Glazed Carrots with Butter (Printable Version)
Tender carrots simmered in a buttery honey glaze for a sweet, glossy side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices or sticks
→ Glaze
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
04 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 cup water
→ Garnish (optional)
08 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How to Make It:
01 - Place sliced carrots and water in a large skillet or saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
02 - Cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until carrots are tender but retain firmness.
03 - Remove lid, then stir in butter, honey, brown sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Increase heat to medium-high and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until liquid thickens into a glossy glaze, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Transfer glazed carrots to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- It turns simple carrots into something that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.
- The glaze clings to every piece, giving you that perfect balance of sweet and savory without feeling like dessert.
- You can throw it together with pantry staples and still impress anyone at the table.
02 -
- Dont skip the initial steaming step or youll end up with carrots that are glazed on the outside and hard in the middle.
- Stir frequently once you add the glaze ingredients, or the sugar will burn and turn bitter instead of caramelized.
- If the glaze gets too thick too fast, add a splash of water and keep stirring.
03 -
- Cut your carrots into even pieces so they cook uniformly, nothing worse than some being perfect and others still raw.
- Use a wide skillet instead of a narrow pot so the liquid evaporates faster and the glaze thickens without overcooking the carrots.
- Taste the glaze before serving and add a pinch more salt if it tastes too sweet, it should feel balanced, not like candy.