Lemon Glazed Carrots: A Sweet & Tangy Side Dish Recipe

Lemon Glazed Carrots: Prepare to be amazed by a side dish that will steal the show! Forget everything you thought you knew about carrots because this recipe transforms humble root vegetables into a vibrant, flavorful experience. These aren’t your grandma’s mushy, boiled carrots; we’re talking about tender-crisp carrots bathed in a bright, tangy, and subtly sweet lemon glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

While glazed carrots have been a staple in many cuisines for generations, the addition of lemon elevates this classic to a whole new level. The citrus notes cut through the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor profile. Think of it as sunshine on a plate! This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

People adore Lemon Glazed Carrots for their incredible taste and ease of preparation. The glaze, made with fresh lemon juice, butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, coats the carrots beautifully, creating a glossy, irresistible finish. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is simply addictive. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side dish or a way to impress your guests, these Lemon Glazed Carrots are guaranteed to be a hit!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Carrots:

1. Wash and Peel: First things first, give those carrots a good scrub under cold water. You want to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots. Don’t worry about getting every single bit of skin off; a little imperfection is perfectly fine.
2. Slice Evenly: Now comes the slicing. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that the carrots cook evenly. If some slices are too thick, they’ll be crunchy while the thinner ones are mushy. Nobody wants that! I like to cut them into rounds, but you can also do diagonal slices for a more elegant look. Just keep the thickness consistent.

Cooking the Carrots:

1. Melt the Butter: Grab a large skillet or saucepan. I prefer a skillet because it gives the carrots more surface area to cook evenly. Place it over medium heat and add the butter. Let the butter melt completely. You don’t want it to brown, just melt until it’s nice and smooth.
2. Add Carrots and Sugar: Once the butter is melted, add the sliced carrots and granulated sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the carrots evenly with the butter and sugar. This is where the magic starts to happen! The sugar will help caramelize the carrots and give them that beautiful glaze.
3. Add Water, Lemon Juice, and Zest: Pour in the water, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The water will help steam the carrots and cook them through, while the lemon juice and zest will add that bright, citrusy flavor that makes this dish so special. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it adds a nice little kick. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away.
5. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat back to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the carrots cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
6. Check for Tenderness: After 15 minutes, check the carrots for tenderness. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they should still have a little bit of bite to them. If they’re not quite there yet, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking every couple of minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
7. Uncover and Reduce the Sauce: Once the carrots are tender-crisp, remove the lid from the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens into a beautiful glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent the carrots from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the carrots nicely.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the carrots and adjust the seasoning as needed. If they need a little more sweetness, add a pinch more sugar. If they need a little more tang, add a squeeze more lemon juice. And if they need a little more flavor, add a pinch more salt and pepper.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Transfer to a Serving Dish: Once the carrots are glazed to perfection, carefully transfer them to a serving dish. I like to use a shallow bowl so that the carrots are nicely displayed.
2. Garnish with Parsley (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the carrots with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the lemon and carrots beautifully.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the lemon glazed carrots immediately while they’re still warm and the glaze is nice and glossy. They’re delicious as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a vegetarian main course.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Baby Carrots: If you’re short on time, you can use baby carrots instead of slicing regular carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as baby carrots may cook a little faster.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. This will add a subtle kick that complements the sweetness and tang of the dish.
• Use Honey or Maple Syrup: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the carrots. Just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly, as honey and maple syrup are sweeter than granulated sugar.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the carrots. Some good options include parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may cook at different rates.
• Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
• Roast the Carrots: For a different flavor profile, you can roast the carrots instead of cooking them in a skillet. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Then, toss them with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar while they’re still hot.
• Spice it up with Ginger: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the lemon zest for a warm and spicy twist.
• Add a touch of Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard added to the glaze adds a subtle tang and complexity.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re warmed through. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to the skillet to prevent them from drying out.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover lemon glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

These lemon glazed carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Roasted Chicken
• Grilled Salmon
• Pork Tenderloin
• Vegetarian Quiche
• Lentil Loaf

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 1g

Enjoy your delicious and vibrant Lemon Glazed Carrots! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you try any variations!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a revelation! These Lemon Glazed Carrots are a must-try because they transform humble carrots into something truly special. The bright, zesty lemon glaze perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Forget boring, steamed vegetables – this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who claim they don’t like carrots! The simplicity of the preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the elegant presentation makes it worthy of a holiday feast. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Looking for serving suggestions? These Lemon Glazed Carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. They add a vibrant pop of color and flavor to any plate. For a more substantial meal, toss them with quinoa and feta cheese for a light and refreshing salad.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some variations? A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a lovely herbaceous note. For a touch of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. Or, if you prefer a richer, more decadent flavor, substitute honey for the sugar in the glaze. You could even roast the carrots with a bit of ginger for a warming, spicy twist. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions:

• Alongside roasted chicken or turkey
• Paired with grilled salmon or other seafood
• As a vibrant addition to a vegetarian meal
• Tossed with quinoa and feta for a refreshing salad

Variations to Try:

• Add fresh dill or parsley for an herbaceous flavor
• Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Substitute honey for sugar in the glaze for a richer taste
• Roast the carrots with ginger for a warming, spicy twist

I’m absolutely confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. The bright, tangy glaze elevates the humble carrot to a whole new level, making it a side dish that everyone will be raving about. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sunshine to your dinner table, no matter the season.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of carrots, a lemon, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s spread the carrot love and show the world just how delicious these Lemon Glazed Carrots can be! Happy cooking!