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    Meals » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Microwave Carrots

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: May 19, 2021 · Modified: Jul 5, 2021 by Dee

    Microwave Carrots with butter and brown sugar for a quick and easy side dish. It takes just 5 minutes to steam carrots in the microwave with this simple recipe, and it's perfect for everyday dinners and holidays! via @meamel

    Microwave Carrots with butter and brown sugar for a quick and easy side dish. It takes just 5 minutes to steam carrots in the microwave with this simple recipe, and it's perfect for everyday dinners and holidays!

    Jump to Recipe -
    microwave carrots in white serving bowl with parsley
    Jump to:
    • How to Steam Carrots in the Microwave
    • Cook Time
    • How to Store
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    My family loves baby carrots, so I keep a bag in the fridge at all times. We love to much on raw carrots for a healthy snack. And, I can pop them in the microwave and have a simple side dish in just 5 minutes!

    Yes, you can cook carrots in the microwave! I've been cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave for years because it's quick, easy, and they retain more nutrients this way. You can also microwave green beans, broccoli, asparagus, baked potatoes and cauliflower.

    How to Steam Carrots in the Microwave

    You only need 2 main ingredients for steamed carrots -- carrots and water. To make the carrots even more delicious, I usually add some butter and brown sugar.

    First, rinse the carrots under cold water. Even though they're washed before being packed, I still rinse them. Don't dry them off, since the water helps to create steam.

    raw baby carrots in colander

    Then, pick out any carrots that are split open, and toss them. Place the carrots in a microwave safe bowl or small casserole dish.

    Even though the carrots have some water on them, I still add a little more. We like carrots with a little sauce. Then add a little butter and brown sugar.

    raw baby carrots in glass dish with butter and brown sugar

    To make this dish healthier, you can skip the butter and brown sugar. Or, add butter and skip the sugar -- totally up to you!

    Place the dish in the microwave, and cover with plastic wrap, a paper towel, plate or a a microwave-safe cover. If you're using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a little open at the corner.

    carrots in microwave under cover

    Cook Time

    Microwave the baby carrots for 4 minutes on high, to start. Then, check to see if they're fork tender. If not, cook for another minute, or until they're done to your liking.

    The carrots will continue to cook as they sit, so don't over cook. Remember, you can always add a minute or 2 if you want. Also, be careful when removing the cover -- steam is hot!

    carrots with butter and brown sugar in a white serving bowl with parsley

    No microwave? Try cooking carrots in the Instant Pot, glazed carrots on the stove or roast carrots in the oven.

    How to Store

    Store leftover cooked carrots, covered, in the refrigerator. They should keep well for 4 to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about a minute or until heated through.

    Recipe

    microwave cooked carrots in white bowl

    Microwave Carrots

    Published by Dee
    Microwave Carrots with butter and brown sugar for a quick and easy side dish. It takes just 5 minutes to steam carrots in the microwave with this simple recipe.
    5 from 8 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 75 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound baby carrots in bag
    • 1 teaspoon water
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • salt and pepper, to taste if desired

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse carrots under cold water, and remove any split ones
    • Place in microwave-safe dish, and add water, butter and brown sugar. Cover with microwave safe cover, plate or plastic wrap (be sure to vent plastic wrap)
    • Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Check for doneness, and add another minute or 2 until cooked to desired tenderness
    • Stir, and serve

    Notes

    For a healthier version, leave out the butter and brown sugar.
    Cook time will vary with different microwaves and thickness of carrots. Carrots continue to cook as they sit, so don't overcook. 
    Use care when removing cover to avoid burns.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 10542IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kimberly says

      June 12, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      Great idea for a quick and easy side dish!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Jim says

      May 22, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      Never thought to do them this way. Very easy and even the kids can handle this!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 25, 2021 at 7:57 am

        Yes! Thank you so much, Jim!

    3. Beth says

      May 21, 2021 at 10:19 pm

      We love this recipe! So easy and quick. It’s perfect for easy dinner nights and so delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Allyson Zea says

      May 21, 2021 at 7:30 am

      This turned out fantastic for a side dish! Thanks for the easy recipe! Never knew I could use the microwave for this!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 25, 2021 at 7:52 am

        Thanks! So glad you liked them!

    5. Amanda Livesay says

      May 21, 2021 at 5:16 am

      So much faster than cooking on the stove! And my kids love them!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 25, 2021 at 7:51 am

        Mine, too! Thanks so much, Amanda!

    6. Toni says

      May 21, 2021 at 4:07 am

      This is really good!! I love gow quick and easy you can make it in microwave!5 stars

      Reply
    7. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says

      May 21, 2021 at 1:10 am

      These Microwave Carrots would disappear in our house! Perfect side dish!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Kimberly says

      May 20, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      Super quick, easy and delicious - a great side for a busy weeknight!5 stars

      Reply
    9. Amanda says

      May 20, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      I love this idea, I cannot wait to try it!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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