Sweet Tender Glazed Carrots (Print Version)

Sweet tender carrots in a buttery brown sugar glaze, ready in 30 minutes for an elegant side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

→ Glaze

02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
04 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
06 - 1/4 cup water
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet and add water, butter, and brown sugar.
02 - Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring so the butter and sugar dissolve.
03 - Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until carrots are just tender.
04 - Remove the lid and cook another 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is mostly evaporated and the carrots are coated in a shiny glaze.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper. Toss well. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The glaze creates this gorgeous restaurant quality shine that makes people think you spent hours on them
  • They re sweet but not cloying, with just enough savory balance to keep you coming back for seconds
02 -
  • Do not be tempted to rush the evaporation step, that final few minutes of uncovered cooking is what transforms the dish from steamed carrots to glazed perfection
  • If your glaze reduces too quickly and threatens to burn, add just a splash more water and keep stirring
03 -
  • Keep the heat at medium rather than medium high, high heat causes the sugar to caramelize too quickly before the carrots are fully tender
  • If you want extra flavor depth, add a garlic clove or sprig of thyme to the pan during the initial cooking stage