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Tender Instant Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Instant Pot brown sugar glazed carrots - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with brown sugar and butter, cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot for a sweet and buttery finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon
  • Optional: toasted pecans or chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel about 1 pound (450 g) of carrots and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until the sugar starts to dissolve. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if desired.
  3. Add the carrot pieces to the bowl and stir until every piece is coated with the buttery brown sugar glaze.
  4. Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot.
  5. Transfer the glazed carrots into the Instant Pot’s steaming basket or directly into the pot, spreading them evenly.
  6. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
  7. Perform a quick release of the pressure when cooking time ends.
  8. If there is excess liquid, remove the carrots and simmer the liquid on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes to thicken, then toss the carrots back in to coat.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or toasted nuts if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the carrots; stick to 3 minutes with quick release to avoid mushiness. Use fresh, firm carrots for best texture. Simmer leftover liquid to thicken glaze for a glossy finish. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Optional spices like cinnamon or herbs like thyme can be added for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, easy side dish, pressure cooker carrots, tender carrots, quick side dish