Learn how to steam carrots in the microwave in a few easy steps. Vegetables can be cooked easily, quickly, and inexpensively in the microwave. Microwaved carrots make an amazing side dish for most meals and are perfect for snacking as well.
Easy Microwave Carrots and its benefits
Carrots are a good source of Vitamin C, K, and other minerals. Other veggies should be included in your diet, however, carrots will undoubtedly be one of the most popular. Microwaved steamed carrots come out tender and delicious every time. More importantly, since it is naturally sweet, you may not need additional ingredients to make it stand out.
With minimal prep, less clean up and a handful of pantry staple ingredients, you can transform carrots into a delicious snack or side dish
Methods of cooking carrots
Carrots just like green beans can be boiled, baked, or steamed; however, microwaving carrots is a healthy choice because it retains all of the nutrients.
Why microwaving carrots work
It is quick and easy with minimal prep required
Clean-up is super easy as this can be done in one bowl.
It is healthy and makes a delicious side dish or a snack for adults and children alike.
Steaming carrots in the microwave is a great way to keep the nutrients locked in.
Ingredients
Fresh raw carrots/ bagged and peeled carrots/baby carrots
2 tablespoon water to aid the steaming process
Salted butter, optional
Black pepper
How to cook carrots in the microwave
Prepare your carrots: rinse them clean with water as they may contain some sand residues. Peel the carrots if you prefer otherwise make sure it is completely dirt-free before cooking
Cut the carrots into similar bite-size pieces and place into a microwavable bowl
Add water to the bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap, and then poke holes into it with a pairing knife or fork. Microwave for 3 minutes, carefully remove it from the microwave, and check for doneness. Do this by carefully lifting the plastic wrap (it will be hot and soft at this point) then use a fork to poke one of the carrot slices. It should be a fork-tender. Return to the microwave if you think it needs more time.
Remove the bowl from the microwave, and strain the remaining water from the carrots. Sprinkle some black pepper, a pinch of salt, dried parsley and a knob of butter to the steamed carrots and stir to combine
Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve it With
You can eat carrots on it's own as a snack or side dish with a main meal or other vegetables. below are a few inspirations you may love.
- Baked Chicken
- Simple baked Salmon and mashed potatoes
- Buttered shrimps
- Broccoli, zucchini and carrots
How to store
Fridge: To store the microwave-cooked carrots you need to put them in an airtight container This way you can store it for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: To store the microwaved carrots place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags and put them in the freezer for up to 4 months. Uncooked carrots can be frozen up to 10-12 months in heavy-duty freezer bags to enjoy them all over the year.
Helpful tips
- You can add butter halfway through the cooking time in the microwave.
- If you want to make this recipe even sweeter, use maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar instead of butter.
- Cut the carrots into equal sizes for even cooking
- Instead of a microwable lid or a plastic wrap, you can use a damp kitchen towel.
- Use a little amount of water each time to avoid the arcing effect which may cause a fire hazard.
- You can use other carrots available in purple, yellow, white, and rainbow colors.
- double or tripple the quantity to have a large bowl of carrots in a go.
- You can add herbs and spices to the carrots while cooking
FAQs
How Long to Cook Carrots in the Microwave
The length of time it takes to cook carrots is determined by the wattage of the microwave and the carrot's thickness. Steamed carrots will generally take between 4 and 6 minutes to cook. Baby carrots may take about a minute longer depending on how tender you want it to be.
Are Microwave Carrots Healthy
Yes carrot is healthy! regardless of how you choose to cook it, carrots are a great source of Vitamin A, carotenoids, antioxidants, potassium, fiber and folic acid. In fact, they're one of the few foods that contain naturally occurring carotenoid precursors to vitamin A. One cup of cooked carrots provides over 400% of your daily recommended vitamin A.
How long to microwave baby carrots
Microwave for a total of 5 minutes to check for softness or doneness. If it needs longer, cook at 30-second intervals until the desired texture is achieved.
Related posts
How to Cook Carrots in the Microwave
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh raw carrots about 2 cups
- 2 tablespoon water to aid the steaming process
- Salted butter optional
- pinch of salt optional
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your carrots: rinse them clean with water as they may contain some sand residues. Peel the carrots if you prefer otherwise make sure it is completely dirt-free before cookingCut the carrots into similar bite-size pieces and place into a microwavable bowl
- Add water to the bowl and cover it with a plastic wrap then poke holes into it with a pairing knife or fork. Microwave for 3 minutes, carefully remove it from the microwave and check for doneness. Do this by carefully lifting the plactic wrap (it will be hot and soft at this point) then use a for to poke on of the carrot slices. It should be fork-tender. Return into the microwave it you think it needs more time.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave, and strain the remaining water from the carrots. Sprinkle some black pepper, a pinch of salt, dried parsley and a knob of butter to the steamed carrots and stir to combineServe and enjoy!
Notes
Uncooked carrots can be frozen up to 10-12 months in heavy-duty freezer bags to enjoy them all over the year.
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