How To Steam Carrots Without Making Mush

Steamed carrots might seem like a basic side dish, but when done right, they're anything but boring. Their natural sweetness complements anything from roasted chicken to baked salmon to perfectly seared pork chops. That said, you may have learned the hard way that there's a fine line between tender carrots and, well, mush. So, we spoke to Marissa Stevens, recipe developer and founder of Pinch and Swirl, who told us how to get our steamed carrots just right.

"Keep the pieces thick," she said. "I go with chunky coins or sticks, about ½ inch. Use a steamer basket over simmering water, cover, and check at the 5-minute mark. You want them tender but still a bit firm in the center, with no sagging when lifted." Keeping the carrot pieces thicker helps prevent overcooking, since they'll take longer to cook through, which gives you more control in achieving a tender-crisp texture. And remember, take them out as soon as they've softened around the edges. Leaving them in any longer is what leads to mushy results.

If you don't have a steamer basket, there are still a few ways to make tender, mush-free carrots. Stevens suggested steaming them in the microwave (just like you would with broccoli). "Put them in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover tightly with a plate or lid, and cook on high for 3–5 minutes depending on thickness. When done, they should feel tender with a little bite — not soft enough to mash." It's also best to let the carrots sit for 1 minute after steaming, as this will allow them to finish cooking. If they're still too firm, steam them in 1 minute intervals until done.

Another simple method is to steam them in a wide pan. Add just enough water to create the steaming effect (around 1 inch), bring it to a boil, and then add in the carrots. Cook them covered until most of the water has evaporated and they're tender when pierced. Strain out any excess water immediately so that the carrots don't overcook, and stay close while steaming them. With the right prep and timing, you'll have perfectly tender-crisp steamed carrots that pair perfectly with your weeknight chicken dinner – no mush in sight.