Skip to Content

How to Steam Carrots in the Microwave

Fresh, Bright Orange and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Carrots is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Carrots in the Microwave in just minutes!

bowl of steamed carrots
Hello frozen Carrots!

Microwave Carrots

Microwave carrots is a time saving BEAST and terrific way to preserve nutrients in your beautiful bright orange carrots!

You’ll find everything you need to know about steaming carrots in the microwave here and a few ways to do it too!

Then, I know you’ll be ready for Vindaloo Spiced Curry Carrots! YUM!

How To Microwave Carrots

There are several ways to accomplish steamed carrots in the microwave, but basically, they all involve capturing the water vapor with the carrots to cook it. You can…

  1. Steam it in a Bowl
  2. Steam it in a resealable plastic bag or
  3. Cover it with plastic wrap and steam the carrots that way.

How Long to Microwave Carrots

How long you cook carrots in the microwave will depend entirely on how powerful your microwave, however, usually about 3-5 minutes will do it.

3-5 minutes is usually long enough to steam carrots in the microwave for it to be soft enough to chew but still maintain some firmness.

A Basic Overview

  • Prepare the carrots.
  • Add seasoning
  • Place in container and seal (allow a small place for steam to escape).
  • Microwave for 3-5 minutes.

Here’s What You’ll Need

bag of carrots on table
  • Fresh Carrots
  • Container that seals – This can be a resealable plastic bag, a plate or bowl with either plastic wrap or a plate to put on top.
  • Seasoning and a Fat – I like to use salt, pepper, butter and a honey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I Use Whole Carrots, Baby Carrots or do I Cut Them Up?

All are fine, it depends on what you prefer. Most people prefer the carrots cut into coins or cut into short strips.

Can I Freeze These Carrots?

Yes, you can. Simply place into a freezer safe container, remove as much air as possible and freeze. That said, the carrots will change in texture some as they thaw.

How Long Is It Good For?

These carrots will last for 5 days if covered and refrigerated.

What Do I Serve with Steamed Carrots?

Microwave steamed carrots is a great side dish for all kinds of things. We love it with Cuban Sandwiches or Mashed Potatoes especially!

How To Steam Carrots in a Plastic Bag in the Microwave

plastic bag steamed carrots from Wendi on Vimeo.

  • Peel carrots if needed, cut to size.
  • Add to bag with 2 Tbs water.
  • Add any seasonings or butter desired for flavor.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.

How to Steam Carrots in Microwave Using Plastic Wrap

plastic wrap steamed carrots from Wendi on Vimeo.

  • Peel carrots if needed and cut them to size.
  • Place in a bowl or on a plate with 2 Tbs of water.
  • Add any seasonings or butter needed to add flavor (brown sugar is always good!).
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always start with fresh carrots. Look for bright orange flesh and cut edges that haven’t gone brown or yellow yet. If you notice some brown, cut it off. If there are any other discolored areas cut that off as well.
  • You will likely want the carrots cut into coins, short strips or use baby carrots for this dish.
  • Be careful when removing the carrots from the microwave, steam is very hot and I don’t want you to be burned. It’s best to use oven mitts to protect your hands.
  • Don’t go overboard adding water, we don’t want to boil the carrots, we just want to steam them.
  • Interestingly, some California farmers are working to develop the crunchiest carrots in the world. You can check that out here.

PRO TIP: For the best possible flavor, add the seasonings I did in the recipe below. You won’t be disappointed! Carrots do best with a little sweet and salt added.

Interested in How to Steam Other Vegetables in the Microwave?

I’d love for you to check out some of my other articles on steaming vegetables like How to steam broccoli, Steamed Peas or How to steam cauliflower in the microwave!

Watch Me Steam Carrots In the Microwave Here

Can You Help Me Out a Little?

Please leave a 5 STAR COMMENT in the comment section below. This helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes.

blue bowl of carrots with fork, green napkin and cutting board

How to Steam Carrots In the Microwave

Fresh, Bright Orange and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Carrots is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Carrots in the Microwave in just minutes! 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to steam carrots in the microwave
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 52kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Carrots trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbs water

Instructions

  • Trim any brown places off of Carrots and cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Place Carrots into bowl. Add 2 Tbs of water. Cover with saucer.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove carefully using hot pads or oven mitts. Remove top from saucer. Use as you desire.

Notes

  • The Carrots will be very hot when you remove it from the microwave. Use great care and protect your hands when removing it. 
  • Carrots cooked this way can be eaten plain, with seasonings or used as a topping for baked potatoes or other dishes. Can also be used as precooked Carrots for something like a casserole. 
  • If you are using a plastic bag, then instead of placing in a bowl, place the Carrots in the bag, add the water, seal the bag but leave a small gap for steam to escape. 
  • If you are using the bowl with plastic wrap, place the Carrots in the bowl, seal with plastic wrap and leave a small gap for the steam to escape. 
PRO TIP: For great flavor, especially when using the Carrots as a side add the following for each cup of carrots:  
2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs Brown Sugar
2 Tbs Honey
pinch of salt and pepper
Pinch of garlic powder

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Steam Carrots In the Microwave
Amount Per Serving
Calories 52 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 90mg4%
Potassium 410mg12%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 21384IU428%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 43mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Wendi J Spraker

Thursday 11th of March 2021

aggregate ratings test

15585

Want My 9 Secrets to Immediate Kitchen Confidence?