Pin it The smell of honey and soy hitting hot carrots always stops me in my tracks. I started making this when I needed something that felt fancy but actually took zero effort. My roommate walked in while these were roasting once and literally said our apartment smelled like a really good restaurant.
I served these at a dinner party where everyone assumed I spent hours on the sides. The carrots disappeared first and people were actually shocked when I told them how simple they are. Now they are my go to when I want to impress without stressing myself out.
Ingredients
- Baby carrots: Baby carrots roast more evenly and their natural sweetness really shines when caramelized
- Honey: Creates that beautiful sticky glaze and helps the carrots get those gorgeous browned edges
- Soy sauce: Adds the perfect salty contrast to the honey and gives the dish depth
- Olive oil: Helps the glaze coat every carrot and promotes even roasting
- Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way and adds that wonderful nutty aroma
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic mellows beautifully as it roasts
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweet glaze
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Whisk the glaze:
- In a large bowl combine honey soy sauce olive oil sesame oil garlic and black pepper until smooth
- Coat the carrots:
- Add baby carrots to the bowl and toss until every single one is covered in that shiny glaze
- Arrange for roasting:
- Spread carrots in a single layer on your baking sheet and drizzle any remaining glaze right over the top
- Roast to perfection:
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes turning them halfway through until they are tender and have these beautiful browned spots
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if you want and serve them while they are still warm
Pin it These carrots have become my favorite way to turn a simple weeknight dinner into something that feels special. The way the honey soy glaze transforms such humble ingredients still amazes me every single time.
Make It Your Own
I have tried adding fresh ginger to the glaze and it adds this lovely zesty warmth. A pinch of red pepper flakes makes everything pop without making it spicy.
Serving Ideas
These carrots work alongside roasted chicken or over a grain bowl with tofu. The glaze creates this incredible sauce that you will want to catch with whatever else is on the plate.
Perfect Pairings
Something fresh and bright like a crisp green salad balances the sweetness perfectly. They also pair beautifully with simply grilled fish where the carrots can really shine.
- Roast some extra vegetables on the same sheet pan to save time
- Double the glaze if you love sauce and want extra for drizzling
- Let the carrots cool slightly before serving so the glaze thickens up
Pin it Simple enough for a Tuesday yet special enough for Sunday dinner.