Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

These Carrots are a delightful side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or any meal needing a touch of sweetness. The carrots are lightly cooked, then coated in a sweet and tangy glaze with honey, orange, and a hint of balsamic vinegar.

These Honey Glazed Carrots are balanced to have just the right blend of sweet and sour, known in French cuisine as a “gastrique.” This easy-to-make recipe will add color and flavor to your table.

Ingredients

3 pounds Carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Salt (for boiling water)

2 tablespoons Butter

2 tablespoons Orange Juice Concentrate

2 tablespoons Honey (the Chef uses Acacia)

1/4 teaspoon Hot Sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

Zest of 1 Orange

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley or Cilantro chopped (optional)

Stuff you will need 

Pot

Skillet 

Cutting board

Knife

Stirring spoon 

Zester

Directions

 

Place the carrots in a pot of cold water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots are about 90% cooked, just slightly firm to the bite.  Drain the carrots well and set aside. 

I personally would steam the carrots.  This allows you to retain more of the carrot flavour.

In a skillet, melt the butter, and stir in the orange juice concentrate, honey, balsamic vinegar and the orange zest. Season with salt and pepper, and add hot sauce if desired then add the carrots and cook over medium heat. 

Let the glaze reduce slightly until it thickens, coating the carrots evenly. 

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed by adding a touch more honey or vinegar and serve hot or warm.

Pro-Tips

 

Don’t Forget the Orange Zest

  For the ultimate honey glaze, reduce your liquid slowly over medium-low heat. This allows the natural sugars in the honey to caramelize, creating a rich, sticky coating that clings to each piece. If you prefer a deeper flavor, use a darker honey or add a splash of maple syrup for complexity. And don’t forget the orange zest—it’s the secret weapon that brightens the entire dish!

 

Bonus Pro-Tip: Elevate Your Honey Glazed Carrots

  Want to elevate your honey glazed carrots even further? Try finishing them with a sprinkle of fleur de sel (sea salt) just before serving. The tiny crunch of salt highlights the sweetness of the carrots and gives the dish a gourmet touch. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for added freshness. Remember, this dish is forgiving—so have fun and make it your own!