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Candied Carrots Recipe

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4.4 from 126 reviews

Deliciously sweet and tangy candied carrots cooked in a skillet with brown sugar, butter, and apple cider vinegar, then garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

  • 1 1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds on the bias

Seasonings & Sauce

  • 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp. salted butter
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Simmer the carrots: Scatter the carrot slices evenly in a large skillet. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 cup of water. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender but not mushy.
  2. Prepare the glaze: To the skillet, add the packed light brown sugar, salted butter, apple cider vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring or tossing the carrots occasionally to evenly coat them.
  3. Reduce to glaze: Continue boiling, tossing the carrots, until most of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure the carrots are well coated without burning the sugar.
  4. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the candied carrots with chopped fresh parsley for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm as a sweet and tangy side dish.

Notes

  • Use medium carrots for even cooking and better texture.
  • Be careful not to overcook the carrots; they should remain tender but hold their shape.
  • The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness—don’t omit it.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal note; flat-leaf parsley works best.
  • You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of additional salt if preferred.

Keywords: candied carrots, glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, easy side dish, skillet carrots

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/candied-carrots-recipe/