Here’s how to make steamed carrots and get crisp-tender perfection in 10 minutes! This healthy side dish method keeps carrots sweet and vibrant with minimal oil.
For years, I thought steamed vegetables were doomed to be mushy and flavorless. But cook them the right way, and they’re full of bright, fresh flavor!
My method for steamed carrots cooks them until crisp tender, then adds fresh herbs and a spritz of fresh lemon juice. While sauteed carrots is typically my go-to method for cooking this veggie, steaming uses less oil and is a great option for healthy eating. And, it’s incredibly tasty!
How to steam carrots: a tutorial
Steamed carrots are quick and simple to make! The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Here are my tips on how to steam carrots:
Essential equipment: You’ll need a steamer basket or steamer pan, like this collapsible stainless steel steamer basket that fits inside a saucepan. They’re inexpensive and great for all kinds of vegetables. (The photos show my steamer pan, but it’s the same concept.)
Step 1: Peel and slice the carrots on the bias.
The look of carrots sliced on the bias has a nice visual appeal. Make the slices all about the same thickness, about 1/4-inch slices, so they’ll cook evenly.
Step 2: Bring water to a boil.
Rule number one of steaming vegetables is this: bring the water to a boil first! Don’t throw the carrots in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Instead, you’ll boil the water in a saucepan or pot before you add the veggies. If you have a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now. The water surface should be right under the basket.
Step 3: Add the carrots and steam for 4 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender.
Once boiling, add the carrots (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle), and cover the pot with a lid. Then steam for about 4 to 5 minutes until the carrots are just crisp tender.
Here’s the important part: taste test! Make sure to test the pieces with a fork and remove from the heat when it’s just cooked to your liking. Don’t be tempted to overcook them: no one likes mushy carrots.
Step 4: Drain and season.
Carefully remove the carrots to a bowl, then toss with the seasonings. Fresh herbs bring the best flavor to cooked veggies. This is especially important with steamed veggies because you’ll want to add lots of fresh flavor. Stir in the olive oil or butter: you’ll only need 1 tablespoon to add a little richness to the dish.
Best herbs for steamed carrots
Fresh herbs are essential to the great flavor in these steamed carrots! They’re easy to find at the grocery store, and fun to grow when its the season (see How to Grow Fresh Herbs). Here are a few I’d recommend:
- Thyme: The flavor of thyme pairs well with carrots, so this is my top choice.
- Parsley: The bite of parsley is also a great match.
- Chives: Chives add a light onion-y vibe.
- Basil: Peppery basil works well with sweet carrots!
- Oregano: Similar to thyme, oregano is another great choice.
- Dill: Dill is often paired with carrots since they’re part of the same plant family.
Creative seasoning ideas
There are lots more ways to season steamed carrots outside of the suggestions in this recipe! Here are a few more ideas to get your wheels turning:
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Add ground cumin and a squeeze of lime juice or zest (like these grilled carrots)
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction for extra zing
- Toss with lemon zest
- Stir in a hint of grated garlic (use it sparingly; a little goes a long way)
- Top with slivered toasted almonds for a crunch
- Crumble goat cheese or feta over the top
Storing and reheating
Steamed carrots keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re delicious cold added to salads (like quinoa salad or farro salad), or warmed up as a quick side.
To reheat, the microwave works or you can warm gently in a skillet with a tiny bit of butter or olive oil.
More steamed vegetables to try
If you love making steamed vegetables, here are are a few more favorite recipes I’d recommend:
- This steamed broccoli is a healthy side dish that turns out bright green and crisp tender every time
- My steamed cauliflower cooks in minutes and is so tasty
- Zesty steamed green beans are a quick and easy side dish
- This steamed asparagus comes out bright green and tender
Dietary notes
This steamed carrots recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Test them with a fork at the 4-minute mark. They should be tender enough to pierce easily but still have a slight firmness. Taste-testing is your best guide!
Absolutely! Baby carrots (or baby-cut carrots) work great. They may cook slightly faster, so start checking at 3 minutes.
No, I don’t add salt to the water. It’s more effective to season the carrots after steaming when they can actually absorb the flavor.
Yes, though they may become softer than fresh carrots. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes since they’re already partially cooked from blanching before freezing.
Steaming keeps carrots above the water, preserving more nutrients. But my Perfect Boiled Carrots also delicious: they just have a slightly different texture.
Easy Steamed Carrots
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Steamed carrots are a fresh and easy side dish that’s bursting with flavor! Here’s a tutorial for how to steam this healthy orange vegetable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steamed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 medium carrots (1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
- ¼ teaspoon plus 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (we used thyme and parsley)
- 2 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch slices on the bias (diagonally).
- Place about 1 inch of water in a pot or saucepan. If using a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now: the water surface should be right under the basket. Bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the carrots (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle). Steam with the lid on until just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Taste test with a fork to assess doneness.
- Carefully remove the vegetables to a bowl. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh herbs. Spritz with the juice from 2 lemon wedges (if using).
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Other ways to enjoy carrots
There are so many tasty carrot recipes to enjoy all the nutrients of this healthy vegetable!
These Carrot Fries are baked and seasoned with ranch spices: my whole family loves them. For something fresh, try this simple Carrot Salad a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Nothing beats a bowl Carrot Ginger Soup or Simple Carrot Soup. Both are comforting and taste like sunshine in a bowl.
For something unique, try my Honey Glazed Carrots or Roasted Broccoli and Carrots. And if you’re looking for a drink, try my Carrot Juice or Carrot Smoothie!
Also, here’s my guide on Carrots 101 to learn more about this orange root vegetable.
