These glazed carrots are a sweet and zesty treat! With the bright flavors of orange and a hint of ginger, they turn plain carrots into a delicious side dish.
Plus, they look so pretty on the plate! I love how easy they are to make—just boil, glaze, and serve. Your dinner guests will ask for the recipe, trust me! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and present nicely. If using regular carrots, just peel and slice them into even pieces for uniform cooking. Any kind of carrot works!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because you control the salt level. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with olive oil or coconut oil. Both will complement the flavors well.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor. If you cannot find fresh oranges, bottled juice will work, but choose one with no added sugars. You can also use lemon juice for a brighter taste!
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice zing. If you’re in a pinch, ground ginger can substitute, but use half the amount as it’s more concentrated.
Sweetener: Honey is the classic choice here, but maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a vegan option. Brown sugar works too, giving a deeper flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Carrots Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking carrots just right is key to this dish. You want them tender but still with a little bite. Here’s how:
- In boiling salted water, add carrots and keep an eye on them. Start checking at 5 minutes.
- Once they are just fork-tender, drain them. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- By cooking them separately before adding to the glaze, you can control their texture better.
Following these simple steps will help your glazed carrots turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy this tasty side dish with your meal.
How to Make Glazed Carrots With Orange and Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Glazed Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots or peeled and sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 5-7 minutes cooking the carrots, then another 10 minutes or so making the glaze and tossing everything together. It’s quick, tasty, and a perfect side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Carrots:
Start by filling a medium saucepan with water and adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully add the baby carrots. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender. Be sure to check them so they don’t get too soft! Once they’re ready, drain the carrots and set them aside for later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In the same saucepan, add the unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it melt gently, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t brown. You want it to be nice and creamy for your glaze.
3. Add the Flavors:
Once the butter is melted, add the grated ginger and orange zest to the pan. Stir this mixture for about a minute until you smell that wonderful aroma—it means the flavors are blending nicely!
4. Make the Glaze:
Next, pour in the fresh orange juice and add in honey or brown sugar according to your taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer. The heat will help combine all those lovely flavors together.
5. Combine with Carrots:
Now, add the cooked carrots back into the pan. Toss them gently in the glaze, so they get nicely coated with that sweet and zesty mixture.
6. Thicken the Glaze:
Let the carrots cook in the glaze for about 2-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they’re all evenly coated and the glaze thickens up a bit.
7. Season to Taste:
Taste your glazed carrots and add salt as needed. This step helps bring all the flavors together!
8. Serve:
Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan on top for extra deliciousness!
9. Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a touch of color and flavor. Serve the carrots warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your sweet, citrusy, and slightly spicy glazed carrots!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen carrots can be used, but you’ll want to thaw them first for even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water until thawed. Just be aware that they may become a bit softer than fresh carrots.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. Both will offer a similar sweetness, and they can be used in the same quantities as honey. You can also use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor—just adjust for sweetness as needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure they heat evenly without becoming mushy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like baby corn, snap peas, or even bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different veggies have different requirements for tenderness.
