Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Printer-friendly)
Tender carrots in buttery brown sugar glaze for a quick sweet and savory side.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices or baby carrots
→ Glaze
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
07 - 2 tbsp water
→ Garnish
08 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Method:
01 - Place the sliced carrots in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until carrots are just tender. Drain well.
02 - In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon (if using), and 2 tablespoons water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling.
03 - Add the drained carrots back to the pan. Toss to coat evenly in the glaze. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until carrots are glossy and heated through.
04 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The buttery brown sugar glaze transforms ordinary carrots into something extraordinary
- Ready in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
- Pairs with everything from weeknight chicken to holiday roasts
02 -
- Do not skip draining the carrots well or the glaze will turn watery
- Keep the heat at medium once the glaze starts bubbling to avoid burning the sugar
- Work quickly once the carrots hit the glaze so they do not overcook
03 -
- Use a light hand with salt until you taste the finished glaze
- Thin carrots cook faster so check for doneness a minute early
- A little splash of vinegar cuts through the sweetness nicely