Description
This Perfect Glazed Carrots recipe delivers tender, sweet carrots coated in a luscious, sticky glaze made from butter, brown sugar, honey, and orange juice. Cooked in a skillet to develop deep flavor, these carrots make an ideal side dish for any meal and are easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound medium-thick carrots, peeled, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal into ⅜-inch thick coins
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/16 teaspoon garlic powder (or ground cinnamon to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons runny honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
To Serve
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and season with salt, garlic powder, ground ginger (if using), and black pepper. This initial seasoning layer builds the flavor base.
- Cook carrots: Continue cooking the carrots, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some bite. This gentle cooking softens the carrots without making them mushy.
- Make glaze: Add butter, brown sugar, honey, and orange juice to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently at first and then constantly for the last 5 minutes until the glaze thickens and bubbles around the carrots. The glaze will look runny initially but will thicken as it simmers. Avoid vigorous boiling to prevent burning the sugar, which would cause bitterness.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. The glazed carrots are best enjoyed warm with the sticky, flavorful coating.
Notes
- Ground ginger adds a warm spice note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Substitute garlic powder with ground cinnamon for a sweeter, more aromatic option.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Monitor the glaze as it simmers to avoid burning the sugar.
- Chopped parsley adds color and freshness but is optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
