Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots have never been my go-to vegetable. I’d eat them if they were on my plate, but I never really looked forward to them—until I made these honey-glazed carrots.

Now, I find myself making extra just to have leftovers. The combination of honey, a hint of ginger, and a splash of lemon turns simple carrots into something seriously addictive.

Even the pickiest eaters in my family clean their plates when I make these. It’s one of those side dishes that somehow disappears before anything else, and honestly, I’m not mad about it.

Table of Contents

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups baby carrots (or 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks)
3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
2 tablespoons pure honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or orange juice for a sweeter taste)
A small pinch of salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger (or cinnamon for a warmer flavor)

Instructions

Place the carrots in a heat-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid or a plate and microwave on high for about 4 minutes. Stir them, then microwave for another 3 minutes, or until they are soft but still firm. You can also steam them on the stove if you prefer.
While the carrots are cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the honey and stir continuously on low heat until it blends smoothly. Pour in the lemon juice, sprinkle in the salt and ginger, and mix well.
Transfer the steamed carrots to the pan and gently stir to coat them in the glaze. Turn the heat up slightly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the carrots are warm and shiny. Serve immediately.

Tips For The Best Honey Glazed Carrots

Getting the perfect honey-glazed carrots isn’t hard, but a few simple tricks can make them even better:

Use fresh carrots: They taste sweeter and have better texture than old, dried-out ones.
Cut them evenly: If using whole carrots, slice them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcook: Carrots should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Balance the flavors: If the glaze is too sweet, add a little more lemon juice or a pinch of salt. If it’s too tangy, drizzle in extra honey.
Coat them well: Stir the carrots well in the glaze so every piece is covered for maximum flavor.
Try roasting: If you want deeper caramelization, roast the carrots instead of steaming them.

Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead Of Baby Carrots?

Yes, you can! Regular carrots actually have more flavor than baby carrots. Just peel them and cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

If you want a similar size to baby carrots, slice them into sticks or rounds about the same thickness.

Can I Make Honey Glazed Carrots Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but they taste best fresh. If you need to prepare them in advance, here’s how:

Make them a day ahead: Cook the carrots and glaze separately. Store them in the fridge and combine them when reheating.
Reheat properly: Warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Add a little water if they seem dry.
Avoid microwaving: It can make them too soft and take away the nice texture.

What To Serve With Honey Glazed Carrots?

These sweet and savory carrots pair well with many main dishes. Here are some great options:

How To Store Honey Glazed Carrots?

If you have any leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate: Store cooled carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: They can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may soften slightly when reheated.
Reheat: Warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of water or oil if needed. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.