Description

This easy glazed carrot recipe creates a vibrant, sweet, and savory side dish with a beautiful Maple Orange Shine. Carrots are caramelized and coated in a flavorful glaze, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into 0.5-inch rounds
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
0.25 cup fresh orange juice, fresh-squeezed
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
0.5 tsp fine sea salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and slice 1 lb (450g) carrots into uniform 0.5-inch thick rounds or sticks for even cooking.
Make the Glaze: In a large, sturdy 10-inch skillet, melt 2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 0.25 cup (60ml) maple syrup, 0.25 cup (60ml) orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well combined and fragrant.
Add Carrots: Add the prepared carrots to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated in the glaze.
Cook to Tender-Crisp: Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften but still have a slight bite.
Thicken the Glaze: Uncover the skillet, increase the heat slightly to medium-high, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently, allowing the liquid to reduce and the glaze to thicken, beautifully coating the carrots with a shiny finish.
Serve Hot: Transfer your glazed carrots to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For quicker prep, use pre-cut baby carrots. If the pan gets dry during cooking, add a splash of water or extra orange juice. Adjust maple syrup for desired sweetness. A plant-based butter alternative can be used for a dairy-free option, and brown sugar or honey can substitute maple syrup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 100 g)
Calories: 120 calories
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: glazed carrots, maple orange, easy recipe, weeknight meal, family favorite, sweet and savory, healthy eating, budget-friendly, vegetable side