Orange Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots come together entirely in the microwave, which makes them a lifesaver when the stovetop and oven are already packed with the main course. Dark brown sugar, butter, and orange juice melt into a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats every slice.

Lemon zest in the glaze is a small but smart addition. It brightens the sweetness and keeps the carrots from tasting like candy. The citrus oils in the zest add a fragrant punch that plain orange juice alone can’t deliver.

Stir the carrots a few times while they cook so every piece gets evenly coated. The glaze thickens as the butter and sugar reduce around the softening carrots.

Kitchen Tips

• Slice the carrots thinly and evenly so they cook through at the same rate in the microwave. Thick, uneven pieces mean some are mushy while others are still crunchy
• Use dark brown sugar, not light. The deeper molasses flavor pairs better with the orange juice than light brown sugar
• Check the carrots at 6 minutes. Microwave power varies, so start at the shorter time and add minutes as needed
• Let them sit for a minute after cooking. The residual heat finishes softening the carrots and the glaze thickens as it cools slightly

Variations

• Stovetop method: Saute the carrots in butter over medium heat, add the sugar and juice, and cook covered until tender, about 12-15 minutes
• Honey orange glaze: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a smoother, more floral sweetness
• Ginger kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the glaze