Name: How to Microwave Carrots
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 Medium Carrots, Peeled and Sliced; 2 tbsp Water; 2 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil; Salt; Black Pepper

Ingredients

4 Medium Carrots Peeled and Sliced
2 tbsp Water
2 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil
Salt to Taste
Black Pepper to Taste

Method

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Slice the carrots into even rounds or batons, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Ultimately, you can use any shape or size but the important part is to get them all the same size.

Woman chopping carrots into batons on a wooden chopping board

Step 2: Add to a Dish

Place the sliced carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water (about 2 tbsp) to help them steam. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or cling film, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.

Raw carrot batons in a glass dish covered with cling film on a marble background

Step 3: Cook

Microwave on high for 5 minutes. The exact time depends on your microwave’s power and how soft you like your carrots. This is roughly the right time for a 900w microwave.

Check them at 5 minutes; they should be tender but not mushy.

If using a microwave with a higher wattage than 900w, reduce the initial cooking time by 1 minute. If it is lower, then increase the cooking time by 1 minute.

Step 4: Drain

Once cooked, drain any excess water. While they’re hot, add the butter (or olive oil) and gently toss. The heat from the carrots will melt the butter, coating them in a glossy, buttery dressing.

Draining excess liquid from microwaved carrots

Step 5: Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning; it really brings out the carrots’ sweetness.

Tweaks

Dress It Once cooked, dress the carrots in some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and chopped parsley. This is one of the best way to hide the fact that you ever used a microwave.
Add Herbs Infuse the carrots with a subtle herb flavour by including a sprig of sage, thyme or rosemary.
Finish with Nuts Carrots and nuts are a great pairing. Add texture by sprinkling over some toasted hazelnuts, crushed walnuts or flaked almonds.

Substitutes

Use Other Roots This method can be applied to pretty much any root veggie. You could try it with parsnips, celeriac, swede or turnip. You could even try a mix!
Make it Vegan The only thing you need to avoid is butter to make this vegan. Olive oil works just as well, though.

Storage

In the Fridge Let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This method helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.

In the Freezer Spread the cooled carrots out on a baking sheet, then pop in the freezer until solid. Bag them up then store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Other Types

How to Microwave Baby Carrots

Place them in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water (around 2 tablespoons), cover, and microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes.

How to Microwave Whole Carrots

First peel and trim the ends. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, add a bit of water (2 to 3 tablespoons), cover, and microwave on high for around 10 minutes, depending on their thickness.

How to Microwave Rainbow Carrots

Microwaving rainbow carrots involves the same process as carrots. Wash, peel, and cut them into equal sizes, place in a covered dish with a little water, and microwave on high for 5 minutes.

FAQs

How Do You Microwave Then Roast Carrots?

Microwave them in a covered dish with a little water for about 5-7 minutes until they’re partially cooked. Then, transfer the carrots to a roasting pan, drizzle with oil and seasonings, and roast in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.

Are Microwave Carrots Good For You?

Microwaving carrots is good for you as it retains most nutrients. The quick cooking process helps preserve vitamins and minerals that might be lost in longer cooking methods.

Can You Microwave Frozen Carrots?

Yes, you can microwave frozen carrots. Place them in a microwave-safe dish without any water and cover them. Microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.

Tips

Use Uniform Pieces: As with all cooking, if you want to get an even cook make sure you cut the carrots into evenly-sized pieces.

Use Stock: You need any form of liquid to steam the carrots. You don’t have to stick to water. Try stock or broth to infuse more flavour into your carrots.

Create Glazed Carrots: Microwave the carrots with a knob of butter, a squeeze of honey and some dried thyme for cheat’s glazed carrots.

Use for Blanching: If you want to blanch carrots before roasting them then use this technique but reduce the cooking time by half.