Honey-glazed carrots are a classic side dish where carrots are cooked until tender and then coated in a glossy glaze made from butter, honey, and a touch of seasoning. The honey adds natural sweetness while the butter gives a silky richness. When cooked properly, the glaze lightly caramelizes, turning plain carrots into a restaurant-quality side with deep flavor and beautiful shine.
1 lb (450 g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or baby carrots
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice or orange juice (optional, for brightness)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
1 tablespoon brown sugar for deeper sweetness
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for a tangy twist
Peel the carrots and cut them into even sticks or slices, about ½ inch thick. If using baby carrots, leave them whole. Uniform size helps them cook evenly.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until just tender when pierced with a fork. Do not overcook — they should be soft but still hold their shape. Drain well and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, salt, and pepper. If using lemon juice, add it now to balance the sweetness. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss well to coat them evenly in the honey butter glaze. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the carrots look glossy and slightly caramelized.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley for color and aroma. Serve immediately while warm and glistening.
Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/best-honey-glazed-carrots/