Do you know how to steam carrots in microwave? Whether you’re in a rush to make dinner or looking for an easy way to get your daily dose of veggies, steaming carrots in the microwave is a quick and healthy option. This method not only keeps most of the nutrients intact but also makes it easy to add flavor with herbs and spices. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about microwaving carrots; from how long they take to cook, what equipment you need, and advantages vs disadvantages so that by end of it, you can confidently steam perfect tender-crisp carrots!
Microwave Carrots
A nutritious, warm and delicious treat – microwave carrots! Carrots are a superfood and now you can enjoy them with even less effort! Perfect for busy lifestyles or any occasion that requires a quick yet flavorful side dish. Enjoy this simple but savory vegetable in no time at all with the convenience of your own kitchen’s microwaves.
Can You Microwave Carrots?
You can, of course. Carrots are one of those foods that you will want to microwave repeatedly because they are so delicious.
Additionally, once you learn how to cook carrots in the microwave, you can use the same procedure to cook many other veggies.
Why Cook Carrots In Microwave?
You won’t know how amazing microwaved carrots are unless you try them. You should probably prepare yourself for squishy carrots that you have to force-eat.
The truth is that when you microwave carrots, they turn out to be just like wonderful steamed carrots in a fraction of the time it normally takes to cook them.
Additionally, you can boil your carrots more quickly in the microwave, with sliced carrots, or with baby carrots.
What Kind Of Carrots To Use?
I’ll be utilizing baby carrots for this guide. Since they are little and have a delicate flavor, baby carrots go well with a variety of foods. Additionally, they cook fast, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
You can also use regular-sized carrots if the grocery store where you shop doesn’t carry baby carrots. To ensure consistent cooking, just cut them into tiny pieces.
What Happens When You Microwave Carrots?
Carrots’ internal water starts to heat up and produce steam when they are microwaved. The carrots are then cooked internally by this steam. The carrots soften and become more tender as they simmer.
Avoid overcooking your microwaved carrots for best results. Your carrots will lose flavor and become mushy if you overcook them. As an alternative, you should only cook them until they are soft. Simply stick a fork into one of your carrots to see if they are finished cooking. They have completed their task if the fork slides in effortlessly.
Let’s talk about how to microwave now that you understand how it operates.
Can You Microwave Carrots Before Roasting?
Carrots can indeed be microwaved before roasting. You can use the microwave in place of the stovetop for par-boiling carrots.
I advise doing this since parboiling can destroy nutrients and turn carrots bland, whereas cooking carrots in the microwave is equivalent to steaming.
Simply cut the cooking time in half in the microwave before adding extra virgin olive oil and roasting the carrots.
Can You Microwave Carrots To Soften Them?
You certainly can. It’s an excellent approach to hasten the cooking of carrots. Depending on what you plan to use the carrots for, you can simply microwave them briefly before adding them to a stir fry or quiche to prevent hard carrots.
Does Microwaving Carrots Destroy Nutrients?
The nutrients in carrots are not lost when they are microwaved. This recipe for microwaved carrots is a variation on steamed carrots.
This preserves the carrots’ flavor while ensuring that you are still receiving their nutritional benefits.
Since I’ve been steaming carrots for a while, I detest the taste of boiled carrots.
How To Steam Carrots In Microwave – Step-By-Step Guide
It’s time to learn how to steam carrots in microwave. This manual will walk you through the process in a few easy stages.
Ingredients For Steaming Carrots In Microwaves
- 1 cup of water
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and chopped into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by properly cleaning your carrots. Before preparing them, you want to make sure they are clean.
- Slice the carrots into uniform chunks. In the microwave, this will help them cook more evenly.
- Place the carrots in a dish that can be microwaved along with a small bit of water. The water will aid in the cooking of the carrots by generating steam.
- Microwave the dish on high for 3–4 minutes while covering it with a lid or plastic wrap. The size and quantity of carrots you’re cooking will determine the precise amount of time.
- After the carrots have finished cooking in the microwave, remove them and season them to taste. You are free to add salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
That’s all, then! Your carrots were successfully cooked in the microwave. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy them!
Nutrition:
One cup of cooked carrots contains:
- 98 calories
- 2 grams of protein
- 0 grams of fat
- 21 grams of carbohydrates
- 7 grams of fiber
- 9 grams of sugar
- 3 milligrams of sodium
Note:
- If you’re pressed for time, carrots are also available at the grocery store already chopped. You’ll save some time in the kitchen by doing this.
- Using the same technique, you may steam various veggies in the microwave. Try green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower!
- Cooked carrots and leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. When it’s time to dine, reheat them in the microwave.
- Cooked carrots can be frozen for up to six months. Before reheating, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Video: How To Steam Carrots In Microwave
Tools Used In This Recipe
- Microwave-safe dish
- Plastic wrap or lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Salt and pepper (optional)
How Long To Steam Carrots In Microwave?
The size and thickness of your carrots will affect how long they take to cook.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes if using baby carrots or thinly sliced carrots.
- Cook medium-sized carrots for 4–5 minutes.
- Additionally, boil big carrots for 6 to 8 minutes.
How To Steam Carrots In A Plastic Bag In The Microwave?
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Carrots should be put in a big plastic bag first. Salt and water should be added before securing the bag.
- Heat the carrots in the microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are soft.
- Carefully remove the carrots from the bag and place them in a serving bowl. Serve right away.
Steamed carrots are delicious!
How To Steam Carrots In Microwave Using Plastic Wrap
This is the most typical way to microwave steam carrots. All you need is a plate that can be used in a microwave, some water, and some time.
- Put the carrots in a plate that can go in the microwave.
- Fill the carrots with water until it is about halfway up.
- Place plastic wrap over the dish, venting it to allow steam to escape.
- To cook the carrots, microwave on high for 2-4 minutes.
- Take it out of the microwave and savor it!
How To Steam Carrots In Microwave Without Plastic Wrap
Don’t panic if you don’t have any plastic wrap on hand. Without it, you can still steam your carrots. What you need to do is as follows:
- To begin, thoroughly rinse your carrots under running water.
- Remove the carrots’ tops before slicing them into little pieces.
- Put the carrot slices on a dish that can go in the microwave.
- Fill the dish with water, making sure the carrots are submerged.
- Cover the dish with a lid and microwave it for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the carrots are soft.
- Take the lid off and let the carrots cool completely before serving.
How To Steam Baby Carrots In Microwave?
In a dish that can be used in the microwave, put the carrots and enough water to cover the bottom. Cook the food in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on high, or until the carrots are fork-tender. Enjoy after being taken from the microwave.
Tips And Tricks
- If you’re pressed for time, carrots are also available at the grocery store already chopped. You’ll save some time in the kitchen by doing this.
- Using the same technique, you may steam various veggies in the microwave. Try green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower!
- Cooked carrots and leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. When it’s time to dine, reheat them in the microwave.
- Cooked carrots can be frozen for up to six months. Before reheating, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What Do I Serve With Steamed Carrots?
You may eat your steamed carrots in a variety of wonderful ways! Listed here are some of our favorites:
- For a quick side dish, serve them with some butter and salt.
- To make a nutritious and satisfying meal, mix them into a salad.
- For a tasty side dish, toss them with some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.
- For a complete meal, serve them with roasted chicken or fish.
- To increase the number of vegetables in a soup or stew, add them.
- Enjoy them on their own as a nutritious snack!
How To Store Carrots
Carrots will remain tasty and fresh for a longer period of time if you store them properly. Here are some suggestions for storing carrots:
- If you purchased carrots that still had their greens on, take them off and place the greens in a separate bag in the refrigerator. Use the greens as soon as you can because they only stay fresh for one to two days.
- You can keep carrots in the refrigerator in a water-filled container or a plastic bag. When kept in this manner, they ought to last for roughly two weeks.
- Carrots can also be frozen for later use. Put them in a freezer-safe bag or container after cutting them into pieces. Carrots that are frozen can be kept for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Steam Carrots In Microwave
Is It Safe To Microwave A Carrot?
Yes, you can microwave a carrot provided it is placed in the correct dish and cooked for an appropriate period of time.
Do I Use Whole Carrots, Baby Carrots Or Do I Cut Them Up?
It depends on your preference. Whole carrots take longer to cook and baby carrots are faster. Cut-up carrots can be cooked quicker, too.
Can I Add Water When Microwaving Carrots?
Yes, you can add water when microwaving carrots. This will help steam the carrots and make them softer.
Can You Microwave Carrots To Reheat Them?
Yes, carrots can be microwaved to reheat them. Make sure the carrots are cooked through and not overcooked.
Can I Steam My Carrots In Broth?
Yes, you can steam your carrots in broth for added flavor. Just make sure to reduce the cooking time accordingly.
How Do You Know When The Carrots Are Done?
The carrots are done when they are tender-crisp and have a slightly browned color. You can also test them with a fork to make sure they are cooked through.
Why Is It Taking Longer Than 3 Minutes To Cook?
It could be because the carrots are larger than baby carrots or if you added too much water. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
After reviewing the methods to steam carrots in a microwave, it is safe to say that this is an excellent and quick way to cook your carrots while still retaining their nutritional value. Now you know how to steam carrots in microwave in the right way. The key is to ensure that you do not overcook them, as this will result in a mushy texture. If you follow the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you should have no problem steaming your carrots perfectly every time. Give it a try today. Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes you enjoy it!
