Stovetop Ginger Candied Carrots Recipe

Ginger candied carrots have a nice balance of lemons and ginger in every bite. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays or everyday dinners.

Ginger candied carrots are the perfect side dish for everyday meals and holiday dinners. 

Making my orange honey ham for Christmas, or any holiday dinner? Or this chicken bacon Alfredo stuffed shells recipe?

When I’m considering side dishes, I always pick this easy recipe. It is such a simple recipe that I have made it for many a weeknight dinner, too.

The best part of this candied carrot recipe is that you don’t have to use your oven. Yep – that’s right, you can save the range for the main dish and cook this on the stovetop.

Instead of the oven, you use just one pot, making your clean-up easier, too!

Ginger Carrots Ingredients

This easy side dish combines sweetness, warmth, and zesty freshness. It makes a fantastic addition to your meals and will surely please your taste buds.

• Carrots: Carrots are the main ingredient of this dish. Choose fresh, firm carrots and peel them for a smooth texture. Cutting them into equal sizes ensures even cooking and an appealing presentation. If you’re in a bind, you can use baby carrots.
• Water: It helps steam and soften the carrots, allowing them to absorb the ginger and flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides a rich sweetness to the dish. It caramelizes with the butter to create a delightful glaze that coats the carrots, giving them a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
• Butter: Butter adds a luxurious richness to the candied carrots. It pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and ginger, creating a mouthwatering sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice introduces a hint of citrusy brightness to the dish.
• Grated Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger infuses the carrots with a zesty, invigorating flavor that complements the recipe’s sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Lemon zest is the finely grated outer peel of the lemon. It carries the essential oils and provides a concentrated citrus fragrance and flavor.

How to Make Ginger Candied Carrots

Begin by peeling and cutting your carrots. I like to cut the carrots lengthwise and then into a stick shape.

The smaller you slice the carrots, the quicker they cook when boiled. If you chop them small, your cooking time will be shorter, so check the carrots more often.

This part – when you cook carrots – is where most of the cooking time comes from. After you drain the carrots, they are returned to the same pot (one pot side dish!)

All of the remaining ingredients get added at this point. Gently stir everything together, and after about 5 minutes, the carrots are ready to be served.

The syrupy glaze of the sauce makes this the perfect accompaniment to the sweetness of the carrots. 

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

These substitutions allow you to adjust the flavors and dietary considerations while maintaining the core concept of ginger candied carrots. You can choose options that best suit your taste for health reasons or dietary and personal preferences.

Brown Sugar Substitution Ideas

• Honey: Honey can replace brown sugar, offering a natural sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich and distinct sweetness that complements the carrots and ginger.
• Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is an unrefined sugar alternative with a caramel-like flavor, making it suitable for candying carrots.

Butter Substitution Ideas

• Margarine: Margarine can substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• Coconut Oil: For a vegan alternative, coconut oil works well and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
• Olive Oil: Using olive oil offers a healthier, lighter option and can provide a unique twist to the dish.

Lemon Juice Substitution Ideas

• Lime Juice: Lime juice can replace lemon juice, offering a tangy, citrusy element to the carrots.
• White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a mild tang and can work as a suitable acid component.
• Orange Juice: When paired with orange zest, this is the perfect way to add additional Vitamin C. 

Lemon Zest Substitution Ideas

• Orange Zest: Orange zest is a great substitute, providing a citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Lime Zest: Lime zest can be used for a zesty, tangy twist on the dish.

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