Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots

$To make honey garlic glazed carrots, you will need: - 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: chopped parsley for garnish I love using fresh, sweet carrots for this dish. Look for carrots that are bright and firm. Baby carrots are great for a quick meal. You can also try rainbow carrots for fun colors. They add a nice touch when served. If you need to make swaps, here are some ideas: - Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for vegan options. - Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free. - For a low-sodium dish, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. - If you can’t have thyme, try rosemary or parsley for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling the carrots. This step removes the outer skin, which can be tough. Next, slice the carrots into even rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Uniform pieces ensure each bite is just right. Take a large skillet and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir them around for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. After that, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Now it’s time to add flavor! Drizzle 3 tablespoons of honey over the carrots. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything well so the carrots get coated in the glaze. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let the carrots simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop them from sticking. When they’re tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. If you want, you can garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your vibrant, sweet dish! Choose fresh carrots that feel firm and smooth. Look for rich orange color. Avoid carrots that are soft or have dark spots. Baby carrots are sweet, but regular carrots have more flavor. If you can, buy organic carrots. They taste better and are healthier. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. For a savory twist, use less honey and more soy sauce. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for tang. This balances the sweetness and makes the dish more complex. Taste as you cook to find your perfect blend. Do not overcook the carrots. They should be tender but still crisp. If they cook too long, they can become mushy. Also, be careful with the garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Stir the garlic in well and watch the heat closely. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Select vibrant, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. Control the Heat: Maintain medium heat to ensure the butter doesn’t burn and the garlic stays fragrant. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. Experiment with Herbs: Try adding other herbs like rosemary or dill for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can add fresh herbs to the honey garlic glaze. Thyme works great, but try rosemary or dill for a twist. Chop them finely and stir them in just before serving. This adds freshness and bright flavor to the carrots. You can even mix herbs for a more complex taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This gives a nice contrast to the sweet honey glaze. You can also try adding ground ginger for warmth. It pairs well with the garlic and honey. You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness but change the flavor a bit. For a savory twist, try using balsamic glaze instead. It will make the dish tangy and rich. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy sauce alternative. This keeps it gluten-free and adds a unique flavor. After you enjoy your honey garlic glazed carrots, you might have some left. To store them, let the carrots cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat the carrots, you have a couple of easy options. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the carrots in a bowl and cover them. Heat in short bursts, stirring between, until warm. If using the stovetop, add the carrots to a skillet with a splash of water. Heat over medium until they are hot. This helps keep them moist and flavorful. Freezing is a great way to save your honey garlic glazed carrots for later. To freeze, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best taste. Honey garlic glazed carrots last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to cool them first. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan! Simply replace the unsalted butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet touch. Both swaps will keep the flavor rich and delicious without any animal products. Honey garlic glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They also go great with rice or quinoa for a healthy meal. Add them to a salad for a pop of color and flavor. Don't forget to enjoy them with your favorite dip for a fun snack! You now have a solid plan for making honey garlic glazed carrots. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for tasty variations and best ways to store leftovers. Remember to select fresh carrots and enjoy the sweet, savory mix. With these guidelines, you can make this dish your own. Trust me, you'll impress your friends and family with these simple but delicious carrots!$

A sweet and savory side dish featuring tender carrots glazed in honey and garlic.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste salt and pepper
optional chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Begin by peeling and slicing the carrots into even rounds to ensure they cook uniformly.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Drizzle the honey over the carrots followed by the soy sauce. Mix well to coat the carrots evenly.
Sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the carrots simmer for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and coated in the glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Serve in a vibrant bowl and drizzle with remaining glaze for added flavor.

Keyword carrots, glazed, honey, side dish