Steamed Carrots
Tender, sweet carrot rounds or batons steamed until just fork-tender, then tossed with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This simple side dish lets the natural sweetness of carrots shine and is ready in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the carrots.
1.Peel 600g carrots and trim both ends.2.Slice into uniform 1/4-inch rounds or batons so they cook evenly. - steam · ~8 min
Steam the carrots until tender.
1.Fill a saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over high heat.2.Place carrots in a steamer basket set over the boiling water, cover with a tight-fitting lid.3.Steam until fork-tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.TIPPierce with a fork — it should slide in easily with just a little resistance. - mix
Season and serve.
Transfer steamed carrots to a serving bowl. Add a tablespoon of butter, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Toss gently until the butter melts and coats the carrots evenly.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice carrots evenly to ensure they all cook at the same rate and finish together.
- 2Resist the urge to overcook; the carrots should be fork-tender, not mushy, to preserve texture.
- 3For extra flavor, swap the water for a splash of vegetable broth or white wine in the steaming pot.
- 4Pat the steamed carrots dry with a paper towel before tossing with butter so the seasoning sticks better.
- 5Leftover steamed carrots keep in the fridge for 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-swap
Replace the parsley with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chives, or tarragon for a different aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with the buttery carrots.
spicedSpiced
Add ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds or smoked paprika to the butter before tossing for a warm, savory twist that adds depth.
honey glazedHoney-glazed
Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup with the butter for a glossy, caramelized finish that enhances sweetness.
garlic butterGarlic butter
Melt the butter with one small minced garlic clove before tossing for a fragrant, savory upgrade.
low oilLow-oil
Omit the butter entirely and toss the steamed carrots with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and fresh herbs for a fat-free, vibrant side dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Beta-Carotene
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for healthy vision and immune function.
Low in Calories
This dish contains only about 70 calories per serving, making it a light, nutrient-dense side that adds volume without excess energy.
Good Source of Fiber
Steaming preserves the natural fiber in carrots, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Heart-Friendly Fats
A small pat of butter provides a touch of saturated fat, but the dish can be made fully heart-healthy by using a plant-based butter or omitting it entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Peeling isn't strictly necessary if you scrub them well, but peeling gives a more tender, even texture and a polished look for this simple side.
