Skip to main content

Orange-Glazed Carrot Ribbons

This vibrant vegetarian side dish elevates the humble root vegetable into something truly special. By shaving the carrots into delicate ribbons, you create a larger surface area to soak up the glossy, citrus-infused glaze. The combination of sweet orange juice, rich dark brown sugar, and a touch of honey offers a sophisticated balance to the natural earthiness of the carrots, while a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle, savoury depth.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or a festive dinner party, these orange-glazed carrot ribbons are as visually striking as they are delicious. The recipe is wonderfully practical for entertaining, as the ribbons can be blanched and dried up to six hours in advance. Simply finish them in the frying pan just before serving to ensure a bright, fresh flavour topped with a sprinkle of seasonal chives.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Orange-Glazed Carrot Ribbons

  • 900g large long carrots, peeled

  • 475ml orange juice

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (packed) dark brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

  • 2 teaspoons honey

  • 1/4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

  • Chopped chives

How to make Orange-Glazed Carrot Ribbons

Run vegetable peeler down length of carrots, shaving off long ribbons (you will need about 1925ml ribbons). Cook in large saucepan of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain and gently pat dry. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.) Stir orange juice and sugar in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Boil until reduced to scant 230g , about 5 minutes. Add carrots and butter; simmer until carrots absorb most of orange syrup, about 4 minutes. Add honey and vinegar. Mix gently. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer carrots to serving bowl. Sprinkle with chives.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.