Steamed microwave carrots in minutes for a delicious, healthy side dish. Here are some tips and tricks for flavorful steamed carrots.

 

The microwave makes steaming vegetables, like carrots, spaghetti squash and cauliflower so easy. They cook up quick and can be done without a steamer basket.

Why this recipe works

Fast – This steamed carrots recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes with the help of a microwave.

Easy – Just a few ingredients and one bowl needed. The only prep is washing and cutting the carrots unless you choose to use prewashed baby carrots.

What you need

Carrots – Choose your favorite carrots like baby carrots, carrot sticks, or slices.

Water – Needed to help the steaming process.

Seasonings – Salt and pepper for simple seasoning. See the variations below for other seasoning ideas.

Optional – Butter. Butter will add a nice creaminess and richness but it’s not necessary. You can leave it out or substitute with olive oil.

Recipe variations

There are many ways to season steamed carrots. Here are a few ideas:

Carrots – You can use a variety of carrots and shapes. Try rainbow carrots for beautiful color or baby carrots so you don’t have to cut them. You can also cut regular carrots into sticks, circles or chunks.

Sweet – After cooking the carrots, add maple syrup or honey. You could also try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon.

Herbs – Try fresh, minced herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. You could also use different spices like seasoned salt, lemon pepper, or even cinnamon.

Liquid – To impart a little extra flavor, substitute water with vegetable, chicken or beef broth.

How to cook carrots in the microwave

It will take about 3-4 minutes to steam carrots in the microwave depending on the wattage of your microwave.

1. If you are using baby carrots place them in a microwave safe bowl. If you are using large carrots, slice them into coin shapes or sticks and place in a bowl.
2. Add water into the bowl. You don’t need much to steam them.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a microwave safe dish, piercing or hole in the wrap or making sure the plate isn’t tight fitting. Cook for 3 minutes.
4. Check to see if they are soft by piercing the carrots with a fork. If they need a little extra time, keep cooking in 30 second intervals.
5. Use an oven mitt or towel and carefully remove from microwave. Let sit another minute in the bowl to finish steaming. Check for doneness. Pour off any excess water and toss with seasonings and butter if using.

Microwave tips

Each microwave cooks a little different and the wattage will also make a difference in cook time. Depending on your microwave and carrot size, the cook time might be a little less or a little longer than 3 minutes.

You can use a damp paper towel as a “lid” over the bowl.

Feel free to cook more or less carrots, depending on the servings you need. Use 2 tablespoons of water per cup of carrots.

How to serve

These carrots are a tasty, healthy side dish for almost anything. They also work well for meal prep, just prepare ahead of time and save for later use. Here are a few of our favorite meals to serve them with:

• Meatloaf
• Pork loin
• Steak
• Chicken

How to store

Store: Let the carrots completely cool and then store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute.

Freeze: Can you freeze steamed carrots? Yes, let them cool and then store in a freezer safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 9 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.

Steamed carrots FAQ’s

More easy vegetable recipes

• Air fryer snow peas
• Air fryer zucchini
• Roasted tomatoes
• Roasted frozen vegetables

How do you like your carrots, sweet or savory? Let me know in the comment section below.