![- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - Fresh parsley or chives for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for honey garlic butter carrots are simple yet flavorful. You need one pound of baby carrots. These are sweet and tender, making them perfect for this dish. Next, unsalted butter adds richness. It helps to create a silky sauce. Honey brings natural sweetness and a lovely glaze. Minced garlic adds depth and aroma that lifts the dish. You can also add soy sauce for a savory kick. It's good if you want a touch of saltiness. Fresh parsley or chives give color and freshness when you serve the dish. For seasoning, salt and pepper are essential. They enhance the natural flavors of the carrots. You can adjust these to fit your taste. If you want a little sweetness, add more honey. If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce. These ingredients come together to create a side dish that is both simple and tasty. If you want more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. - Wash and peel the baby carrots if they aren't pre-cleaned. - Prepare the garlic by mincing it finely. Getting your ingredients ready is key. Clean the carrots well and cut off rough ends. Mince the garlic into small pieces. This makes the flavors stronger and more tasty. - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. - Stir in honey and soy sauce and mix well. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Once it melts, add minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Then, stir in the honey and soy sauce. This mix brings sweet and savory together. - Toss carrots in the honey garlic butter sauce. - Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. - Remove the lid, season, and thicken the sauce. Now, add the prepared carrots to the skillet. Toss them in the honey garlic butter sauce. Cover the skillet and let them steam for 5-7 minutes. The goal is tender but crisp carrots. After that, remove the lid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce. This makes the carrots shine with flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above. To prevent garlic from browning, add it to the pan after the butter melts. Keep the heat at medium. Stir it quickly for about one minute. This keeps the garlic fragrant and sweet. If it browns, the taste turns bitter. For even cooking, cut your carrots into similar sizes. This helps them cook together. Sauté them gently, stirring often. Cover the skillet for part of the cooking time. This traps steam and helps them cook through. To adjust sweetness, try adding more honey. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce. If you want less sweet, add a splash of lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the flavors. For extra flavor, consider spices like ginger or black pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill also pair well with the dish. For best results, use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet. These types help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. A wide skillet allows more surface area for the carrots. You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife for prep. Use a spatula for stirring and serving. A lid for the skillet is important for steaming the carrots. To see the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch up the carrots if you want. Try using parsnips or sweet potatoes. Both add a sweet, earthy flavor. They cook well and taste great with honey and garlic. If you want to switch out honey, consider maple syrup or agave. These alternatives keep the sweetness but change the taste a bit. Just use the same amount as the honey in the recipe. Roasting carrots gives a nice caramelized flavor. To roast, toss the carrots in honey garlic butter and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway. Sautéing, as in the recipe, cooks them faster. You can also use a slow cooker. Just combine the carrots and sauce in the cooker. Set it on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method makes the carrots very tender and full of flavor. Making this recipe vegan is easy. Just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use coconut oil or vegan butter. For gluten-free options, make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Both keep the dish safe for those with gluten issues. Enjoy your honey garlic butter carrots with these simple changes! Check out the full recipe for guidance. To store your honey garlic butter carrots, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the carrots fresh and prevents odors from other foods. They will stay good in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, just reheat them in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze honey garlic butter carrots for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After that, transfer the carrots to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet on low heat for the best texture. These carrots pair well with many dishes. They are great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a healthy meal. If you have leftovers, use them in a salad or mix them into a stir-fry. They add sweetness and flavor to any dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. How long do I need to cook the carrots for the best texture? You will want to cook the carrots for about 12-15 minutes. First, steam them with the lid on for 5-7 minutes. This gives them a tender feel while keeping a slight crunch. After that, remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and coat the carrots perfectly. Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They cook faster than fresh ones. Just remember to thaw and drain them first. This helps avoid excess water in your dish. The flavor will still shine through, but fresh carrots offer a better texture. Can I substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic? Yes, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove of fresh garlic. While fresh garlic gives a strong taste, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just add it when you add the honey and soy sauce. What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m allergic? If you're allergic to soy sauce, you can try coconut aminos. It gives a similar salty taste, but it is gluten-free. Tamari is another good option. It is also gluten-free and has a rich flavor. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the carrots and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, reheat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. What are some good pairings for this dish? Honey garlic butter carrots pair well with grilled chicken or steak. They also taste great with roasted pork. For a vegetarian option, serve them with quinoa or a fresh salad. In this post, we explored how to make honey garlic butter carrots using simple ingredients. You learned the step-by-step process for perfect flavor and texture. I shared tips for cooking, ingredient substitutions, and storage options. This dish is easy and flexible for any meal. Try it your way and enjoy. You’ll find that these carrots add sweetness and joy to your table. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/08a4fb70-b754-454b-afd7-0d15294ba827.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash and peel the baby carrots if they aren't pre-cleaned.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Stir in the honey and soy sauce, mixing well to combine.
Add the baby carrots to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the honey garlic butter sauce.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots steam in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender but still crisp.
Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the carrots beautifully.
Remove from heat and transfer the carrots to a serving dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
- Presentation Tips: Serve the honey garlic butter carrots in a shallow bowl or on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top and adding a few parsley or chive sprigs for decoration.