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To make honey garlic glazed carrots, you need a few simple items: - 1 lb baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste These main ingredients create a sweet and savory flavor that makes this dish shine. The garlic and ginger are key to adding depth. Garlic gives warmth, while ginger adds a zesty touch. A little salt and black pepper help balance the sweetness from the honey. These flavors blend well to create a rich glaze. For a bright finish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use sesame seeds for a nice crunch. They look great and give extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need 1 pound of baby carrots. Make sure they are peeled and ready to go. Next, fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the baby carrots. Blanch them for 5 to 6 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. After blanching, drain the carrots in a colander and set them aside to cool slightly. In the same saucepan, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring. This step helps release the flavors from the garlic and ginger. You should smell a nice aroma filling your kitchen. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Pour this sweet mixture into the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Now, it’s time to add the blanched baby carrots back into the pan. Make sure they are evenly coated with the honey garlic glaze. Let them cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat the carrots with a shiny glaze. Before you take the pan off the heat, season the glazed carrots with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This enhances the flavors and makes each bite delicious. Finally, transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. For a nice touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish! Blanching is key for bright, crisp carrots. It cooks them quickly in boiling water. This method keeps their color and crunch. Steaming can also work, but it may not give the same flavor. Steaming softens the carrots more than blanching. For the best results, I recommend blanching. It prepares the carrots for the glaze and enhances their taste. To get a thick, shiny glaze, focus on two things: timing and heat. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger. This step brings out their flavors. Once they are fragrant, add honey and soy sauce. Stir it well, then add the blanched carrots. Let them cook in the glaze for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat the carrots. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for the best taste. For a stunning presentation, arrange the glazed carrots on a nice platter. You can place them in a circular pattern. Drizzle any extra glaze over the top. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley for color. This dish pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a full meal. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors! Pro Tips Blanching the Carrots: Blanching helps to retain the vibrant color and crisp texture of the carrots before they are sautéed in the glaze. Garlic and Ginger Timing: Make sure to sauté the garlic and ginger just until fragrant to prevent burning and bitterness in the dish. Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your sweetness preference or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor. Serving Suggestions: These carrots make a great side dish for roasted meats or can be tossed into a salad for added flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can add fresh herbs to your honey garlic carrots. Try thyme or rosemary for a nice twist. Chop them finely and mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking. The herbs add depth and make the dish more fragrant. Fresh herbs also brighten the flavors, making your meal even more special. For a kick, add some heat! Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. This adds a sweet and spicy flavor that excites your taste buds. You can also use sriracha for a more intense heat. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust. The balance of sweet and spicy will make your carrots stand out. You can easily make this dish vegan and gluten-free. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based sweetener. Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. For the soy sauce, use tamari to keep it gluten-free. These swaps keep the rich flavor while catering to different diets. You can still enjoy the delicious glaze and tender carrots. You can keep leftover honey garlic glazed carrots in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing. This helps keep the flavor and texture. When you are ready to enjoy your carrots again, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat them for about one to two minutes. Check to see if they are hot all the way through. If you choose a skillet, add a splash of water to keep them moist. Heat on low until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. Freezing is also an option if you want to save leftovers for later. Allow the carrots to cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. These can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy this sweet and sticky dish anytime! Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They may cook faster than fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them first. Blanching is still a good way to prepare them. You want to keep them crisp and bright. These carrots pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They also go great with rice or quinoa. Try them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. The sweet and savory taste adds depth to any dish. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also use sriracha or another hot sauce. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference. Taste as you go to find the right heat for you. These options will give your carrots a tasty kick! You now have a complete guide to making honey garlic glazed carrots. We covered the main ingredients, how to cook them, and ways to enhance their flavor. Tips on cooking techniques, serving ideas, and variations help you customize the dish. Remember, these carrots can brighten up any meal. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, and enjoy making it your own. With this recipe, you can impress friends and family with a tasty and vibrant side dish.

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring tender baby carrots glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a medium saucepan filled with water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled baby carrots. Blanch them for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until they are just tender but still crisp. Once done, drain the carrots and set them aside to cool slightly.
  • In the same saucepan, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, then introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and to avoid any burning—this will enhance the flavors beautifully.
  • While the garlic and ginger are sautéing, whisk together the honey and soy sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, pour this sweet mixture into the saucepan, stirring thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
  • Add the blanched baby carrots to the pan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the honey garlic glaze. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will give the sauce time to thicken and envelop the carrots with a glossy finish.
  • Before removing the saucepan from heat, season the glazed carrots with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors to your liking.
  • Carefully transfer the beautifully glazed carrots to a serving dish. To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, use a serving platter and arrange the carrots in a circular pattern.
Keyword carrots, garlic, honey, side dish