Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange and Ginger
Brighten up your dinner table with these Honey-Glazed Carrots infused with refreshing orange juice and zesty ginger. This delightful side dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the vibrant flavors of citrus and ginger, creating a perfect balance that complements any main course. Ideal for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also adds a colorful and nutritious touch to your meal. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this luscious glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
2 lbs (Peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
Orange Juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed is ideal)
Butter
1/4 cup (Unsalted)
White Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Fresh Ground Ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons (Grated or minced)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (Freshly chopped for garnish)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the carrots and cutting them diagonally into 1/4 inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
2
In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the carrots with the orange juice, butter, white sugar, and fresh ground ginger.
3
Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and let it cook for about 3 minutes.
4
After 3 minutes, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened to form a glaze that coats the carrots.
5
Season the glazed carrots to taste with salt and black pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
6
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the carrots with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable used in this recipe is 2 lbs of carrots.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze is made from orange juice, unsalted butter, white sugar, and fresh ground ginger.
How should the carrots be prepared before cooking?
The carrots should be peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4 inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
What type of ginger is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground, grated, or minced ginger is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but freshly squeezed orange juice is considered ideal for a more vibrant flavor.
How long should the carrots cook while the skillet is covered?
The carrots should cook for approximately 3 minutes while covered once the mixture has reached a boil.
How long do the carrots simmer uncovered?
The carrots should simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until the liquid reduces into a thick glaze.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The glaze is ready when the liquid has reduced and thickened enough to coat the carrots evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or a neutral oil.
Is this honey-glazed carrot recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What is the suggested garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley is recommended as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
The title says honey-glazed, but the ingredients list sugar. Can I use honey?
Yes, honey can be used as a direct substitute for white sugar to enhance the natural honey-glaze theme.
What heat setting should I use?
Start with medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
How should I season the carrots?
Season the carrots to taste with salt and black pepper after the glaze has thickened.
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes, baby carrots can be used, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What should I do if the glaze is too thin?
Continue to simmer the carrots uncovered for a few extra minutes until the moisture evaporates and the glaze thickens.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can these carrots be reheated?
Yes, you can reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the glaze is too thick.
Is this dish appropriate for the holidays?
Absolutely, these carrots are ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is best for garnish, dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Can I use ground ginger powder?
Yes, but use a smaller amount (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) as dried ginger is more potent than fresh.
How many pounds of carrots do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of carrots for this recipe.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The recipe serves 4 people, so the serving size is roughly 1/2 pound of glazed carrots per person.
Can I add other spices to the glaze?
Yes, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to complement the orange and ginger flavors.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, carrots are a great source of vitamins and this dish provides a nutritious side option.
How thick should the carrot rounds be?
The carrots should be cut into rounds that are 1/4 inch thick.
Why are the carrots cut diagonally?
Cutting on a diagonal provides more surface area for the glaze to coat and makes for a more attractive presentation.
What main dishes pair well with these carrots?
These carrots pair perfectly with roasted chicken, turkey, ham, or even grilled salmon.