Today, we’re taking a humble veggie and turning it into a superstar dish that’s sure to wow your taste buds. These Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, even beginners can whip them up like a pro. So, if you’re looking to impress your family or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, grab those carrots and let’s get cooking! Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of these tasty little gems.
Table of Contents
Best Carrots for This Recipe
For optimal caramelization, I prefer slicing up large carrots for roasting. This technique ensures that the sides develop a delicious caramelized exterior, adding depth to the dish. However, if you opt for baby carrots, be mindful that their thickness may require additional roasting time compared to sliced carrots. Ultimately, the choice between whole and baby carrots is a matter of personal preference, but adjusting roasting times accordingly ensures perfect results every time.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choosing the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color and smooth skin. This ensures they’re sweet and flavorful.
- Cutting the Carrots: Halving the carrots lengthwise allows them to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. Conversely, for an extra kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Caramelizing the Honey: When adding honey to the carrots, allow it to bubble and caramelize slightly. This enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful glaze to the carrots.
- Yogurt Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the yogurt sauce by adding a splash of water or lemon juice if it’s too thick, or more yogurt if it’s too thin. Aim for a creamy yet pourable consistency.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Aside from dill, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives to add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.
Nutrition and Benefits of Carrots:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Carrots are a powerhouse of vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene, carrots help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Eye Health: Beta-carotene supports good eyesight, reducing the risk of age-related eye issues like macular degeneration.
- Digestive Support: High in fiber, carrots promote digestive health and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Heart-Friendly: Antioxidants and potassium in carrots contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol and regulating blood pressure.
- Skin Nourishment: Carrots enhance skin health, protecting against sun damage and promoting skin cell regeneration.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, carrots aid in weight management by promoting fullness and reducing overeating.
How To Make Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots:
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Honey Carrots:
- 3 carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 50 grams butter
- 1 teaspoon Gochujang
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 150 grams Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Spicy Honey Carrots:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chili flakes and stir briefly until fragrant.
- Place the carrots in the pan, cut side down. Fry until they develop a golden brown color on both sides.
- Season with salt.
- Add the butter and Gochujang to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and coat the carrots evenly.
- Let the carrots braise in the butter sauce for about 15 minutes on medium heat, or until they are tender.
- Towards the end of cooking, drizzle honey over the carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the honey to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, chili flakes, and chopped dill. Mix until well combined.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce onto a serving plate.
- Arrange the hot honey carrots on top of the yogurt sauce.
- Drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the carrots.
- Garnish with additional dill for a pop of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Hot Honey Carrots with the tangy yogurt sauce immediately while they are still warm.
- Enjoy the creamy yogurt sauce complementing the spicy-sweet flavor of the carrots with each bite.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots :
- Serve these Hot Honey Carrots as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian main course.
- They also make a delicious addition to salads or grain bowls, adding a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the spicy-sweet flavors of the carrots.
- Use any leftover yogurt sauce as a dip for raw veggies or as a creamy topping for baked potatoes or grilled meats. It’s versatile and adds a tangy kick to various dishes.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Hot Honey Carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the yogurt sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing its taste.
Substitutions for Gochujang:
- Sriracha Sauce: Offers similar heat and tanginess.
- Red Pepper Flakes or Powder: Adds heat without altering flavor.
- Miso Paste: Provides depth and umami.
- Barbecue Sauce: Especially spicy or smoky varieties can work.
- Thai Chili Paste: Offers a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Vegan Option:
Make the dish vegan-friendly by substituting the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and using plant-based yogurt for the sauce.
Other Recipes With Carrots That You Might Like
Crispy Parmesan Carrots
Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots
These Hot Honey Carrots are like a flavor explosion in your mouth – sweet, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they're super easy to make, so even if you're not a kitchen whiz, you'll be impressing everyone with your culinary skills in no time. So, grab those carrots and let's get cookin'! Trust me, you're in for a treat!
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Carrots:
- 3 carrots large
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 50 g butter
- 1 tsp Gochujang
- 2 tbsp honey
- salt to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 150 g Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp dill chopped
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Hot Honey Carrots:
- Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chili flakes and stir briefly until fragrant.
- Place the carrots in the pan, cut side down. Fry them until they develop a golden brown color on both sides.
- Season with salt.
- Add the butter and Gochujang to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and coat the carrots evenly.
- Let the carrots braise in the butter sauce for about 15 minutes on medium heat, or until they are tender.
- Towards the end of cooking, drizzle honey over the carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the honey to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, chili flakes, and chopped dill. Mix until well combined.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce onto a serving plate.
- Arrange the hot honey carrots on top of the yogurt sauce.
- Drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the carrots.
- Garnish with additional dill for a pop of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Hot Honey Carrots with the tangy yogurt sauce immediately while they are still warm.
Notes
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili flakes or Gochujang used. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder heat, and add more gradually according to your taste preferences.
- Keep an eye on the carrots while they’re cooking to ensure they caramelize evenly without burning. Stir occasionally to coat the carrots in the honey mixture and prevent sticking to the pan.
- Taste the yogurt sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat to achieve a balanced flavor profile that complements the spicy-sweet carrots.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Ich liebe es!