Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Introduction
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to your meal. With tender carrots coated in a buttery, caramelized glaze, this recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals.
Ingredients
- Fresh medium-sized carrots
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
- Salt (sea salt or kosher salt), to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: orange juice or zest
- Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into uniform pieces—either rounds or sticks—about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Step 2: Bring a medium saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until just tender.
- Step 3: Drain the carrots and set them aside while you prepare the glaze.
- Step 4: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved and bubbly.
- Step 5: Return the drained carrots to the saucepan. Toss gently to coat in the glaze and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add optional ingredients like orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon if desired, stirring to combine.
- Step 7: Once the carrots are nicely glazed and tender-crisp, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice along with the zest while glazing.
- Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option without losing richness.
- Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance the warmth and depth of flavor.
- Cut carrots into sticks for a different texture and visual appeal.
Storage
Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a small splash of water if the glaze thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen carrots can be used. Thaw and drain them well before glazing to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep the heat on medium and stir often while melting the butter and sugar. Remove from heat once the sugar dissolves and the carrots are coated to avoid burning.
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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe is a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for enhancing any meal. Tender carrots are boiled until just soft, then coated in a sweet and buttery brown sugar glaze with hints of warm spices or citrus for added depth. It’s a quick, easy, and elegant way to elevate your vegetable game.
Ingredients
Carrots
- Fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch rounds or sticks
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- Salt to taste (sea salt or kosher salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest or 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into uniform pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, either rounds or sticks.
- Boil Carrots: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape.
- Drain Carrots: Drain the cooked carrots thoroughly and set them aside while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar until fully dissolved and bubbling gently.
- Glaze Carrots: Carefully add the drained carrots back to the pan. Toss gently to coat them evenly with the glaze. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the carrots absorb the flavor.
- Season and Flavor: Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle in the orange zest or cinnamon/nutmeg now and stir well.
- Serve: When the carrots are nicely glazed and tender-crisp, remove from heat. Transfer them to a serving dish and serve warm for a delightful, sweet-savory side.
Notes
- For vegan option, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- You can add orange juice instead of zest for a citrusy glaze variation.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the brown sugar nicely and provides a warm spice note.
- Do not overcook the carrots during boiling to maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, sweet glazed carrots, easy vegetable side, buttery carrots, brown sugar carrots recipe
