![- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon orange juice - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Zest of 1 orange To make honey citrus glazed carrots, you need fresh carrots. Baby carrots are cute and easy, but regular carrots work too. Just peel and cut them into sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Next, grab your honey. It adds a sweet touch. Citrus juices from oranges and lemons bring in bright flavors. Together, they create a nice glaze. You'll also need butter. It makes the glaze rich and smooth. Don't forget salt and pepper to add flavor. Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal note, while orange zest gives that extra pop. Using these ingredients, you’ll create a colorful and tasty side dish. This recipe is not just easy; it’s a great way to get kids to eat their veggies! Check out the full recipe for all the steps. Start by washing the carrots under cold water. If you use regular carrots, peel them first. Make sure to cut the carrots into even sticks. This helps them cook at the same rate. If you use baby carrots, you can leave them whole. Next, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Carefully add the carrots and boil them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. After boiling, drain the carrots and set them aside. Now, it's time to make the glaze. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves too. Stir this mix until it's well combined and starts to bubble a little. Add the drained carrots to the skillet. Toss them in the honey citrus mixture to coat them evenly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring sometimes. This helps the carrots soak up the glaze. When you finish cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the carrots with the zest of 1 orange, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to mix the flavors. For serving, place the glazed carrots on a dish. You can add fresh thyme leaves for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out Honey Citrus Glazed Carrots. To make your honey citrus glazed carrots even tastier, try adding fresh herbs. Besides thyme, consider using rosemary or dill. These herbs add a nice touch. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth. Pair your carrots with grilled chicken or fish. They also go well with rice or quinoa. The sweet glaze balances the savory flavors of these dishes. For a different twist, you can roast the carrots. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice char. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the honey citrus glaze and roast for about 20 minutes. If you prefer steaming, use a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam the carrots until they are tender, about 6-8 minutes. This method keeps more nutrients in the carrots. For best results, use a large skillet for glazing. A non-stick skillet works well to prevent sticking. Be careful not to overcook your carrots. Overcooked carrots turn mushy and lose their bright color. Aim for a tender-crisp texture. If the glaze is too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice. This helps balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. For the perfect glaze, watch for a bubbly texture. It should coat the carrots well without being too runny. If it's too thick, add a little water to loosen it up. For the full recipe, click [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can play with citrus flavors in this dish. Using lime adds a zesty twist. Grapefruit gives a nice bitterness that balances the sweetness. Try a mix of orange and lemon juice for a bright taste. Each choice brings a unique flavor to your glazed carrots. You can choose one or combine two for a fun twist. Mixing in other veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Try adding green beans or peas for a pop of color. If you like, add bell peppers for a sweet crunch. When cooking mixed veggies, cut them into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Adjust the boiling time to make sure everything is tender but not mushy. If you want a vegan version, swap butter for olive oil or coconut oil. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options keep the glaze sweet. For gluten-free needs, this recipe is great as it is. Just be sure all your ingredients meet gluten-free standards. You can enjoy this dish without worry! To store leftover glazed carrots, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about 3-5 days. I recommend using glass containers. They do not absorb smells or stains. Plus, they are easy to clean. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, let the glazed carrots cool completely. Then, place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the carrots overnight in the fridge. For the best texture, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet on low heat. This way, they stay tender and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious Honey Citrus Glazed Carrots! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Frozen carrots often need less boiling time because they are blanched before freezing. Boil them for about 3-4 minutes instead of 5-7 minutes. Drain and then add them to the honey citrus glaze. This keeps their bright color and crisp texture. Honey citrus glazed carrots are quite healthy! Carrots are full of vitamins. They are great for your eyes and skin. Honey adds natural sweetness without refined sugars. The citrus juices provide vitamin C, which helps your immune system. Butter adds flavor, but you can use less for a lighter dish. Overall, this side dish is nutritious and tasty. You can prep the carrots a day ahead. Wash and cut them, then store them in cold water in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. You can also make the glaze in advance. Just store it in a jar in the fridge. When ready to serve, boil the carrots and warm the glaze. Toss them together, and you're all set! This method saves time on busy days. For the full recipe, check out the Honey Citrus Glazed Carrots section. This blog post showed you how to make honey citrus glazed carrots. You learned the key ingredients and simple steps to prepare them. We discussed tips for flavor and cooking methods. You also explored variations and storage ideas to keep your carrots tasty. With the right techniques, you can create a delicious dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share this healthy side at your meals. Try new ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b0753964-f541-4be8-94a2-1efb71ad15a0.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel them and cut them into evenly sized sticks for uniform cooking. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.
Boil the Carrots: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the carrots and boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Drain and set aside.
Make the Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the honey, orange juice, lemon juice, and thyme. Stir until the mixture is well combined and begins to bubble slightly.
Glaze the Carrots: Add the drained carrots to the skillet with the honey citrus mixture. Toss the carrots in the glaze to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are fully coated and glazed.
Season: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with orange zest, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure even seasoning.
Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4