Citrus Free Classic Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are one of those side dishes that look impressive but come together with almost no effort, and this version delivers serious flavor with a short, clean ingredient list. Many classic glazed carrot recipes lean on orange juice or a squeeze of lemon to build that bright, sweet-savory balance — but this one skips the citrus entirely and lets honey and butter do all the heavy lifting. The result is a rich, glossy coating that clings to every tender slice without any of the acidic notes that can be a problem for those avoiding citrus. Cooking the carrots in a covered skillet first steams them to the perfect fork-tender texture, then uncovering and cranking the heat reduces the liquid into a beautifully syrupy glaze. That final tablespoon of butter stirred in off the heat is the secret to that glossy, restaurant-worthy finish. A scatter of fresh thyme at the end adds a subtle herbal note that makes the whole dish feel a little more special. It's the kind of effortless side that earns compliments every single time.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb carrots, peeled and cut on the bias into ½-inch slices
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the carrots, 2 tbsp butter, water, honey, salt, and pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- 2
Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze that coats the carrots and the pan bottom shows only a thin, shiny film — watch closely near the end, as the glaze can scorch quickly once most of the liquid is gone.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!