Amazing Glazed Carrots in Under 20 Mins

I remember the first time I made glazed carrots—it was after a long day, and I wanted something quick but comforting. With just a few pantry staples, I transformed simple carrots into a sweet, buttery side dish that felt like a warm hug. This recipe for glazed carrots is ready in under 20 minutes and is perfect whenever you need an easy, delicious addition to your meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
• Ready in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Naturally sweet and kid-friendly with a gentle, buttery glaze
• Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan

Ingredients for Glazed Carrots

• 1 1/2 lbs carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices)
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

You can swap vegetable shortening with butter for a richer flavor. For a different sweetness, try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. These substitutions keep the recipe flexible based on what you have in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Simmer the carrots: Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
2. Cook until tender: Cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots are tender. Drain off any excess water.
3. Add glaze ingredients: Add the vegetable shortening, brown sugar, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
4. Form the glaze: Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.

Roasting vs. Stovetop vs. Boiling: Which Method is Best for Glazed Carrots?

Method	Flavor	Texture	Ease of Use	Nutrient Retention
Roasting	Deep caramelized sweetness	Crisp-tender edges	Uses oven space, less hands-on	Good retention; slightly drier
Stovetop	Softer glaze, buttery flavor	Uniformly soft	Quick, requires attention	High retention, gentle cooking
Boiling	Mild, less caramelization	Very soft	Simple but can lose nutrients	Lowest retention if overboiled

Flavor Variations for Glazed Carrots

• Spicy Glazed Carrots: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger with the glaze. Stir these spices in with the shortening and sugar for a warming kick.
• Herbaceous Glazed Carrots: Replace vegetable shortening with 1/4 cup butter, add 1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary, plus 1 minced garlic clove. Cook together for a rich, savory herb flavor.
• Citrus Glazed Carrots: Use 2 tablespoons honey instead of brown sugar, add 1 teaspoon orange zest and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the glaze with citrus notes.

Global Glazed Carrot Variations

In Japanese cuisine, carrots are sometimes glazed with miso paste and mirin, creating a savory-sweet umami glaze. Middle Eastern versions often include honey and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom for aromatic depth. Each culture brings unique flavors to this simple vegetable side.

Tips for Perfectly Glazed Carrots

• Choose fresh, firm carrots; baby carrots work well for convenience, but sliced regular carrots offer fresher flavor and better value.
• Aim for a glaze that lightly coats the carrots, not a thick sugary syrup. Stir constantly in the final minutes to avoid sticking.
• Avoid overcooking to keep carrots tender but not mushy—check doneness frequently starting at 8 minutes.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If…

• Carrots are too mushy: Reduce cooking time next time and keep the heat medium to prevent breaking down the carrots too much.
• Glaze is too thin: Continue cooking uncovered on medium heat to reduce and thicken the glaze.
• Carrots aren’t sweet enough: Add a bit more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey at the end and stir well.

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots

• Poultry: Serve alongside roast chicken or turkey for a classic pairing.
• Beef: Complements grilled steak or pot roast beautifully.
• Fish: Works with baked salmon or cod for a sweet, light side.
• Vegetarian: Try glazed carrots with lentil loaf or stuffed peppers for a complete meal.
• Holiday: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, offering a colorful, sweet side that balances savory mains.

Health Benefits of Carrots (and Glazed Carrots)

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports eye health. They provide fiber, helping digestion and satiety. Cooking carrots gently on the stovetop retains most nutrients while improving beta-carotene absorption, making this glazed carrot recipe both tasty and nutritious.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.

More carrot recipes

The Ultimate Roasted Carrots Recipe

Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Glazed carrots are such an easy way to add a sweet, cozy side to your meals with minimal effort. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it comforting and simple like I did. Please leave a comment with your thoughts or share your own takes—I love hearing from you!