Zesty Lemon-Butter Glazed Baby Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with these Zesty Lemon-Butter Glazed Baby Carrots. This vibrant recipe takes advantage of the convenience of microwave cooking to quickly turn fresh baby carrots into a bright and flavorful accompaniment. The combination of lemon juice, buttery goodness, and a touch of brown sugar creates a delightful glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish not only looks beautiful on the plate but is also incredibly simple to prepare. Enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby carrots
1 lb (rinsed)
chicken stock or vegetable stock
1/4 cup (n/a)
butter
1 tablespoon (n/a)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (n/a)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (n/a)
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
fresh parsley or chives
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the baby carrots under cold running water and place them in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap.
2
Microwave the carrots on high for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the carrots are crisp-tender.
3
Once the carrots are cooked, carefully drain any excess water and transfer them to a medium saucepan.
4
Add the chicken or vegetable stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest into the saucepan with the carrots. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the carrots are evenly coated in a light glaze.
6
Season the glazed carrots with salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon-Butter Glazed Baby Carrots?
They are a vibrant side dish featuring baby carrots cooked in the microwave and finished with a lemon-butter and brown sugar glaze.
How long do I microwave the carrots?
Microwave the baby carrots on high for 5 to 6 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What should I cover the microwave dish with?
Cover the 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your dietary preference.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of butter to create the glaze.
What provides the lemon flavor in this dish?
The zestiness comes from 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
How do I finish the carrots before serving?
Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Do I need to stir the carrots while they are in the microwave?
Yes, you should stir the carrots halfway through the microwave cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
What should I do after the carrots finish microwaving?
Carefully drain any excess water from the dish and transfer the carrots to a medium saucepan.
How do I prepare the glaze?
In a saucepan, combine the carrots with stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then bring to a gentle boil.
How long should the glaze simmer on the stove?
Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the carrots are glazed.
What is the quantity of baby carrots needed?
You will need 1 lb of baby carrots for this specific recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs as a garnish?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives is recommended.
What type of sugar is used in the glaze?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
How should the lemon zest be prepared?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its beautiful presentation and bright flavor make it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
What size casserole dish is recommended for the microwave?
A 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish is the recommended size.
Do I need to rinse the carrots before cooking?
Yes, begin by rinsing the baby carrots under cold running water.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe that utilizes the microwave for faster cooking.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy vegetable side dish.
Should I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the glazed carrots with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the seasoning and garnish.
What is the desired texture of the carrots?
The carrots should be cooked until they are crisp-tender.
What temperature should I use for the saucepan stage?
Use medium heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer.
How much stock is required for the glaze?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable stock.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include vegetable, side dish, carrots, lemon, easy recipe, microwave, and healthy.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is usually preferred for best flavor, but bottled can be used if fresh is unavailable.
What is the main benefit of using a microwave for this recipe?
The microwave allows you to quickly turn fresh carrots into a tender base before glazing them on the stove.
How should I stir the ingredients in the saucepan?
Stir frequently while boiling to ensure the carrots are evenly coated in the glaze.
Is there a specific way to serve this dish?
It is best served warm immediately after the glaze has thickened and the herbs are added.