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- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (toasted) - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish For this recipe, I use one pound of baby carrots. If you use regular carrots, peel them and cut them into sticks about 2-3 inches long. Measure honey and soy sauce using tablespoons. You need two tablespoons of sesame oil. For the sesame seeds, two teaspoons will do. Lastly, grate one teaspoon of fresh ginger for flavor. If you're looking for alternatives, here are some options: - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. - Tamari works well for a gluten-free version of soy sauce. - Swap sesame oil with olive oil if you need a lighter flavor. - Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger, but use less as it is stronger. - If you want a fresh touch, replace parsley or cilantro with green onions. Start by getting your carrots ready. If you have baby carrots, leave them whole. If you use regular carrots, peel them first. Cut the carrots into sticks about 2-3 inches long. This size helps them cook evenly. Now it's time to blanch the carrots. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots to the boiling water. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still a bit crisp. After that, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step helps keep their bright color and fresh taste. Next, make the tasty glaze. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Sauté it for 1 minute until it smells great. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir everything to mix well. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely. Now, add the blanched carrots to the skillet. Toss them in the glaze until they are well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the carrots soak up all that yummy flavor. Finally, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine everything. Your sesame honey glazed carrots are now ready to serve! To get the best glaze, you need to blanch the carrots first. This step softens them but keeps them crisp. Blanching makes sure they absorb the glaze well. Aim for 3-5 minutes in boiling water. After blanching, quickly drain the carrots. This keeps them from overcooking and losing their crunch. One common mistake is skipping the blanching step. This can lead to carrots that are too hard. Another mistake is not stirring enough while cooking. Stir frequently to coat every carrot with the glaze. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering time. Letting the glaze simmer for 2 minutes lets the flavors deepen. You can add more flavor to your carrots. Try mixing in a dash of chili flakes for heat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add brightness. For a nutty twist, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Don’t forget fresh herbs! Parsley or cilantro enhances the dish's freshness and looks great on the plate. {{image_2}} You can swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. Agave nectar also works well. These sweeteners add a unique flavor. You might enjoy the change! Just keep the same amount for best results. You can roast the carrots instead of cooking them on the stove. Roasting gives a nice caramelized flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the blanched carrots in the glaze and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Another method is steaming. It keeps the carrots crisp and bright. Use a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Then, add them to the glaze for the last few minutes of cooking. Feel free to add other veggies for more color and taste. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas blend nicely. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Add them to the skillet with the carrots to soak up the glaze. This adds variety and makes the dish even more nutritious. After enjoying your sesame honey glazed carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep the texture crisp. You can freeze the glazed carrots for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat the carrots, you have a few options. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Just place them in a bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes. For a crispier texture, use a skillet. Heat a little sesame oil over medium heat, then add the carrots. Stir them for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel them and cut them into sticks. Aim for pieces about 2-3 inches long. This way, they cook evenly, and you still get that sweet glaze. To make this recipe vegan, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options will give a nice sweetness. Ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly, too. Tamari works great if you need it gluten-free. These carrots pair nicely with many dishes. Serve them with grilled chicken or fish. They also work well with rice or quinoa. For a vegetarian option, try them with tofu or chickpeas. They add color and flavor to any meal! In this article, we explored the recipe for Sesame Honey Glazed Carrots. We covered key ingredients, detailed measurements, and helpful substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and glazing the carrots, along with tips to avoid mistakes. We also discussed variations and storage options for leftovers. Perfecting this dish adds flavor to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different sweeteners and vegetables to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Sesame Honey Glazed Carrots

Elevate your dinner with these delightful Sesame Honey Glazed Carrots! This simple recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant ginger to create a mouthwatering side dish that's sure to impress. In just 20 minutes, you'll have beautifully glazed carrots that are perfect for any meal. Ready to add a burst of flavor to your table? Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons sesame seeds (toasted)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel them and cut into sticks about 2-3 inches long. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.

    Blanch: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil. Once heated, add the grated ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.

          Glaze the Carrots: Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the carrots to absorb the flavors.

            Finish and Garnish: Once the carrots are well-glazed, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.

              Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4