These honey glazed carrots and green beans are a sweet and crunchy side dish that everyone will love! The honey makes them shine and adds a yummy flavor.
I like to whip this up when I need a quick and tasty veggie option. Plus, the bright colors make the plate look so inviting. They’re perfect for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Fresh baby carrots are sweet and tender, making them perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, regular carrots cut into sticks will work just fine. You can also use frozen baby carrots, just adjust the cooking time!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch. If they’re out of season, feel free to use frozen green beans to save time. Just give them a quick rinse before using!
Butter: For a richer flavor, I love using unsalted butter. But if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with olive oil. It will still taste great!
Honey: While honey gives sweetness, maple syrup is a good alternative, especially for a unique twist. Just reduce the amount slightly since syrup is sweeter than honey.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is always best for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) can be a quick substitute.
How Can I Make the Best Honey Glaze?
The key to a delicious honey glaze lies in how you cook the garlic and mix in the honey. Start by sautéing the garlic in butter to get that aromatic flavor going. Make sure not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Start with medium heat to sauté the garlic for about 1 minute.
- Then, add the honey, which should combine smoothly with the melted butter. The warm mixture will help the honey blend well.
- After adding the vegetables, toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is covered in that sweet glaze.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes — you want the veggies to absorb that glaze without getting too soft.
These easy steps ensure that your carrots and green beans come out shiny, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots, peeled
- 1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious side dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the veggies and then around 10 minutes cooking them to perfection. It’s quick and great for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Vegetables:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the peeled baby carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, so they become just tender but still a bit firm. Then, toss in the trimmed green beans and cook with the carrots for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to be crisp-tender. Once done, drain the veggies and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. After it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
3. Make the Honey Glaze:
Stir in the honey next. Mix well to combine the honey with the butter and garlic until it creates a lovely glaze.
4. Combine the Veggies:
Add the drained carrots and green beans into the skillet with the honey glaze. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly with that sweet, buttery goodness!
5. Cook and Season:
Cook everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the vegetables absorb all the yummy flavors and heat through. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the veggies for a fresh touch. Then, transfer everything to a serving dish and enjoy them warm!
These honey glazed carrots and green beans make a shiny, sweet, and savory side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grains. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Yes, you can! Just peel and cut regular carrots into sticks, making them similar in size to baby carrots. This will help them cook evenly and ensure a great texture in your dish.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Green Beans?
If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen green beans can be a perfect substitute. Just thaw them and add them to the dish as you would fresh ones. You might want to reduce cooking time slightly, as frozen veggies can cook quicker.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and using agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey for the glaze.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.