Orange Glazed Carrots(Microwave)
Sweet, tangy orange glazed carrots with honey and lemon zest, perfect as a quick side dish for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine orange juice, honey, melted butter, grated lemon peel, salt, and nutmeg.
- Stir in cornstarch; mix until well blended.
- Add carrots and stir to coat.
- Cover with a lid.
- Cook on High for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 3 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or using fresh orange zest instead of grated lemon peel. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the honey slightly or substitute maple syrup. Fresh carrots work best, but frozen ones can also be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly. This dish complements various American recipes beautifully, especially during holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
These orange glazed carrots make a vibrant side dish, perfect alongside roasted meats or vegetarian recipes like stuffed bell peppers. They also pair wonderfully with dishes like Rich Corn Bread for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional orange zest for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Glazed Carrots(Microwave) contains roughly 136 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% 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 other types of juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus juices like grapefruit or lime for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the sweetness level might change, so adjust the honey accordingly to maintain balance.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup and use a plant-based butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, making it easy to adapt.
What type of carrots should I use?
Fresh, young carrots are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and tender texture. However, baby carrots can also be used if that's what you have on hand. Just cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
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).