Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
This Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe offers a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and aromatic savory flavors. Fresh carrots are roasted to tender-crisp perfection and coated in a rich glaze made from butter, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Finished with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes, this dish is a delightful side that brings both vibrant color and complex flavor to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (≈ 700 g) carrots, peeled and cut into ½‑inch sticks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Glaze Components
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (low‑sodium)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Seasonings & Finishing
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red‑pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preparing the Carrots: Start by trimming the tops and bottoms off each carrot, then slice them into uniform ½‑inch sticks. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and consistent glaze absorption. Pat the carrots dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve caramelization instead of steaming.
- Making the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, stirring constantly until it dissolves and begins to bubble, forming the caramel flavor. Add soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest, then reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse the glaze.
- Preheating the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C), a temperature that creates a quick roast to seal the edges of the carrots and caramelize the glaze.
- Combining Carrots and Glaze: Toss the carrot sticks in a large mixing bowl with the prepared glaze, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the butter-sugar mixture for a glossy finish.
- Arranging on Baking Sheet: Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming; a single layer encourages even browning.
- Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Look for a deep amber color and tender-crisp texture—carrots should be fork-tender but still slightly firm.
- Seasoning and Finishing: Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes over the carrots. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings, then let the carrots rest for 2 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
- Use carrots that are similar in size to ensure even roasting.
- Patting carrots dry is crucial to achieving caramelization rather than steaming.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead and kept warm while the carrots roast.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, roasted carrots, sweet and savory carrots, holiday side dish, glazed vegetables
