Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and tender carrot ribbons glazed with a fragrant orange and cinnamon sauce, perfect as a vibrant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs large carrots, unsalted butter, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 4 large carrots into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add the carrot ribbons to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some bite.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the carrots.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons?

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 large carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons?

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 Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons 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.

Is Orange and Cinnamon Glazed Carrot Ribbons vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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