Description
This glazed carrot recipe, Maple Orange Shine, offers a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for weeknight meals. It features tender-crisp carrots with a sweet, citrusy glaze that fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb carrots
- 0.25 cup maple syrup
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
Instructions
- Prep Your Carrots: Peel 1 lb (450g) carrots and slice them into uniform 0.5-inch thick rounds or diagonal pieces.
- Create the Glaze: In a large 10-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter over medium heat until shimmery. Add 0.5 cup (120ml) orange juice, 0.25 cup (60ml) maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, until small bubbles form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the simmering glaze. Stir to coat every piece. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp, easily pierced with a fork but still offering slight resistance.
- Achieve the Shine: Uncover the skillet and increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will reduce and thicken into a beautiful glossy glaze that clings to the carrots, making them shine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. (If the glaze reduces too quickly and looks dry, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra orange juice.)
Notes
For richer results, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. For a lighter version, reduce maple syrup or use olive oil instead of butter. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Avoid overcooking; carrots should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Honey, agave nectar, or lemon juice are suitable substitutions for maple syrup or orange juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 lb (113 g) carrots with glaze
- Calories: 160 calories
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
Keywords: Maple Orange Shine, glazed carrots, side dish, weeknight meal, easy, sweet, citrusy, nutritious, family-friendly, quick dinner