Name: Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or rounds); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a side dish that manages to be both irresistibly delicious and practically effortless, Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds are about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine tender carrots with that perfect sweet-savory glaze, accented by a nutty crunch from sesame seeds—a plateful of color and flavor that brightens up any meal, whether it’s a weeknight stir-fry or a special celebration. This recipe is proof that a handful of humble ingredients can transform carrots into something everyone wants seconds of!

Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, from sweetness to umami to crunch. With just a short list, you’ll have a side dish that tastes like it took hours, not minutes!

Carrots (1 pound, peeled and cut): Use fresh carrots for the sweetest flavor and best texture; rounds or sticks work equally well, or try rainbow carrots for extra color.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): This is what gives the glaze its rich, silky body, letting every carrot glisten.
Honey (2 tablespoons): The natural sweetness here is key—it caramelizes beautifully while coating the carrots.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a deep savory note that balances the honey and ties everything together with a subtle umami kick.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): This small addition adds wonderful aroma and a light toasted flavor that makes the carrots pop.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Highlights all the flavors and keeps the dish from tasting too sweet.
Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled at the end, they add visual appeal and a delightful crunch with each bite.
Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish): Optional, but these add a burst of freshness and pretty color contrast.

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds

Step 1: Parboil the Carrots

Start by bringing a medium pot of salted water to a boil—this step gives the carrots a head start, leaving them perfectly tender but not mushy. After 4 to 5 minutes, drain them and set aside; they still have a little bite, which is ideal for soaking up all that glorious glaze.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s just bubbling. Stir in honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt, letting the mixture bubble and turn glossy. This is where the kitchen starts to smell fantastic and where the carrots are about to get their star treatment!

Step 3: Glaze and Toss the Carrots

Add your parboiled carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the carrots look shiny and irresistible. Don’t rush this part—the glaze should cling to every piece.

Step 4: Add the Sesame Seeds and Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the carrots, giving them their signature crunch and nutty flavor. Top it all off with chopped parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately while still warm.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds goes a long way. For a touch of freshness, add a handful of chopped parsley or green onions right before serving. Love a little spice? Red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime can elevate your Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds even more.

Side Dishes

These carrots make a perfect companion for roast chicken, grilled salmon, or seared tofu. They also fit effortlessly alongside Asian-inspired entrees like teriyaki beef or miso-glazed cod. Feel free to double the batch—everyone will want more!

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching twist, use a mix of orange, yellow, and purple carrots—your guests will love the burst of color. Pile the glazed carrots in a shallow bowl, scatter them over fluffy rice, or even toss them with cooked quinoa for a stunning salad. However you plate these Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds, they’ll steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze might thicken a bit as it cools, but it clings beautifully when reheated. They’re just as tasty the next day!

Freezing

While you can freeze glazed carrots, keep in mind that their texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to a month, and use within that time for the best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the carrots gently in a skillet over medium heat, optionally adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Sprinkle with fresh sesame seeds before serving to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the carrots and prepare the glaze separately, then combine and reheat just before serving for fresh flavor and texture. Perfect for holiday meals or meal prepping.

What carrots work best for this dish?

Traditional orange carrots, baby carrots, or even rainbow varieties all work beautifully. The key is to cut them to a uniform size for even cooking and maximum glaze coverage.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup offers a wonderful alternative with a slightly different sweetness and earthiness. The glaze will still cling beautifully, making Maple Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds just as delicious.

Is Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds vegan-friendly?

This dish contains butter and honey, but you can swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use agave syrup or maple syrup in place of honey. The recipe remains easy and flavorful!

What main courses pair well with this recipe?

Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds are a versatile side—pair them with roast chicken, teriyaki tofu, grilled fish, or even a simple stir-fry for a sweet and savory accent.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds—the way they taste, the way they look, and how they always disappear first from the table! Bring some fun and flavor to your next meal and see if they don’t become one of your favorites too. Happy cooking!

Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Honey Glazed Carrots with Sesame Seeds are a delightful side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender carrots are coated in a sticky honey glaze with a hint of sesame, creating a dish that is not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots:

1 pound carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or rounds)

Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Carrots: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Make Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Add the carrots and toss to coat. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the carrots are well coated and glossy.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.