Simple Stovetop Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
This Simple Stovetop Honey Glazed Carrots recipe features tender carrots cooked in a buttery, sweet honey glaze, accented with optional garlic and ginger for depth of flavor. Perfect as an easy, elegant side dish ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a glossy, flavorful finish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Carrots
- 6 medium carrots (peeled and sliced into ½” coins)
Glaze
- 1 cup water (or chicken broth)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ground pepper (to taste)
Optional Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- chopped fresh parsley (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the carrots: Trim a half-inch from each end of the carrots, peel the skins, then slice on the diagonal into ½-inch thick coins to ensure even cooking.
- Combine ingredients: Place the sliced carrots in a 2-quart saucepan. In a separate measuring cup or jar, whisk together water (or chicken broth) and cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture over the carrots.
- Add glaze components and simmer: Add the unsalted butter, honey, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the saucepan. Turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a simmer, tossing occasionally to help the butter and honey melt evenly into the liquid. Once butter has melted, reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a paring knife.
- Thicken the glaze: Increase heat to high and continue boiling for 5-6 minutes until the glaze becomes thick and shiny, coating the carrots beautifully.
- Finish and serve: Stir in chopped fresh parsley, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve the honey glazed carrots warm immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Honey: You can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred, but honey provides the richest flavor.
- Optional spices: Adding minced garlic and fresh grated ginger enhances the flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore glaze consistency.
