Glazed Shredded Carrots: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish
Discover the perfect side dish with these glazed shredded carrots! Featuring a buttery orange glaze with hints of cinnamon and ginger, this quick and easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Glazed shredded carrots are the perfect side dish to complement a variety of meals. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the buttery, citrusy glaze, while a hint of spice from cinnamon and ginger adds warmth and depth. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor—a great way to elevate simple carrots into a show-stopping dish. Plus, the vibrant orange color makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday side or a quick weeknight vegetable dish, these glazed shredded carrots will win over your family and guests every time.
Ingredients Breakdown and Tips
Key Ingredients:
Carrots (1 lb): Freshly peeled and shredded carrots provide the base for this dish. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by the glaze, making them tender and flavorful.
Tip: Use a food processor with a shredding attachment to save time, or shred the carrots manually with a box grater for a finer texture.
Butter (¼ cup): Butter adds richness and creates a silky base for the glaze. Unsalted butter is best so you can control the seasoning.
Orange Juice (Juice from 1 orange): Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots and brown sugar.
Tip: For an extra punch of flavor, use a microplane to zest the orange before juicing.
Water (2 tbsp): A little water helps thin out the glaze and prevents it from becoming too thick while cooking.
Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and creates a beautiful caramelized glaze.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): This warm spice adds depth and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots and orange.
Ground Ginger (1 tsp): A subtle zing from ground ginger balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): These seasonings help bring out the flavors of the dish and add balance.
Orange Zest (1 tsp): The zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor that brightens the glaze.
Tip: Use a microplane or fine grater for best results.
Fresh Thyme (1 tsp): The earthy flavor of fresh thyme contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze and adds a touch of sophistication.
Tip: Garnish with whole thyme leaves for an elegant presentation.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and shred the carrots using a food processor or box grater. Set aside.
Zest and juice the orange, keeping them in separate small bowls.
2. Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the orange juice, water, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, pepper, and orange zest. Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Carrots
Add the shredded carrots to the saucepan and stir well to coat them evenly in the glaze.
Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
4. Finish Cooking
Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm as a side dish.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute additions to your dinner spread.
Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of brown sugar and carrots is perfectly balanced by the brightness of orange and the warmth of spices.
Versatile: This side pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as part of a vegetarian meal.
Vibrant Presentation: The bright orange hue and fresh thyme garnish make this dish a visual delight.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Carrots: Cook until just tender to maintain some texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice, zest, and thyme make a big difference in flavor.
Double the Recipe: This dish reheats well, so consider doubling the recipe for meal prep or leftovers.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.
Freezing: While carrots can be frozen, the texture may soften further upon reheating. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Pairing Suggestions
Main Dishes:
Roasted chicken or turkey
Glazed ham
Grilled salmon or cod
Other Sides:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic roasted green beans
Herbed rice pilaf
Wine Pairing: A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully.
Ready to transform simple carrots into a standout side dish? Try this glazed shredded carrot recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. Want more delicious recipes like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a new dish!
Glazed Shredded Carrots
Ingredients
- Carrots (1 lb
- Butter (¼ cup):
- Orange Juice (Juice from 1 orange)
- Water (2 tbsp)
- Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp)
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp)
- Ground Ginger (1 tsp)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Orange Zest (1 tsp)
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp):
Instructions
- Peel and shred the carrots using a food processor or box grater. Set aside.
- Zest and juice the orange, keeping them in separate small bowls.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the orange juice, water, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, pepper, and orange zest. Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded carrots to the saucepan and stir well to coat them evenly in the glaze.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Carrots: Cook until just tender to maintain some texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice, zest, and thyme make a big difference in flavor.
- Double the Recipe: This dish reheats well, so consider doubling the recipe for meal prep or leftovers.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.
- Freezing: While carrots can be frozen, the texture may soften further upon reheating. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Pairing Suggestions
- Main Dishes:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Glazed ham
- Grilled salmon or cod
- Other Sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic roasted green beans
- Herbed rice pilaf
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully.
With this recipe, you’ll never look at carrots the same way again. Sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced, these glazed shredded carrots are a must-try. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or a casual dinner, they’ll be a hit every time.
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