These grilled carrots are a tasty treat! They get a sweet boost from a honey and brown sugar glaze that makes them stick to your ribs in the best way.
Honestly, these carrots are like nature’s candy! I serve them as a side, and they disappear fast—everyone loves that sweet and smoky flavor! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Large carrots are perfect for grilling because they cook evenly. If you can’t find large ones, baby carrots work well, too. Just reduce the grilling time since they are smaller.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness and a beautiful glaze. If you’re looking for a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds a rich flavor. You can replace it with coconut sugar or white sugar if needed, but brown sugar gives that lovely caramelization.
Olive Oil: It helps the glaze stick and adds flavor. You can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead if you prefer, just be aware of the flavor changes.
Fresh Thyme: This herb enhances the earthy taste of carrots. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can work, but use about a third of the amount as it’s more potent!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Carrots?
Grilling carrots is easy but requires some attention to detail. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those nice grill marks.
- Toss the carrots in the glaze well before grilling. Ensure every piece is coated — it helps with flavor and caramelization.
- Cook the carrots for 10-15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking and to prevent burning. They are done when tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Don’t forget to drizzle extra glaze over the grilled carrots. It adds more flavor just before serving!
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 1 pound large carrots, peeled and trimmed
For The Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
For Garnishing:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. So in total, it’s about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will make sure your carrots cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves until everything is well combined. This sweet and savory glaze is what will make your carrots shine!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the peeled and trimmed carrots into the bowl with the glaze. Toss them gently until all the carrots are coated nicely in the mixture. It’s okay if your hands get a little sticky—it’s all part of the fun!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Now, it’s time for grilling! Place the carrots directly on the grill grates or use a grilling basket if you have one. Grill them for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the carrots occasionally until they become tender and have nice grill marks. They should be fork-tender but still have a little crunch.
5. Serve Up Your Dish:
Once the carrots are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for extra flavor.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your grilled carrots with some additional fresh thyme and sprinkle on pomegranate seeds for a colorful touch. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze. Enjoy your delicious grilled carrots with friends and family!
Can I Use Baby Carrots Instead of Large Carrots?
Absolutely! If using baby carrots, adjust the grilling time since they cook faster. Grill them for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re tender and have a nice char. You can keep the glaze mixture the same—just toss them in and enjoy!
What If I Don’t Have Thyme? Is There a Substitute?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme (use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated) or substitute with rosemary or oregano. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
To store leftovers, let the grilled carrots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the microwave for a minute or two.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Grill?
Definitely! Grilled carrots pair well with other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the grilling time accordingly, keeping an eye on everything to prevent burning!
