Go Back
To make honey garlic glazed carrots, gather these simple ingredients: - Baby carrots (1 lb) - Honey (3 tablespoons) - Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons) - Minced garlic (3 cloves) - Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) These ingredients create a sweet and savory dish. The baby carrots give a nice crunch. Honey adds sweetness, while garlic brings a rich flavor. Butter helps everything blend well together. Fresh thyme adds a hint of earthiness. Lemon juice brightens the dish with a zing. Parsley makes a lovely garnish that adds a pop of color. Each ingredient has its role in making these carrots shine. The balance of flavors is what makes this dish special. Trust me, you will love how these flavors come together! Start by boiling the carrots. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 lb of peeled baby carrots to the water. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. Once done, drain the carrots and set them aside. Next, we sauté the garlic. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir it continuously until it smells great but be careful not to burn it. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. To the sautéed garlic, add 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything well. This will create a sweet and fragrant sauce that will coat the carrots perfectly. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to glaze the carrots. Carefully add the drained carrots to the skillet. Toss the carrots in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure each carrot is well-coated. This step brings all the flavors together. Next, we caramelize the carrots. Cook the coated carrots for another 4-5 minutes. This helps enhance their natural sweetness. As they cook, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking for the best flavor. Finally, add the finishing touches. Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the carrots. Toss them gently to mix everything. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish! To make your honey garlic glazed carrots even better, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference. You can also try using alternative herbs and spices. For example, basil or rosemary can add a nice twist to the dish. Boiling carrots correctly is key to getting the best texture. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add your carrots and cook for about 5-7 minutes. They should be tender yet still crisp. This helps keep their bright color and fresh flavor. For caramelization, ensure you let the glazed carrots cook for an extra 4-5 minutes. This will give them a lovely, sweet finish. How you present your dish can make it stand out. Serve your honey garlic glazed carrots in a decorative bowl. Arrange them in a fan shape for a beautiful look. This not only makes the dish appealing but also highlights the vibrant orange of the carrots. Consider a white serving dish to contrast the rich colors. This will catch the eye and whet the appetite! {{image_4}} You can use different types of carrots for this dish. If baby carrots aren't available, try using regular carrots. Just cut them into small pieces. This change will still give you a sweet and tasty bite. Other vegetables also work well with the honey garlic glaze. Try using parsnips for a sweet twist. You can also add broccoli or green beans for some crunch. These additions make your meal colorful and fun. If you want to switch things up, consider using maple syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup has a unique flavor that pairs well with garlic. You can also try agave nectar or coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners offer different tastes and can suit your needs. To make this dish a bit lighter, reduce the butter. You can use just one tablespoon instead of two. This way, you keep the flavor but cut some fat. You can also add more vegetables to boost nutrition. Adding bell peppers or zucchini gives extra vitamins and fiber. This makes your meal healthier and more filling. After enjoying your honey garlic glazed carrots, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the carrots fresh for about three days. Make sure to cool them down before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. Freezing is a great option if you want to save these delicious carrots. First, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. These carrots can last up to three months in the freezer. However, for the best taste, use them within one month. When it's time to enjoy your carrots again, choose the best reheating method. The microwave works well, but it can make them soggy. Instead, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam them. This keeps the glaze intact and flavorful. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy these sweet and savory treats just like fresh! Yes, you can use frozen carrots. However, they may not have the same crunch. Frozen carrots often lose some texture. Fresh baby carrots are firmer and sweeter. If you choose frozen, cook them for a shorter time. This helps keep some bite. To add heat, try these options: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in some minced jalapeño when you sauté the garlic. - Use a hot sauce or chili oil while glazing the carrots. Each choice adds a new flavor layer without overwhelming the dish. These glazed carrots pair well with many dishes, such as: - Grilled chicken or pork chops - Roast beef or lamb - Quinoa or rice for a vegetarian option They add a sweet touch to any meal, making them a versatile side. Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead. Cook the carrots and make the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready, just reheat the carrots in the sauce. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can even make it a day before serving. This recipe for honey garlic glazed carrots brings out the best in this simple vegetable. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. Exploring variations and storage methods ensures you can enjoy these carrots anytime. Keep experimenting and adjusting to suit your taste. Use this dish to impress guests or brighten your family meals. With practice, you will master this delicious side!

Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots

Discover the sweet and savory delight of Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots! This simple recipe features tender baby carrots coated in a rich honey-garlic sauce, highlighted with fresh thyme and a splash of lemon for brightness. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, these carrots are both delicious and visually stunning. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this easy, flavorful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) baby carrots, peeled

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Carrots: In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil. Add the peeled baby carrots to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. The carrots should be just tender but retain a slight crispness. Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir continuously until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, ensuring it does not burn.

      Make the Sauce: To the sautéed garlic, add the honey and thyme. Stir vigorously to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a beautifully aromatic sauce.

        Glaze the Carrots: Carefully add the drained carrots to the skillet with the honey garlic mixture. Gently toss the carrots in the sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

          Caramelize the Carrots: Continue cooking the coated carrots for an additional 4-5 minutes. This step is key to allowing the carrots to caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and color. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

            Finish with Lemon: Once the carrots are perfectly glazed and caramelized, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and give them a final toss to combine all the flavors.

              Serve and Garnish: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. For an added touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the honey garlic glazed carrots in a decorative bowl and arrange them in a fan shape. This enhances the visual appeal and showcases the vibrant colors of the dish.