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Honey Orange Glazed Carrots

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5 from 1 reviews

An easy side dish that uses the microwave to start the cooking process! Carrots are then finished in a pan with a simple honey orange glaze.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) baby carrots (see note 1)
  • juice and 1/2 teaspoon zest from 1 orange
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (8 g) fresh chopped herbs (suggested herbs: parsley, chives, and/or dill)
  • optional garnishes: additional herbs, black pepper, and coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. Zest the orange until you have collected enough for 1/2 teaspoon. Set aside.
  2. Place the baby carrots in a large microwave-safe bowl. Squeeze the juice from the zested orange over the carrots and sprinkle generously with salt. Stir to combine and then cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid with vents. If using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a small space uncovered to act as a vent and that there is at least a 1 inch (2.5 cm) gap between the carrots and the plastic wrap. 
  3. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Remove the lid and stir the carrots. Replace the lid and microwave for an additional 4 minutes. (Be careful of hot steam when removing the lid from the carrots.) The carrots are done when they are still firm but can be pierced through with a fork with slight resistance. If carrots are still too hard, or if you like softer carrots, microwave in 1 minute increments, stirring in between, until desired doneness is achieved. (See note 2.)
  4. Add the butter to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, immediately remove the carrots from the bowl and into the pan with the butter; reserve carrot cooking liquid. (Be careful, butter may spatter when wet carrots are added).
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid from the carrots, plus the honey, another sprinkle of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper to the carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the glaze is shiny and thick enough to coat the carrots, about 5 - 6 minutes.
  6. If desired, continue to cook the carrots for another 1 - 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to further darken and caramelize the glaze. Watch the carrots carefully to avoid burning the glaze, and turn the heat down if necessary.
  7. Turn the heat off and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon orange zest and fresh herbs. Taste a carrot and add an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with additional herbs, black pepper, and coarse sea salt (optional).

Notes

You can also use regular carrots instead of baby carrots. Just peel and chop the carrots into thick slices or sticks. If the carrot pieces are much larger than a baby carrot, you will likely need to increase the microwave cooking time.

I found that microwaving the carrots for 8 minutes total as directed resulted in carrots that were cooked through but still firm after finishing them in the pan. If you like soft, tender carrots, microwave them for a minute or two longer. But, just keep in mind they will soften up just a little bit more in the pan after microwaving.

The nutrition information below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full nutrition disclosure policy.

Nutrition

Keywords: glazed carrots, easy glazed carrots, honey glazed carrots, honey orange glazed carrots

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