Michael Symon’s Zippy Honey-Drizzled Carrots Recipe

Michael Symon’s glazed carrots burst with flavor, turning mundane vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses.

These vibrant orange gems shimmer with a luxurious honey-balsamic glaze that transforms ordinary side dishes into extraordinary experiences.

Professional chefs know the secret of elevating simple ingredients through smart technique and bold seasonings.

Each bite promises a harmonious dance of sweet and tangy notes that awaken your palate.

Sophisticated yet effortless, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

The glossy, caramelized finish makes these carrots a showstopping addition to any meal.

Get ready to impress your dinner guests with this surprisingly simple yet stunning dish.

Serving Michael Symon’s Glazed Carrots

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve these glazed carrots alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or tender beef for a complete and satisfying meal that balances sweet and savory flavors.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Complement the carrots with green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add visual appeal and nutritional variety to your dinner presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme on top to add a burst of color, freshness, and an extra layer of aromatic flavor to the glazed carrots.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these carrots in advance and reheat gently before serving, making them a convenient side dish for busy weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Michael Symon’s Glazed Carrots

• Carrots: Select vibrant orange, firm carrots without blemishes or soft spots for the best natural sweetness and texture.

• Water: Use fresh, clean water to ensure pure flavor.
• Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for rich, smooth caramelization.

• Brown Sugar: Pick fresh, moist brown sugar that crumbles easily for deep, molasses-like flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and fine sea salt to enhance the carrots' natural taste.

Tools for Cooking Glazed Carrots

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot with a sturdy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan's surface.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure water and sugar for consistent results.
• Lid: Covers the saucepan during simmering to trap moisture and steam.
• Serving Dish: Clean plate or bowl to transfer the glazed carrots for serving.
• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking and caramelizing the carrots.
• Cutting Board: Optional surface for preparing and chopping carrots before cooking.
• Knife: For trimming and cutting carrots into desired size and shape.

Cooking Directions for Glazed Carrots

• Prep the Flavor Foundation

Toss carrots, water, butter, and brown sugar into a saucepan. Gently blend the ingredients to create a harmonious mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Unleash the Boiling Magic

Crank up the heat to medium and let the concoction bubble and dance. Watch as the ingredients mingle and transform, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds tingle.

• Gentle Simmer and Transform

Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the carrots bathe in their own sweet juices. This magical process softens the carrots and infuses them with rich, caramelized goodness.

• Caramelize and Elevate

Blast the heat and remove the lid. Stir the carrots with passion, encouraging them to develop a glossy, golden-brown exterior. Keep a watchful eye as the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a decadent glaze that screams culinary sophistication.

• Final Flourish

Pull the pan off the heat and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the glistening carrots to a serving dish, ready to wow your dinner companions with their irresistible charm.

Tips for Perfecting Michael Symon’s Glazed Carrots

• Glaze Like a Pro: Master the art of caramelizing carrots with these expert tips and delicious variations.
• Prevent Burning: Stir the carrots frequently during the final reduction stage to avoid scorching and ensure a perfect golden-brown glaze.
• Herb Infusion: Elevate the flavor by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill during the simmering process for an aromatic twist.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different seasonings like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet carrots.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glazed carrots in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and maintain their glossy appearance.

Saving Leftovers of Glazed Carrots

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping their delicious caramelized flavor intact.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm the carrots gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain their glossy texture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these glazed carrots ahead of time during weekend cooking sessions, creating a convenient side dish that saves valuable weeknight cooking minutes.
• Freezing Wisdom: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change – best to consume fresh for optimal taste and caramelized goodness. If freezing, use within 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Vibrant Michael Symon Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s glazed carrots blend sweet honey and rich butter for a simple side dish. Home cooks can easily elevate roasted carrots with this quick, elegant recipe that delivers complex flavors in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz/454 g) bag baby carrots
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps packed light brown sugar
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine carrots, water, unsalted butter, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Initial Heating: Place saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to promote uniform coating and prevent ingredient adhesion.
3. Boiling Phase: Allow mixture to reach a robust boil, creating dynamic bubbling across the pan’s surface.
4. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid to capture steam, and gently simmer for 5-6 minutes until carrots become tender and infused with sweet butter essence.
5. Caramelization: Uncover and elevate heat to high, continuously stirring to prevent scorching while liquid evaporates, transforming the carrots into a glistening, caramelized delicacy.
6. Seasoning and Serving: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, then transfer to a serving dish, ensuring an elegant distribution of the luxurious glaze.

Notes

• Master the Butter-Sugar Ratio: The perfect balance of unsalted butter and brown sugar creates a luxurious, glossy coating that transforms ordinary carrots into a restaurant-worthy side dish.
• Control Heat Carefully: Precise temperature management is crucial – medium-high for initial boiling, then low for steaming, and finally high heat for caramelization prevents burning and ensures optimal texture.
• Watch for Liquid Reduction: Pay close attention during the final cooking stage when liquid evaporates, as this critical moment determines the carrots’ caramelized finish and prevents potential scorching.
• Season Strategically: Adding freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt at the end enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the rich, buttery glaze.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg