Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for any meal or occasion.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 1 cup water for steaming and glazing
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed, to create the sweet glaze
- ½ teaspoon salt enhances the natural flavors
- ¼ cup unsalted butter adds richness and smoothness
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish and freshness
Instructions
- Start by peeling your carrots and slicing them into ½-inch thick rounds. This size allows the carrots to cook evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully.
- Place the sliced carrots into a large skillet or sauté pan. Add the 1 cup of water, brown sugar, salt, and unsalted butter.
- Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the carrots for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the liquid to reduce and thicken into a glossy glaze, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots. Serve immediately as a side dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Sauté Pan
Notes
Use firm, fresh carrots and cut evenly for best results. Don’t skip the butter for richness, and watch the glaze carefully to prevent burning. Variations include adding citrus zest, substituting brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, adding warm spices, or topping with toasted nuts. For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.