These brown sugar glazed carrots are sweet and shiny, making your veggies feel a little fancy! The carrots soak up all that delicious brown sugar goodness for an irresistible treat.
Honestly, it feels like a dessert, but it’s a veggie! I love how simple it is to make. Just cook, glaze, and enjoy—perfect for impressing friends or family at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots work perfectly here, but you can use regular carrots cut into sticks or rounds. They taste just as good and add a lovely color!
Brown Sugar: You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on how strong you want the molasses flavor to be. If you’re out, honey or maple syrup can also add a lovely sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but if you’re dairy-free, stick margarine or olive oil can be a good substitute, though it alters the flavor slightly.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but if you don’t have it, feel free to skip it or replace it with a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for another flavor twist.
How Do You Get the Carrots Perfectly Glazed?
Glazing the carrots is where the magic happens! It’s all about cooking them just right so they absorb the sweetness from the brown sugar. Here’s what to do:
- Start with a large skillet: It gives ample space for even cooking.
- Add the butter, sugar, and water first, and let it simmer with the carrots. This steams the carrots while adding flavor.
- Keep the lid on during the first cooking phase to ensure they get tender. We’re looking for them to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and let the liquid simmer down. Stir occasionally to coat all the carrots evenly with the glaze.
- The goal is a shiny, sticky exterior on the carrots that showcases that delicious brown sugar richness!
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled and cut regular carrots)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and easy side dish for any meal. You’ll have sweet, tender carrots ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large skillet, combine the baby carrots, unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and water. This mixture will create a delicious glaze as it cooks!
2. Bring to a Simmer:
Place the skillet over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer. You want the mixture to bubble softly without rushing it.
3. Cover and Cook:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots cook for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for them to become just tender but still have a little crunch! Grab a fork to test their tenderness as you go.
4. Glaze the Carrots:
Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the water has mostly evaporated and the carrots are beautifully glazed in that sweet brown sugar mixture. This should take about 5 minutes.
5. Serve:
Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you’d like, sprinkle with some finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Serve these warm and enjoy the delicious sweet, buttery glaze that coats the tender carrots. They’re perfect alongside any main dish!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, as this will help them cook evenly and absorb the glaze better. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or briefly microwave them before using.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The brown sugar is already vegan, so you’re good to go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the glaze.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like sliced bell peppers, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust as necessary to ensure everything is tender and glazed.
