• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
It's a Veg World After All®
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbook
  • Recipes
    • By Type
    • By Vegetable
  • Tips
  • About
    • Privacy and Terms
    • Services
      • Twin Cities Cooking Classes
      • Writing & Recipes
    • Contact
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • By Veggie
  • Prep Tips
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Books
  • Work with Lizzie
  • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • By Veggie
    • Prep Tips
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Books
    • Work with Lizzie
    • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Microwave Carrots (with Seasoning Ideas)

    Published: Jan 5, 2023 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

    126 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print
    microwave carrots in a bowl under text box with recipe name
    cooked carrots with honey and thyme in a serving bowl
    carrots cut into coins on a cutting board and in a bowl separated by text box

    Microwave carrots are a quick and easy side dish that can pair with nearly any meal. The carrots steam quickly and only need to rest for a minute before you can add seasonings like butter, honey, or herbs.

    microwave carrots in a serving bowl surrounded by toppings

    If you’re wondering how to cook carrots fast, look no further than these microwave carrots! Steaming vegetables in the microwave is an efficient way to soften them quickly. No pots or pans required.

    Besides being incredibly easy, this recipe is very customizable. You can season your carrots any way you please. I personally like them with a melted butter and honey glaze, some fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. If that doesn’t sound like something you would like, don’t worry, I included plenty of seasoning ideas in this post.

    If you’re interested in cooking other vegetables with the help of the microwave, check out my posts on how to make microwave artichokes and sweet potatoes. For some more delicious carrot recipes, see the Spiced Carrots and Dates and Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Instructions
    • FAQ
    • More Carrot Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    carrots, thyme, salt, pepper, honey, and butter on a counter

    Ingredients

    • Carrots: I used fresh carrots that I scrubbed clean and peeled before slicing into coins. You can also use frozen carrots or baby carrots.
    • Seasonings of choice: These could include melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, pepper, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like cinnamon or cardamom. There are some more ideas in the section below.

    Variations

    I seasoned my microwave carrots with honey, butter, and thyme, but you can add whatever flavors you want. You can see the full recipe and ingredients list in the recipe card at the end of the post. Here are some other seasoning ideas. Check out my Vegetable Seasoning Guide for more flavors that pair well with carrots.

    • Olive oil + maple syrup + cinnamon or cardamom
    • Melted butter + garlic + dill
    • Melted butter + parmesan cheese + oregano
    • Olive oil + paprika + coriander + cumin
    • Melted butter + honey + cayenne pepper + cinnamon
    • Melted butter + parsley + salt
    cooked carrots with honey and thyme in a serving bowl

    Instructions

    carrots cut into slices on a cutting board with a knife

    Cut the carrots into ½-inch coins.

    carrots in a bowl with water before being microwaved

    Place the coins in a medium bowl (that’s microwave-safe) and add 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup water (1 tablespoon per cup of carrots).

    carrots in a bowl with a plate on top in the microwave

    Place a microwave-safe plate on top of the bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then let stand for 1 minute. Carefully remove the plate to assess doneness. Return the bowl covered with the plate to the microwave and cook for additional time if desired.

    cooked carrots with seasonings in a mixing bowl with a spoon

    Drain the carrots. Add seasonings as desired. Enjoy!

    FAQ

    How long do you cook carrots in the microwave?

    Carrots take about 3 minutes to steam in the microwave. Since the strength of microwaves varies, you may need to cook the carrots for more time to get them as soft as you would like. Let the carrots stand for a minute before assessing doneness. Be sure to use an oven mitt or towel to remove the bowl and plate so that you don’t burn yourself. Check the carrots for doneness using a fork. Return them to the microwave in 1-minute intervals until cooked to your liking.

    Can you cook baby carrots in the microwave?

    You can use baby carrots or whole carrots that you slice into coins for this recipe. Baby carrots will also take about 3 minutes to cook. However, they may need more time depending on the strength of your microwave and how soft you want them to be.

    How much water do you need to steam carrots in the microwave?

    Use 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of carrots when steaming them in the microwave. I recommend cooking a maximum of 4 cups of carrots at a time and using a bowl that’s big enough to hold them. An over-crowded bowl will prevent the carrots from cooking evenly and quickly.

    More Carrot Recipes

    • Oatmeal raisin cookie with carrots and chocolate chips with a bite taken out next to other cookies.
      Easy Oatmeal Raisin Carrot Cookies
    • A savory muffin with vegetables cut in half, cut side up, on a counter.
      Easy Cheesy Veggie Muffins (with frozen carrots and peas)
    • Beet carrot smoothie in a glass on a counter surrounded by ingredients.
      Beet Carrot Smoothie
    • Split pea and carrot soup next to bread, dill, and a napkin.
      Split Pea and Carrot Soup (Vegan)

    I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

    📖 Recipe

    Send The Recipe

    Get This Recipe In Your Inbox

    Share your email, and we’ll send it to you. Plus, you’ll get a weekly recap of new recipes!
    microwave carrots in a serving bowl surrounded by toppings

    Microwave Carrots

    Learn how to cook carrots fast in the microwave. Seasoning ideas for steamed carrots included.
    4.75 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 3 minutes mins
    Resting Time: 1 minute min
    Total Time: 14 minutes mins
    Servings: 3 cups
    Calories: 134kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Ingredients 

    • 6 small carrots - or 3 large, about 3 cups sliced

    Seasoning ideas (see more in notes)

    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Scrub the carrots clean and peel if desired. Slice into ½-inch coins.
    • Place carrots in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of water (1 tablespoon per cup of carrots).
    • Place a microwave-safe plate on top of the bowl. Cook in the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Let stand for 1 minute. Use an oven mitt or towel to remove the bowl and plate from the microwave. Test the carrots for doneness by inserting a fork into them. If you want them to be softer, place the plate back on top of the bowl and cook for another minute in the microwave. Let them stand for 1 minute, then test for doneness again. Repeat as needed.
    • Drain the carrots. Mix together the melted butter, honey, thyme, and salt. Toss the carrots with the seasonings. See notes for other seasoning ideas. Enjoy!
    • Leave a rating or review by tapping the stars on this recipe card (above) or in the comments section (at the end of the post)!

    Notes

    • Nutrition facts include the example seasonings written on the ingredients list. Nutrition will vary based on what seasonings you use.
    • Leftover microwave carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
    • Other seasoning ideas:
      • Olive oil + maple syrup + cinnamon or cardamom
      • Melted butter + garlic + dill
      • Melted butter + parmesan cheese + oregano
      • Olive oil + paprika + coriander + cumin
      • Melted butter + honey + cayenne pepper + cinnamon
      • Melted butter + parsley + salt

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 21649IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @vegworld_recipes and follow me today!

    Enjoy your carrots! – Lizzie

    More Plant-Forward Side Dishes

    • Ravioli pasta salad with arugula in a bowl surrounded by napkin, lemon, spoon, and cheese.
      Ravioli Pasta Salad with Arugula
    • Mint leaves, peas, and coconut yogurt on top of pea and mint soup in a bowl.
      Pea and Mint Soup (Vegan)
    • Roasted asparagus salad in a serving dish with a wooden spoon next to ingredients and a napkin.
      Roasted Asparagus Salad with Barley
    • Snap pea, quinoa, and chickpea salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
      Sugar Snap Pea Quinoa Salad
    126 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.75 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Cathy

      December 12, 2024 at 7:14 pm

      4 stars
      Easy recipe. I made them per recipe and they were good, but next time I will leave out the thyme or try another herb or spice.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        December 13, 2024 at 5:07 pm

        Thanks for your feedback, Cathy!

        Reply
    2. Tracy

      June 09, 2024 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      I just made the tasty carrots. I sliced them the long way, added butter, honey, 🍯 and salt. They were absolutely 😋 delicious! So glad I found you!

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        June 12, 2024 at 11:06 am

        Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!

        Reply
      • Cathy Schibli

        February 22, 2025 at 12:45 pm

        4 stars
        Took lots longer than the 3 minutes but they were very good and just used butter and salt! ( dealing with an acid stomach)! Paired with rice!
        Thank you for the hint of microwave.

        Reply
        • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

          February 24, 2025 at 11:12 am

          Hi Cathy, I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for your comment. Cooking time definitely varies on the type and strength of the microwave.

    3. margaret

      February 27, 2024 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! Thank you for another way to serve carrots.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        February 28, 2024 at 9:42 am

        Hi Margaret, thanks so much for your review! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    4. Judy

      January 28, 2024 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      This is by far the best roast recipe I have ever had. The roast and gravy were amazing. I will definitely be making this again and again. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
    5. Dave

      September 03, 2023 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      Very useful to know 🙂

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        September 06, 2023 at 9:57 am

        I’m glad it was helpful!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    lizzie streit cutting carrots

    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

    More about me →

    Spring

    • Large bowl with hummus topped with colorful vegetables next to pita, a napkin, and herbs.
      Easy Appetizer Hummus Platter
    • Large skillet with chicken thighs, couscous, and vegetables next to ingredients.
      Couscous with Chicken and Spring Vegetables
    • Gnocchi with feta dinner in a bowl next to herbs, ingredients, and a napkin.
      Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Feta, Broccoli, and Herb Sauce
    • Chicken fennel salad in a serving bowl surrounded by ingredients and a napkin.
      Chicken Fennel Salad with Yogurt Dressing
    See more Spring →

    Salads

    • Kale salad on a serving plate next to ingredients, a napkin, and utensils.
      Kale and Chickpea Salad with Feta
    • Celeriac coleslaw in a bowl on a table surrounded by garnishes.
      Celeriac Coleslaw (without Mayo)
    • Fennel apple salad in a serving bowl next to garnishes and a napkin on a counter.
      Fennel Apple Salad
    • Creamy healthy waldorf salad in a serving bowl.
      Healthy Waldorf Salad with Chickpeas
    See more Salads →

    Footer

    About

    About Lizzie

    Privacy Policy and Terms

    Portfolio

    My Books

    Featured On

    logos from news publications and websites spread out on a white background

    Contact

    Contact

    Work with Lizzie

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2013-2025 It's a Veg World After All ® LLC

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.