Glazed Carrots(Microwave)
Sweet and tangy glazed carrots with orange zest and brown sugar, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place carrots and water in casserole; cover with tight lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High (100%) for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender.
- Allow to stand 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, orange juice, orange rind, and margarine.
- Cook over low heat until margarine is melted and mixture is well combined.
- Pour glaze over the cooked carrots and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, try using fresh orange juice and zest from a ripe orange. If you're short on time, pre-sliced carrots can be a quick substitute. You can also replace margarine with unsalted butter or a vegan alternative for a dairy-free option. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These glazed carrots make a delightful side dish for roasted meats and pair beautifully with Favorite Slow Cooker Chili. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, like Pear, Endive And Pecan Salad, for a well-rounded meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed through. Adding a splash of fresh orange juice can help revive the flavors when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Carrots(Microwave) contains roughly 420 calories, with 1g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?
While fresh carrots yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen carrots. Just microwave them for a shorter time until tender, as they are already partially cooked. Keep in mind that the glaze may not adhere as well to frozen vegetables.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten up this dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also use less margarine or a healthier oil, such as olive oil, to decrease the fat content while still keeping the flavor.
What other vegetables work well with this glaze?
In addition to carrots, you can try using parsnips or sweet potatoes, which also complement the orange flavor. Broccoli or green beans can be added for a colorful mix. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure all vegetables are tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).