Steaming Carrots: The Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steamed carrots are a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses. They are easy to prepare and can be made with minimal ingredients and equipment. The entire process takes about 10-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the carrots and your desired texture. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious steamed carrots, as well as some seasoning suggestions to elevate this humble vegetable.

How to steam carrots without a steamer

Steaming carrots is a great way to cook them without losing their beneficial nutrients, flavours, textures, and colours. Here is how to steam carrots without a steamer:

Preparation

First, rinse and peel the carrots. Then, cut them into uniform pieces. The size of the pieces will determine how long they need to be steamed for, so make sure they are all roughly the same size. Cutting them on the bias will make them look more elegant.

Cooking

Fill a medium saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat to low and add the carrots to the simmering water. Cover the saucepan and cook until the carrots are tender. This should take around 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the carrot pieces. Make sure not to overcook them, as no one likes mushy carrots!

Seasoning

Once the carrots are cooked, drain them and season with your choice of herbs, spices, and condiments. Fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, chives, basil, and oregano all pair well with carrots. You could also try grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, cumin and lime juice or zest, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, or a hint of grated garlic.

How to cut carrots for steaming

When preparing to steam carrots, it is important to cut them into fairly equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut carrots for steaming:

• Start by peeling the carrots to remove the outer layer of skin.
• Cut off the stem end of the carrots and discard it.
• Decide on the shape you want your carrots to be: slices, sticks, or chunks.
• For slices, cut the carrots on a diagonal or bias. This not only looks more elegant but also exposes more surface area, allowing for better heat distribution during steaming. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer sticks, cut the carrots lengthwise into 2-inch long pieces, then cut them into 1/2-inch thick sticks. Alternatively, you can cut the carrots into thin coins and then slice them into matchsticks.
• For chunks, cut the carrots in half crosswise, and then cut the fatter halves in half lengthwise. You can further cut them into smaller chunks if desired.
• If you are using baby carrots, they require no preparation and can be steamed whole.
• Place the prepared carrots into a steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even steaming.
• Add water to a saucepan or pot so that the water level is just below the steamer basket.
• Bring the water to a boil, then carefully place the steamer basket with the carrots into the saucepan.
• Cover the pot and steam the carrots according to your recipe, usually around 8-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your carrot pieces.
• Check for doneness by piercing the carrots with a knife or fork. The carrots should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to mushy carrots.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly cut carrots that are ready for steaming. Remember to adjust the cutting size and steaming time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Seasoning options for steamed carrots

Steamed carrots are a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some seasoning options to elevate your steamed carrots:

Butter and Salt

A drizzle of melted butter, along with a sprinkle of kosher salt, can enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavour to steamed carrots. Some recommended herbs include thyme, parsley, chives, basil, oregano, and dill. These herbs can be chopped and mixed with the carrots after cooking.

Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper can add a bit of spice and warmth to the dish.

Honey

For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the steamed carrots. This can be used in addition to, or instead of, butter.

Lemon

A spritz of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest can add a tangy, bright flavour to the carrots.

Spices

Experiment with spices like garlic powder, cumin, or grated garlic to give the carrots an extra kick of flavour.

Cheese

Try adding some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to the steamed carrots for a savoury, salty touch.

Nuts

Toasted slivered almonds can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the dish.

Other Options

Other options include a drizzle of balsamic reduction, goat cheese or feta crumbles, or a combination of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter treat.

How long to steam carrots

Steaming is a great way to cook carrots, and it doesn't take long at all. The whole process takes around 10 minutes, and the steaming itself should take between 4 and 12 minutes, depending on the size of your carrots and how crunchy you like them.

First, you'll need to get your gear ready. You'll need a steamer basket or steamer pan. You'll also need a pot or saucepan with a lid.

Now, let's get started! Here's how to steam carrots:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Peel your carrots and slice them into pieces around 1/4-inch thick. You can cut them diagonally (on the bias) to make them look more elegant, or you can go for a crinkle-cut for something extra fancy. Just make sure the pieces are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Fill your pot or saucepan with about an inch of water. If you're using a steamer basket without a handle, put it into the pot now. The water level should be just below the basket. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Steam the Carrots

Once the water is boiling, add the carrots to the steamer basket (if it has a handle) and place the basket in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the carrots for 4 to 5 minutes for crisp tender carrots. If you prefer them softer, steam for up to 12 minutes. Don't overcook them, though—mushy carrots are not enjoyable!

Step 4: Drain and Season

Carefully remove the carrots from the steamer and place them in a bowl. You can season them with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, a pinch of salt, and some fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, chives, basil, oregano, or dill. A spritz of lemon juice can also add a nice touch.

What to serve with steamed carrots

Steamed carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with many main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed carrots to make a tasty and well-rounded meal:

Proteins

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the vibrant colour and tender-crisp texture of carrots. This makes steamed carrots an excellent side dish for various proteins, including:

• Baked chicken
• Ham
• Honey garlic chicken
• Baked pork chops
• Pork roast
• Duck breast

Vegetarian Mains

Steamed carrots can also accompany vegetarian mains. Try serving them with:

• Vegetarian bakes
• Veggie burgers
• Bean or legume-based dishes

Grains and Starches

To make your meal more filling, consider pairing steamed carrots with grains or starches such as:

• Rice
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Potatoes
• Breads

Other Vegetables

Carrots go well with a variety of other vegetables, so consider serving them with:

• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Peas
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus

Seasonings and Condiments

To enhance the flavour of steamed carrots, consider adding various seasonings and condiments, such as:

• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, parsley, chives, basil, oregano, dill)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Balsamic reduction
• Grated garlic
• Nuts (e.g., slivered toasted almonds)
• Cheese (e.g., grated Parmesan, goat cheese, feta)

Frequently asked questions