Description
Honey Glazed Carrots is a quick, easy, and delicious side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a rich honey and butter glaze with a hint of lemon. Perfectly balanced between natural sweetness and a slight tang, this recipe is family-friendly, nutritious, and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Ready in under 30 minutes, it transforms simple carrots into a festive and mouthwatering addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Carrots – 1 pound, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
- Honey – 3 tablespoons
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – 1/8 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into even pieces, either rounds or sticks, to ensure they cook uniformly and absorb the glaze perfectly.
- Cook the Carrots: Steam or boil the carrots until they are just tender but still hold a bit of bite, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess water diluting the glaze.
- Make the Honey Glaze: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined and slightly thickened.
- Toss Carrots in Glaze: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose fresh, young carrots for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Do not overcook the carrots; keep them tender-crisp to maintain good texture.
- Balance the sweetness of honey with lemon juice for a clean, bright finish.
- Toss carrots gently and thoroughly in the glaze for an even coating and shine.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the glaze from burning and sticking during cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to preserve glaze quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling / Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Honey Glazed Carrots, Easy Side Dish, Sweet Carrots, Healthy Carrot Recipe, Family Friendly, Gluten Free
