If you’re a fan of Michael Symon, you’ll love his recipe for glazed carrots!
This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
You start by cooking the carrots in olive oil and butter until they’re tender.
Add brown sugar, pecans, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for an irresistible finish.
The key to getting perfect glazed carrots is to cook them until the brown sugar has melted into a caramel-like coating.
I always make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking, and it turns out great every time!
How to Make Michael Symon Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb Carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- Pinch of Salt
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Pecans (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Peel and slice your carrots into even pieces.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Step 3:
Add the carrots and a pinch of salt to the skillet.
Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4:
Add the brown sugar, water, and chopped pecans to the carrots.
Stir to mix everything well.
Step 5:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
Let it simmer for about 6 minutes.
Step 6:
Uncover and increase the heat to high.
Continue cooking and stirring until the water has evaporated and the carrots are soft.
Step 7:
Stir in the nutmeg and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Slice Evenly
Make sure to slice your carrots evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Watch the Heat
Keep an eye on your skillet heat levels.
Too high, and you might burn the butter; too low, and the carrots will not caramelize well.
Add Pecans at the Right Time
Adding pecans in the last few minutes of cooking helps them stay crunchy and adds a delightful texture.
Stir Constantly at High Heat
When you increase the heat to high, make sure to stir constantly to prevent the carrots from sticking and burning.
Adjust Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference.
A little more sugar can make the carrots sweeter if you like that extra touch of sweetness.
What to Serve with Michael Symon Glazed Carrots
Mashed Potatoes
You can try pairing Michael Symon’s Glazed Carrots with creamy mashed potatoes.
The soft texture and buttery flavor make a harmonious match with the sweet and slightly nutty carrots.
This combination is particularly comforting and great for a hearty meal.
Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is another excellent choice to accompany glazed carrots.
The savory and slightly crispy skin contrasts nicely with the tender, glazed vegetables.
Together, they make a balanced and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Couscous Salad
If you are looking for something a bit lighter, a couscous salad can be a refreshing counterpart.
The fluffy texture and slight acidity from lemon juice and fresh herbs lift the overall flavor profile.
It’s a great way to incorporate more fresh ingredients into your meal.
Spicy Sausage
For a more adventurous pairing, why not try spicy sausage?
The heat from the sausage adds an exciting dimension to the sweetness of the glazed carrots.
It’s a bold choice that will certainly make your meal stand out.
Garlic Bread
And don’t forget about garlic bread.
The crunchy bread with a hint of garlic and parsley complements the soft and sweet glazed carrots.
It’s a simple but tasty side that adds a comforting element to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Carrots can be swapped out for sweet potatoes if you prefer a different root vegetable.
Feel free to use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor profile.
Alternative Fats
Use coconut oil instead of butter to make this dish vegan.
Ghee can be used for a slightly nutty taste.
Spices
Switch nutmeg for ginger to add a bit of zest.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Nuts and Seeds
Pecans can be exchanged for walnuts or almonds for various crunchy textures.
Sunflower seeds are also a great substitute if you’re allergic to nuts.
Additional Vegetables
Including parsnips can add an extra dimension to the dish.
Mixing in some roasted brussels sprouts can add a variety of flavors.
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How to Store Leftover Michael Symon Glazed Carrots
Use an Airtight Container
Once your glazed carrots have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container.
Make sure to place them in a single layer to avoid sticking together.
This will help maintain their delicious glaze!
Refrigerate Promptly
You should refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Place the container in the refrigerator where it can stay cool.
Store for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you wish to store the glazed carrots for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Lay the carrots out on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour.
Transfer the frozen carrots to a resealable freezer bag or another airtight container.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Carrots
One mistake you want to avoid is overcooking the carrots.
If they cook too long, they turn mushy and lose their structure.
Always test them with a fork around the 8-minute mark to check their tenderness.
Using Too Much Sugar
It’s tempting to add a lot of sugar to make the glaze extra sweet, but it can be overpowering.
Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Balancing the sweetness with other flavors is the key.
Ignoring the Importance of Seasoning
Don’t forget to season your carrots with salt and pepper.
Simple as it sounds, these basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the carrots.
Be sure to taste and adjust if necessary.

Michael Symon Glazed Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- Pinch of Salt
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Pecans chopped
Instructions
- Peel and slice your carrots into even pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add the carrots and a pinch of salt to the skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the brown sugar, water, and chopped pecans to the carrots.
- Stir to mix everything well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Let it simmer for about 6 minutes.
- Uncover and increase the heat to high.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the water has evaporated and the carrots are soft.
- Stir in the nutmeg and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.