These brown sugar glazed carrots are sweet, tender, and full of flavor! Just a few ingredients can turn ordinary carrots into a tasty side dish that everyone will love.
Honestly, who knew carrots could be so fun to eat? The sweet glaze makes them irresistible. I love serving them with dinner for a colorful and yummy touch. 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh carrots are essential here! Baby carrots are great for convenience, while sliced large carrots can be more flavorful. You can substitute with parsnips for a different twist, as they also caramelize beautifully.
Brown Sugar: This is the star ingredient that gives the glaze its sweet flavor. If you want a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or honey. Just be aware that honey will change the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but if you want a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Olive oil can work too, but the flavor will be different.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. If you don’t have it, use thyme or dill for a different herbal touch.
How Do You Properly Glaze Carrots?
Glazing carrots might seem tricky, but it’s all about the heat and patience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. Melt butter slowly over medium heat.
- Coat the carrots well with butter before adding sugar and seasonings.
- Cover with a lid during steaming to keep the moisture in, which helps cook them evenly.
- Once tender, remove the lid and let the liquid reduce to create a thick, syrupy glaze. Stir occasionally for even coating.
These steps help ensure your carrots are sweetly glazed, tender, and still vibrant. Enjoy making them a tasty side dish!
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into uniform pieces (baby carrots or sliced large carrots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice (optional, for steaming)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the carrots and another 10 minutes cooking them to perfection. In no time, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Start by peeling the carrots if you’re using whole ones. Cut them into even pieces, about 2-3 inches long. If you’re using baby carrots, you can skip this step and use them as they are!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watching it melt is a little satisfying, isn’t it?
3. Add the Carrots:
Once the butter is melted, toss the carrots into the skillet and stir them around to get them nice and coated in that buttery goodness.
4. Sweeten the Carrots:
Next, sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots along with the salt and add black pepper if you like a little spice. Stir everything together until the sugar is mixed in well.
5. Steam the Carrots:
Pour the water or orange juice into the skillet (if you’re using it) and cover with a lid. Allow the carrots to steam and cook for about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender but still slightly firm!
6. Glaze the Carrots:
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. This step is key! It helps the liquid reduce while allowing the brown sugar to caramelize and create a glaze. Stir occasionally and watch as the glaze thickens around the carrots for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Serve the Carrots:
Take the skillet off the heat and carefully transfer your beautifully glazed carrots to a serving dish. You can almost smell the sweetness already!
8. Garnish:
To add a little freshness, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. It adds a lovely touch of color too.
9. Time to Enjoy!
Serve these warm and watch them disappear from the table! They make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Enjoy your shiny, sweet, tender Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots!
Can I Use Honey Instead of Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey for brown sugar! Use about 1.5 tablespoons of honey for every 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Keep in mind that honey will make the glaze a bit thinner, so monitor the cooking time to ensure it thickens properly.
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Carrots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the carrots and glaze them a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate after cooking. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove until warmed through.
What Other Vegetables Can I Glaze Like This?
Great question! You can use this glazing technique for other veggies like green beans, sweet potatoes, or even parsnips. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable’s firmness.