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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Easy Microwave Steamed Carrots: 2 Ways!

    Published: Jan 22, 2024 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    steamed carrots in a clear bowl covered with a plate in a microwave.
    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.
    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.
    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.

    Microwaved Carrots are an easy side dish that's super tasty and takes about 10 minutes to make. Try them simply steamed and tossed with a little butter, salt, and pepper, or glazed with brown sugar and butter -- I'll walk through how to do both!   

    ​For a fast, easy dinner, serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken​ or Panko Crusted Cod.

    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.

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    Jump to:
    • You're Going to Love These
    • Ingredients
    • How to Steam Carrots in the Microwave: 2 Ways
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • More Easy Side Dishes
    • 💌Let's Stay in Touch
    • 📖 Recipe

    I love these Microwave Steamed Carrots. They're perfectly tender, super fast and easy, and a great go-to side dish for busy weeknight dinners. 

    In this post, I'll explain how to make them our two favorite ways: steamed in water and tossed with butter, salt, and pepper AND steamed with butter and brown sugar or honey. 

    Both ways of cooking carrots in the microwave are delicious, and you can cook the carrots until they're as firm or soft as you like them.

    You're Going to Love These

    • Simple microwave recipe for steamed carrots without a steamer basket
    • Great time-saving method next time you need to get dinner on the table fast
    • Easy recipe for tender, flavorful carrots 
    • Glazed microwaved carrots are perfect for everyday or special occasions

    Ingredients

    See printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts. 

    microwave steamed carrots ingredients.

    Raw carrots. I use regular carrots. Baby carrots will also work -- just adjust the cook time as needed. 

    Brown sugar. A couple tablespoons of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. Honey or maple syrup may also be used. 

    Butter. You can use olive oil if you prefer. 

    Fresh herbs, optional. Sprinkle cooked carrots with a little fresh thyme or fresh parsley. 

    How to Steam Carrots in the Microwave: 2 Ways

    sliced carrots on a wooden cutting board.

    Prep Carrots: Scrub and peel carrots. Cut the carrots into ½ thick slices. I think they look pretty cut diagonally :). 

    carrots, butter, and brown sugar in a clear bowl.

    For Glazed Carrots: Place carrot slices, brown sugar or honey, butter, salt, and black pepper in microwave-safe dish covered with microwave-safe lid, plate, or plastic wrap. Heat 6-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let sit for an extra minute. 

    Serve with melted butter brown sugar sauce. 

    steamed carrots in a clear bowl covered with a plate in a microwave.

    For Simple Steamed Carrots: Microwave carrots and 3 tablespoons of water in covered microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.

    Drain and toss with a couple tablespoons of butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  

    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.

    Serve and enjoy! If desired, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

    Expert Tips

    • BE CAREFUL when removing the plate from the bowl. It will be hot, and there will be steam. Use an oven mitt. 
    • Cooking time will vary with different microwaves. This recipe was tested in my 1000 w microwave oven. You may need to adjust according to your microwave's wattage.
    • Check the carrots for doneness at the 4-minute mark by piercing them with a fork.

    FAQs

    How long will microwave steamed carrots recipe last in the refrigerator?

    Store leftover microwaved carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

    Can I use baby carrots in this microwaved carrots recipe?

    Sure! You may need to adjust the cooking time up or down depending on the size of the carrots.

    How can I tell when microwaved carrots are done?

    About halfway through the cooking time, pierce the carrots with a fork. You will be able to feel if the carrots are firm or tender.

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    📖 Recipe

    microwave steamed carrots on a white plate.

    Easy Microwaved Carrots: 2 Ways!

    Cara Lanz
    Microwaved Carrots are an easy side dish that's super tasty and takes about 10 minutes to make. Try them simply steamed and tossed with a little butter, salt, and pepper, or glazed with brown sugar and butter.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 119 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound fresh carrots 3 cups sliced
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • salt & pepper
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey for glazed carrots
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    Instructions
     

    • Scrub and peel carrots. Cut into ½" thick slices.

    For Glazed Carrots

    • Place carrots, butter, brown sugar or honey, salt, and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plate, lid, or plastic wrap with a small vent.
      Heat on high 4 minutes. Stir. Heat in 1-minute intervals until tender. Let the carrots stand in covered bowl for one minute.
      Serve with the buttery brown sugar sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (optional).

    For Simple Steamed Carrots

    • Place carrots and 3 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a plate, lid, or vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir. Heat in 1-minute intervals until fork-tender. Keep carrots covered in the bowl for one more minute.
      Drain water and toss with 1-2 tablespoons of butter, salt and pepper, and fresh parsley, if desired.

    Notes

    Nutrition calculation is for glazed carrots with brown sugar and butter. 
    • BE CAREFUL when removing the plate from the bowl. It will be hot, and there will be steam. Use oven mitts. 
    • Cooking time will vary with different microwaves. This recipe was tested in my 1000w microwave oven. You may need to adjust according to your microwave's wattage.
    • Check the carrots for doneness at the 4-minute mark by piercing them with a fork -- you'll feel if they're tender or firm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 373mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 19119IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Easy Sauteed Canned Green Beans »
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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

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