How to Glaze Vegetables: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this guide to make gorgeous glazed vegetables, then watch our how-to video.

Related To:

How to Glaze Vegetables: A Step-by-Step Guide

Glazing is all about reducing a cooking liquid until it coats your vegetables with a deeply flavored, glossy and beautiful sauce.

Step 1: Vegetable Cuts
Same-size cuts will cook more evenly, but if you prefer mixed textures, try using different-size vegetables. It's up to you. Some vegetables, like pearl onions, are better off left whole.

Step 2: Getting Started
Add your vegetables to a pan and fill it halfway up the sides of the vegetables with water. Or, for more flavor, try using broth, orange juice or wine in place of water.

Step 3: Add Butter, Sugar and Salt
Add a touch of butter and sugar with a pinch of salt. The sugar and butter add shine to the glaze. Aromatics like herbs, ginger or citrus zest will add some zing.

Step 4: Bring to a Simmer
You want to evaporate most of the liquid until the vegetables are tender and glossy. You could stop here or cook the vegetables a little longer to caramelize their natural sugary goodness.

Step 5: Deglazing
Deglaze the pan with water, or any alcohol you like, to release the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. The brown bits are where the flavor lives.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped herbs or a squeeze of citrus and your ordinary vegetables will turn into an extraordinary side dish. Watch our how-to video for more.

Next Up

3 Tricks to Start Planning Your Meals Around Vegetables

Burnt out by your meal prep strategy? Start thinking veggies-first, and you'll plan meals with greater variety and probably save a little money too.

How to Use Your Produce Before It Goes Bad

The best ways to use whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand.

What Is Celtuce?

This versatile vegetable is a nutritious powerhouse.

The Best Vegetables to Eat When You're Trying to Lose Weight

Here are seven especially super veggies when you're slimming down.

Why You Need to Store Your Onions and Potatoes Separately

The surprising reason these two pantry staples need to be kept apart.

How to Cut a Jalapeño

Plus: learn how to deal with jalapeno hands.

Chilled-Out Pumpkin Recipes to Make While It’s Still Hot Outside

Don’t worry — you’ll have plenty of time for fall baking later.

How to Cook Acorn Squash: 3 Easy Ways

Get step-by-step guides plus our favorite acorn squash recipes.

Latest Stories