🥕 Steamed carrots (8-12 min): tender and tasty – Neary

Sep 23, 2025Lou0 comments

Steam cooking • Fresh vegetables • Healthy recipe

Steamed carrots (8-12 min): tender and tasty – Neary

Tender Steamed Carrots – Perfect Time by Neary

Steamed carrots are the basis for a light, colorful, and vitamin-packed dish 🥗 ! Want to know how long to steam carrots so they're tender but not mushy? Here, you'll discover the simple, quick, and foolproof method for successfully steaming carrots every time, whether in a saucepan, steamer, or even a pressure cooker. Tips, comparison chart, delicious variations... everything is there to treat yourself at home just like at the market gardener's 🥕.

By Lou (Neary)
Neary Kitchen Tested • Updated: September 23, 2025

✅ How long to steam carrots?

Sliced carrots steamed 8 to 12 min (tender but hold together)

Small sticks About 8 min , crunchy texture

Thick half-moons Up to 13 min for maximum melting

Whole carrots (small) 12 to 15 min , prick to check tenderness!

Steaming tip 💧: Always start cooking when the water is already boiling to preserve the color and nutrients. For ultra-tender carrots, extend the cooking time by 1 or 2 minutes if necessary. And don't hesitate to add thyme, cumin, or lemon zest to twist the flavor!

Steamed carrot cooking time table

Type of carrots	Cutting	Steam time	Final texture	Seasoning ideas
Fresh carrots	Washers (0.5 cm)	8–10 min	Tender, hold each other	Cumin, butter, fresh herbs
Organic carrots	Thin sticks	8 min	Slightly crunchy	Coriander, olive oil 🍋
Whole carrots (young)	Uncut	12–15 min	Very melting	Thyme, fleur de sel, lemon
Frozen carrots	Washers	10–13 min	Tender	Parsley, brown butter 🧈

How to steam tender and tasty carrots?

Prepare the carrots : wash, peel (or scrub if they're organic) and cut into slices/sticks as desired. The smaller the pieces, the faster they'll cook!
Heat the water : Boil a little water in your saucepan or casserole dish. Place the steamer basket on top, making sure the water doesn't touch the carrots.
Arrange the carrots : put them in the steamer basket (not too tightly packed for even cooking).
Cover & monitor : Close with a lid. Let cook for 8 to 12 minutes from the moment the steam starts to return. Check halfway through cooking and stir if necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Test for doneness : the tip of the knife should go in easily. For a very tender result, extend the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes (but be careful not to over-soften).
Season and serve : Take them out immediately, season with fleur de sel, olive oil, fresh herbs or a knob of butter. A squeeze of lemon will bring out their beautiful color 🧡!

FAQ – Steamed Carrots Time & Tips

What is the ideal cooking time for steamed carrots?

For medium-sized carrots, steam for 8 to 12 minutes . Adjust according to your preferred size and texture.

Should carrots be peeled before steaming?

If they're organic and clean, you can just brush them to keep all the vitamins under the skin! Otherwise, peel them for a softer texture.

How to keep steamed carrots a nice color?

Start cooking over boiling water and cover immediately. You can add a few drops of lemon for vibrant, delicious carrots 🍋.

Can you steam frozen carrots?

Of course! Just add 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time compared to fresh carrots, and put them still frozen in the basket.

What are some ways to enhance steamed carrots?

Try sprinkling some cumin, coriander, or dill on top. You can also glaze them with a knob of butter, or mix them with snow peas for a vitamin-packed side dish 🥕.

Also discover :