Description

This easy 20-minute side dish features crisp-tender carrots and green beans tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory honey glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for holidays, weeknights, or any meal that needs a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (about 450g) carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (or baby carrots, halved lengthwise)
12 oz (about 340g) green beans, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (3g) kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons (30ml) water
Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

Peel the carrots and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Trim the ends off the green beans. If green beans are long, snap them in half for even cooking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and slightly foamy, add the carrots and green beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat.
Add 2 tablespoons water, cover the skillet, and steam the veggies for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften but remain bright and crisp-tender.
Remove the lid. Push veggies to the sides of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the center, then pour in the honey and lemon juice.
Let the butter melt, then stir everything together so the glaze coats the veggies. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the glaze thickens slightly and the veggies look shiny. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water.
Check for doneness: carrots should be fork-tender and beans should have a bit of snap. Taste and adjust seasoning, honey, or lemon juice as desired.
Turn off the heat. Transfer veggies to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and vegan butter or olive oil. Cut carrots evenly for best texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan—use two pans if needed. Taste and adjust honey or lemon to suit your preference. Garnish just before serving for best color and flavor. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1 cup
Calories: 110
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 250
Fat: 3
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 4
Protein: 2

Keywords: honey glazed carrots, green beans, easy side dish, holiday vegetables, quick vegetable recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian, stovetop vegetables