Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest
Sweet, tender carrots caramelized with honey and brightened by fresh orange zest, perfect as a simple side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs honey, butter, zested and juiced orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks carrots
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1, zested and juiced orange
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs peeled carrot sticks in a medium saucepan.
- Step 2: Add enough water to cover by 1 inch and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange Zest?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a hit! The honey and orange zest combo is perfect. My family asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious. The orange zest is the star. Will make again!
- ★★★★☆
Loved how easy it was to make. The glaze turned out beautifully.
