Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots: A Quick & Delicious Side Dish

Carrots, often relegated to the side lines of culinary creations, deserve their moment in the spotlight. This recipe transforms humble carrots into a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make side dish using the magic of the Instant Pot. These Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots are not only delicious but also ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze coats each carrot perfectly, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients and a little pressure cooking can elevate your carrot game to a whole new level.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the details, let’s explore why this Instant Pot teriyaki glazed carrots recipe is a winner:

* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, making this a perfect side dish for busy weeknights. You’ll have tender, flavorful carrots on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The teriyaki glaze is the star of the show, providing a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.
* **Healthy:** Carrots are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a nutritious and delicious way to add vegetables to your diet.
* **Versatile:** This side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, from chicken and fish to beef and tofu. It’s also a great addition to holiday meals or potlucks.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The sweetness of the teriyaki glaze makes these carrots appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
* **Minimal Effort:** The Instant Pot does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots:

* **Carrots:** 1 pound, peeled and sliced (about 1/4-inch thick). You can use baby carrots if you prefer, but slicing regular carrots gives them a better texture and allows them to absorb more of the glaze.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons. Honey adds sweetness and helps to create a glossy glaze. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and savory flavors.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the glaze. A little goes a long way!
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth to the glaze.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated. Fresh ginger provides a warm and spicy note.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the glaze.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. Water is mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Water (for the Instant Pot):** 1 cup. This is needed to create steam in the Instant Pot.
* **Sesame Seeds (optional):** For garnish.
* **Green Onions (optional):** For garnish, thinly sliced.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Knife and Cutting Board**
* **Small Bowl**
* **Whisk**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots:

**Step 1: Prepare the Glaze**

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry**

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. This is important to prevent lumps from forming in the glaze.

**Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot**

Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Add the sliced carrots to the pot.

**Step 4: Pressure Cook**

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Note: cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of your carrot slices. Thicker slices may require an additional minute.

**Step 5: Quick Release**

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Be cautious of the steam that will be released.

**Step 6: Drain the Carrots**

Carefully drain the water from the Instant Pot, leaving the carrots inside.

**Step 7: Add the Glaze**

Pour the teriyaki glaze over the carrots in the Instant Pot.

**Step 8: Thicken the Glaze**

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Bring the glaze to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the carrots at this stage, as they can become mushy.

**Step 9: Serve**

Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots

* **Cut Carrots Evenly:** Ensure that the carrots are sliced into uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked carrots will become mushy. 3 minutes on high pressure is usually sufficient for perfectly tender-crisp carrots. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of your slices.
* **Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:** Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and prevents it from becoming too salty.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
* **Customize the Glaze:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the glaze. Add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
* **Sauté Function:** Watch the carrots carefully while using the sauté function. They can burn easily if the heat is too high. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even glazing.
* **Storage:** Leftover glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

## Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Spicy Teriyaki Carrots:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Ginger-Garlic Carrots:** Increase the amount of ginger and garlic in the glaze for a more intense flavor.
* **Maple Glazed Carrots:** Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Honey-Lime Carrots:** Add a tablespoon of lime juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
* **Roasted Sesame Carrots:** After glazing, spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to add a slightly caramelized flavor.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Combine the carrots with other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snow peas for a more substantial side dish. Add these to the Instant Pot along with the carrots.

## Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Chicken:** Serve with grilled, baked, or pan-fried chicken.
* **Fish:** Perfect with baked salmon, cod, or tilapia.
* **Beef:** A great accompaniment to steak, roast beef, or burgers.
* **Pork:** Pairs well with pork chops, pulled pork, or ham.
* **Tofu:** A delicious vegetarian option to serve with grilled or pan-fried tofu.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
* **Holiday Meals:** A colorful and flavorful addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
* **Potlucks:** Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 80-100 per serving
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Protein: 1-2g
* Fat: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Can I use Baby Carrots?

Yes, you can substitute baby carrots for regular carrots in this recipe. However, keep in mind that baby carrots tend to cook faster than sliced carrots. You may need to reduce the pressure cooking time to 2 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft. Also, slicing regular carrots allows them to absorb more of the glaze, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

## Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glazed carrots ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. The glaze may thicken slightly in the refrigerator, so you may need to add a splash of water when reheating to restore its consistency.

## What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply boil or steam the carrots until they are tender-crisp. Then, add the teriyaki glaze and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze has thickened and the carrots are evenly coated. This method will take longer than using an Instant Pot, but the results will still be delicious.

## Conclusion

These Instant Pot Teriyaki Glazed Carrots are a simple, flavorful, and healthy side dish that everyone will love. The Instant Pot makes them incredibly easy to prepare, and the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze elevates them to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a colorful addition to a holiday meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy the best carrots you’ve ever tasted!