Description
Frozen carrots are a convenient and versatile ingredient to have on hand! Whether you’re adding them to soups, stir-fries, or roasting them as a side dish, frozen carrots can save time while delivering great flavor and nutrients. This guide covers simple methods for cooking frozen carrots and creative ideas to incorporate them into your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For Cooking Basic Frozen Carrots:
- 2 cups frozen carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme, parsley, or dill)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for a sweet glaze)
Instructions
Method 1: Stove-Top Sautéed Frozen Carrots
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.
- Cook the Carrots: Add the frozen carrots directly to the pan (no need to thaw). Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or herbs. Serve warm as a quick side dish.
Method 2: Steamed Frozen Carrots
- Prepare the Steamer: Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket over the pot.
- Steam the Carrots: Add the frozen carrots to the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 4–6 minutes until tender.
- Season: Toss the steamed carrots with butter, salt, and your favorite seasonings before serving.
Method 3: Roasted Frozen Carrots
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Carrots: Toss frozen carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings (e.g., garlic powder or herbs). Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast: Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and slightly crispy.
Notes
- No thawing is necessary for any of these methods; frozen carrots cook quickly and retain their texture.
- Add a sweet touch by glazing the carrots with honey or brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Store leftover cooked carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–25 minutes (depending on the method)
- Category: Quick and Easy
- Method: Sautéing, Steaming, or Roasting
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Calories: 35
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g