Right here’s methods to make steamed carrots and get crisp-tender perfection in 10 minutes! This wholesome aspect dish methodology retains carrots candy and vibrant with minimal oil.

For years, I assumed steamed greens had been doomed to be mushy and flavorless. However cook dinner them the fitting method, and so they’re filled with brilliant, recent taste!
My methodology for steamed carrots cooks them till crisp tender, then provides recent herbs and a spritz of recent lemon juice. Whereas sauteed carrots is often my go-to methodology for cooking this veggie, steaming makes use of much less oil and is a good choice for wholesome consuming. And, it’s extremely tasty!
The right way to steam carrots: a tutorial
Steamed carrots are fast and easy to make! The whole course of takes about 10 minutes. Listed here are my tips about methods to steam carrots:
Important gear: You’ll want a steamer basket or steamer pan, like this collapsible stainless-steel steamer basket that matches inside a saucepan. They’re cheap and nice for all types of greens. (The pictures present my steamer pan, however it’s the identical idea.)
Step 1: Peel and slice the carrots on the bias.
The look of carrots sliced on the bias has a pleasant visible enchantment. Make the slices all about the identical thickness, about 1/4-inch slices, so that they’ll cook dinner evenly.
Step 2: Carry water to a boil.
Rule quantity certainly one of steaming greens is that this: carry the water to a boil first! Don’t throw the carrots within the steamer and produce the water to a boil. As a substitute, you’ll boil the water in a saucepan or pot earlier than you add the veggies. You probably have a steamer basket with out a deal with, add it to the pot now. The water floor must be proper underneath the basket.

Step 3: Add the carrots and steam for 4 to five minutes, till crisp tender.
As soon as boiling, add the carrots (within the steamer basket, if it has a deal with), and canopy the pot with a lid. Then steam for about 4 to five minutes till the carrots are simply crisp tender.
Right here’s the vital half: style take a look at! Be sure that to check the items with a fork and take away from the warmth when it’s simply cooked to your liking. Don’t be tempted to overcook them: nobody likes mushy carrots.
Step 4: Drain and season.
Fastidiously take away the carrots to a bowl, then toss with the seasonings. Contemporary herbs carry the very best taste to cooked veggies. That is particularly vital with steamed veggies since you’ll need to add a lot of recent taste. Stir within the olive oil or butter: you’ll solely want 1 tablespoon so as to add slightly richness to the dish.

Greatest herbs for steamed carrots
Contemporary herbs are important to the good taste in these steamed carrots! They’re simple to search out on the grocery retailer, and enjoyable to develop when its the season (see The right way to Develop Contemporary Herbs). Listed here are a couple of I’d suggest:
- Thyme: The flavour of thyme pairs properly with carrots, so that is my best choice.
- Parsley: The chunk of parsley can be an amazing match.
- Chives: Chives add a light-weight onion-y vibe.
- Basil: Peppery basil works properly with candy carrots!
- Oregano: Much like thyme, oregano is one other nice selection.
- Dill: Dill is usually paired with carrots since they’re a part of the identical plant household.
Inventive seasoning concepts
There are tons extra methods to season steamed carrots outdoors of the solutions on this recipe! Listed here are a couple of extra concepts to get your wheels turning:
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Add floor cumin and a squeeze of lime juice or zest (like these grilled carrots)
- Drizzle with balsamic discount for additional zing
- Toss with lemon zest
- Stir in a touch of grated garlic (use it sparingly; slightly goes a great distance)
- High with slivered toasted almonds for a crunch
- Crumble goat cheese or feta excessive

Storing and reheating
Steamed carrots preserve properly in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. They’re scrumptious chilly added to salads (like quinoa salad or farro salad), or warmed up as a fast aspect.
To reheat, the microwave works or you may heat gently in a skillet with a tiny little bit of butter or olive oil.
Extra steamed greens to attempt
Should you love making steamed greens, listed below are are a couple of extra favourite recipes I’d suggest:
Dietary notes
This steamed carrots recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Often requested questions
Check them with a fork on the 4-minute mark. They need to be tender sufficient to pierce simply however nonetheless have a slight firmness. Style-testing is your finest information!
Completely! Child carrots (or baby-cut carrots) work nice. They might cook dinner barely quicker, so begin checking at 3 minutes.
No, I don’t add salt to the water. It’s simpler to season the carrots after steaming after they can truly take up the flavour.
Sure, although they could change into softer than recent carrots. Cut back the cooking time to 2-3 minutes since they’re already partially cooked from blanching earlier than freezing.
Steaming retains carrots above the water, preserving extra vitamins. However my Excellent Boiled Carrots additionally scrumptious: they only have a barely completely different texture.
Straightforward Steamed Carrots
Steamed carrots are a recent and straightforward aspect dish that’s bursting with taste! Right here’s a tutorial for methods to steam this wholesome orange vegetable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook dinner Time: 5 minutes
- Whole Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Class: Facet Dish
- Technique: Steamed
- Delicacies: American
- Weight loss program: Vegan
- 8 medium carrots (1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
- ¼ teaspoon plus 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped recent thyme (we used thyme and parsley)
- 2 lemon wedges
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch slices on the bias (diagonally).
- Place about 1 inch of water in a pot or saucepan. If utilizing a steamer basket with out a deal with, add it to the pot now: the water floor must be proper underneath the basket. Carry the water to a boil.
- As soon as boiling, add the carrots (within the steamer basket, if it has a deal with). Steam with the lid on till simply tender, about 4 to five minutes. Style take a look at with a fork to evaluate doneness.
- Fastidiously take away the greens to a bowl. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt, and recent herbs. Spritz with the juice from 2 lemon wedges (if utilizing).
Different methods to get pleasure from carrots
There are such a lot of tasty carrot recipes to get pleasure from all of the vitamins of this wholesome vegetable!
These Carrot Fries are baked and seasoned with ranch spices: my complete household loves them. For one thing recent, do that easy Carrot Salad a tangy French dressing dressing.
Nothing beats a bowl Carrot Ginger Soup or Easy Carrot Soup. Each are comforting and style like sunshine in a bowl.
For one thing distinctive, attempt my Honey Glazed Carrots or Roasted Broccoli and Carrots. And for those who’re in search of a drink, attempt my Carrot Juice or Carrot Smoothie!
Additionally, right here’s my information on Carrots 101 to study extra about this orange root vegetable.
