carrots to be just tender, not mushy! After they’re cooked to your liking, drain any remaining water from the skillet.
3. Making the Honey Glaze:
Put the skillet back on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and honey to the pan, stirring until they melt together into a smooth mixture. This sweet and buttery glaze is going to make the carrots delicious!
4. Tossing the Carrots:
Add the cooked carrots back into the pan. Toss them in the honey butter glaze, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You want the carrots to be well-coated and for the glaze to thicken just a bit around them.
5. Final Seasoning:
Season the carrots with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it according to how you like it – a little extra salt highlights the sweetness!
6. Serving:
Transfer your beautifully glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the honey glazed carrots warm and enjoy this sweet and buttery side dish! They’re perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can run them under warm water in a colander or leave them in the fridge overnight. Adjust the cooking time as frozen carrots may cook faster than fresh ones.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and instead of honey, use maple syrup for a delicious vegan-friendly glaze!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of water to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! You can add veggies like baby potatoes, parsnips, or peas for a colorful mix. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, so everything cooks evenly!
