These glazed carrots are a bright and tasty side dish! The sweet orange and spicy ginger bring out the natural flavor of the carrots, making them a hit at dinner time.
Whenever I make these, the kids can’t get enough! They think they’re eating candy. Who knew veggies could be so fun? Plus, they’re super easy to whip up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: I love using a mix of orange, yellow, and purple baby carrots for a colorful dish. However, regular carrots cut into bite-sized pieces work just as well if you can’t find baby ones.
Unsalted Butter: While I prefer unsalted to control the saltiness, feel free to use salted butter. Just remember to adjust the added salt later on.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I lean towards honey for a more traditional sweet touch, but maple syrup gives a unique flavor if that’s what you have. Both options are delicious!
Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice and zest make a big difference in taste. If you’re short on oranges, a splash of store-bought juice works, but use it sparingly for flavor.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger brings brightness. If you’re out of fresh ginger, you could use ground ginger (about 1/4 teaspoon) as a backup, though the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Glaze?
Getting a beautiful glaze on your carrots is key to this recipe. The glaze is created by combining orange juice with honey and cooking it down. Follow these steps for success:
- After adding the orange juice and sweetener, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then until the carrots are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Keep an eye on it; if it reduces too much, add a splash of water to maintain the glaze consistency.
Lastly, finish with orange zest for a burst of fresh flavor just before serving. Enjoy your beautifully glazed carrots!
How to Make Glazed Carrots With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (a mix of orange, yellow, and purple carrots if available)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick side dish that packs in flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Start by rinsing the baby carrots under cool water. If they need it, you can peel them and trim the ends to make them nice and neat. This will ensure that they’re clean and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors to come!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Watch it carefully so that it doesn’t brown too much; we just want it melted and ready to go!
3. Sauté the Ginger:
Add the freshly grated ginger into the melted butter. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This step brings out the warm, spicy notes of the ginger that will complement the sweetness of the carrots and orange.
4. Combine the Carrots:
Next, toss the cleaned carrots into the skillet, ensuring they get nicely coated in the buttery ginger. Give them a good stir so they can soak up that lovely flavor!
5. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Now, pour the freshly squeezed orange juice over the carrots. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup, and finally, sprinkle in the salt. Stir everything together until the carrots are well coated in this beautiful mixture.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the carrots cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the glaze has thickened, coating the carrots beautifully. The smell will be amazing!
7. Finish with Zest:
Once the carrots are tender, stir in the orange zest and taste. Adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This step adds a bright finish to your dish.
8. Serve Them Up:
Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving bowl. They look and smell delicious!
9. Optional Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the glazed carrots warm and enjoy this tasty side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are great for this recipe, you can use regular carrots cut into bite-size pieces. A mix of different colors like orange, yellow, and purple will add a fun visual element!
Can I Substitute Honey With Something Else?
Yes, you can easily swap honey for maple syrup if you prefer. You can also use agave syrup or brown sugar in a pinch—just adjust the quantity to taste as they might have varying sweetness levels!
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to revive the glaze.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Sure! To make this dish vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients will all work perfectly!
