Learn the secrets to microwaved steamed carrots, ready in just minutes! This 3-minute recipe is one-bowl for easy cleanup, and saves space on the stovetop. Top the steamed carrots with a pat of butter, flaky salt, freshly ground black pepper and your choice of minced herbs.

Microwaving carrots on high for 3–6 minutes, then letting them steam for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are tender, is how you steam carrots in the microwave.

Check out this super simple recipe for how to steam carrots in the microwave the next time you need a quick and easy side dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Steaming carrots in the microwave is super quick and easy, and a great option if you are extra short on time (like if you forgot to cook a side dish and dinner is almost ready)
• It’s hassle free, it’s fast, and it’s good for people who like to eat healthy
• Steamed carrots go with many different types of cuisine, making them a perfect side dish for almost any meal

Steamed carrots are the best choice when preparing them in a microwave. Boiling carrots in the microwave will almost always lead to soggy overcooked carrots, and the nutrients can leach out into the boiling water much more easily than if they are steamed.

Carrots can also be quickly and easily steamed in an electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot.

Read More: How Does A Microwave Oven Work – Complete Guide to Use It in 2023

What Do You Need?

Carrots Or Baby Carrots

You can use rounds or sticks that are about 2 inches long, or you can use baby carrots.

Water

A cup or so of water, at a depth of about an inch, is required in the bowl’s bottom.

Once heated sufficiently (i.e., there must be enough water), steam should be able to fill the bowl’s interior. boiled), but you don’t want to boil the carrots along with the water.

Microwave Safe Dish

You’ll need a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid if you want to steam carrots in your microwave.

You could also use plastic wrap or a plate on top, but make sure it is close-fitting so the steam can’t escape during cooking (though be sure to pierce the plastic wrap, you don’t want it to be air-tight).

Optional Microwave Steamer Or Microwave-safe Trivet

The carrots at the bottom of the bowl will be submerged in water and could overcook. They might be a little soft and appear a little wilted, but they will still taste fantastic.

By using a microwave trivet, steamer basket, such as this Joie silicone vegetable steamer*, or microwave steamer, you can prevent this by lifting the carrots out of the water before cooking.

How to Steam Carrots in Microwave

Step 1: Prep the carrot pieces. The carrots should be washed and scrubbed, or peeled if you prefer. Cut the stems into pieces that are between one and two inches long after trimming the tops and ends.

Step 2: Put the carrots in a bowl that can be microwaved. Add fresh water to microwave bowl (~1 inch depth), add trivet (if using), and place the sliced carrots into the bowl/trivet.

Step 3: Microwave carrots. Microwave the carrots on high for 3-6 minutes (refer to table below, as the time needed depends on the power of your microwave). They should be a vivid orange color.

yastmastmastmasticlericardsti a When the microwave time is up, leave the bowl with the lid on for an additional two minutes to allow the carrots to steam.

How Long to Steam Carrots in Microwave

The bowl of carrot slices must be heated in the microwave until the water is boiling and the steam is rising from the bowl. It needs to boil continuously for around a minute, and then should be left for at least 2 minutes with the lid on to allow the carrots to finish cooking in the steam.

However, the total length of time you will need to microwave the carrots depends on the power of your microwave.

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Don’t give up if you need to use a little trial and error to get perfectly cooked carrots!

I prefer to steam baby carrots for a little bit less time so that more of the crunch is preserved. Longer steaming may be preferred if you prefer softer carrots.

To make it simpler the next time, I’d suggest printing off the recipe card below and noting how long your microwave took to complete the task.

How to Serve Microwaved Carrots

One of my favorite meals to serve microwaved carrots with is air-fried roast pork, rack of lamb, or steak.

To serve them, I usually top with melted butter, but here are some other fun ideas to try:

• Make a maple syrup or honey glaze and drizzle over the cooked carrots
• Top with garlic or herb butter
• A simple sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt and pepper
• Dress them with a mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil
• Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon

Tips & Recipe Notes

• In place of butter, you can also glaze your microwave carrots with honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar, or cinnamon sugar too!
• Be very careful of the steam when opening your dish! The dish should be taken out of the microwave after using oven mitts, as well.
• To Store: Remaining steamed carrots should be stored in a shallow airtight container or plastic storage bag that can be sealed. Enjoy within 3-5 days and reheat in the microwave.

FAQs