These grilled carrots coated in a sweet honey and brown sugar glaze are a tasty side dish! Their natural sweetness shines through when grilled to perfection.
You won’t believe how delicious these are! I love seeing the kids happily munching on veggies when they’re this tasty. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top makes them even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These tender carrots are perfect for grilling as they cook quickly. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can use regular carrots cut into sticks. Just make sure they are even in size for uniform cooking.
Honey: This gives a lovely sweetness. If you prefer a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup are great substitutes. Each will add its unique flavor, so choose based on your taste!
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice depth of flavor. If you want a less sweet option, try coconut sugar or skip it entirely, although that will change the texture of the glaze.
Cinnamon: This ingredient adds warmth. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of allspice or nutmeg instead.
Pomegranate Seeds and Herbs: These are for garnish, adding freshness and color. If pomegranates are not available, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds could be a crunchy alternative. Any fresh herb like dill or cilantro can also work well!
How Do I Grill Carrots to Get Them Perfectly Tender and Flavorful?
Grilling carrots can be surprisingly easy, but there are a few tips to ensure they turn out great. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which helps to sear them perfectly.
- Make sure to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze, so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Place the carrots in a single layer on the grill or a grill basket. This helps them cook evenly and develop lovely grill marks.
- Turn the carrots occasionally while grilling. This ensures they don’t burn and helps them cook through for about 15-20 minutes.
Always check for tenderness; you want them fork-tender but still with a bit of bite. Adjust the grilling time accordingly to your preference! Enjoy your beautifully grilled carrots!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and perfect for a flavorful side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have the grill hot enough so that the carrots will cook quickly and get those lovely char marks!
2. Prepare the Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon if you’d like to add a warm flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This glaze will give your carrots a deliciously sweet flavor!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Next, add the peeled and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots gently until they are evenly coated with the sweet mixture. Make sure every carrot gets a bit of that tasty glaze!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the glazed carrots on a grill or in a grill basket. Spread them out in a single layer so they can cook evenly. Grill the carrots for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have beautiful char marks.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once your carrots are grilled to your liking, carefully remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley or thyme. Enjoy your sweet and sticky grilled carrots!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just cut them into sticks or rounds that are similar in size to baby carrots so they cook evenly. You may need to adjust the grilling time to about 25-30 minutes for larger pieces.
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the glaze a day ahead by mixing the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon in a container. Store it in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good stir or warm it slightly if it thickens up.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to warm up before serving again.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Grill?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus! Just cut them into similar sizes and adjust the grilling time as needed. You can use the same honey brown sugar glaze for extra flavor.
