Canned carrots are a convenient ingredient to keep stocked in your pantry for quick sides and meals. But you may be wondering if they require any additional cooking before eating or how to prepare them using different cooking methods. Here is what you need to know.
1. Are Canned Carrots Already Cooked to Eat?
Canned carrots are pre-cooked through the canning process which uses high heat to preserve them. This means canned carrots are fully cooked and safe to enjoy straight from the can if desired without any additional preparation. They will be softer than regular raw carrots with a milder flavor.
However, cooking canned carrots by various methods can provide more flavor variety and improve texture. Options like roasting, sautéeing, or air frying will caramelize the exterior of the carrots for delicious results. Follow the below cooking tips for your preferred method.
2. How To Cook Canned Carrots on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 (15 oz) cans sliced carrots, drained and patted dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt butter or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the canned carrots in an even layer. Let them begin to brown for 2 minutes without stirring.
Add garlic and thyme and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
Season with salt and pepper then serve warm.
3. How To Cook Canned Carrots in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced carrots
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Drain liquid from the carrots into a microwavable bowl. Add butter to bowl and microwave 30 seconds until melted.
Add drained canned carrots and garlic powder to bowl with melted butter. Microwave 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway.
Season with salt and pepper then serve.
4. How To Cook Canned Carrots in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- vegetable oil (for spraying)
- 2 (15 oz) cans sliced carrots, drained and patted very dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine drained carrots, oil or butter, and seasonings and toss until fully coated.
Spray air fryer basket with oil then add carrots in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
Cook 7-9 minutes until lightly browned, tossing halfway through.
Season with additional salt as needed before serving.
5. How To Cook Canned Carrots in Oven
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) cans sliced carrots, drained and patted very dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine drained carrots and remaining ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer carrots in a single layer to prepared baking sheet. Roast 20 minutes, tossing halfway through until browned at the edges.
Season with salt and pepper then serve immediately.
While canned carrots make an already quick and handy pantry item, taking a few minutes to cook them by sautéeing, roasting, microwaving, or air frying can coax out their sweetness and enhance their texture considerably.