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A plate of tender roasted carrots, beautifully glazed and garnished with fresh green herbs.

Perfect Glazed Carrots

A simple yet elegant side dish featuring tender-crisp carrots coated in a shimmering, sweet, and savory glaze with a hint of fresh orange. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Glazed Carrots
  • 1.5 lbs carrots peeled, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds or diagonal pieces
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice from about 1/4 orange
  • 1 tsp orange zest optional, for extra brightness
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (with lid)
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Prepare the Carrots
  1. Peel and trim the carrots. Slice them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds or diagonal pieces for even cooking.
Sauté and Glaze
  1. In a large skillet with a lid, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a slight golden color.
  2. Add the light brown sugar, water (or vegetable broth), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring the carrots are coated.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp, stirring once or twice during cooking.
  4. Uncover the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces significantly and thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the carrots.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
  1. Transfer the Perfect Glazed Carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra sweetness, you can add another tablespoon of brown sugar. For a subtle hint of warmth, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg along with the brown sugar. These glazed carrots are best served fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.