Imagine transforming ordinary baby carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have your family begging for seconds - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Instant Pot Baby Carrots recipe is your ultimate shortcut to creating restaurant-quality vegetables that are perfectly steamed, gloriously glazed, and bursting with natural sweetness. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this foolproof method will elevate your side dish game and impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baby carrots by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot, creating the liquid base for steaming.
- Place the steamer rack or trivet inside the Instant Pot to elevate the carrots above the water.
- Arrange the baby carrots evenly on the steamer rack, ensuring they are not submerged in water.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position to create proper pressure.
- Select the "Steam" function and set the cooking time to 3-4 minutes for tender yet slightly crisp carrots.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to venting position.
- Open the lid and drain any excess water from the Instant Pot.
- Add butter and honey to the carrots, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the glazed baby carrots to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Select bright orange, firm baby carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcook: The key to perfect carrots is a quick 3-4 minute steam to maintain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Butter and Honey Hack: The butter-honey glaze adds a luxurious finish that transforms simple carrots into a gourmet side dish.
- Seasoning Matters: Freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt can dramatically enhance the carrots' natural sweetness.
- Quick Release is Crucial: Use the quick pressure release to prevent overcooking and maintain the carrots' ideal texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and presentation.
- Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
