Carrot Ribbons with Rosemary Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Carrot Ribbons with Rosemary Butter Sauce is a simple yet elegant side dish that transforms ordinary carrots into delicate, flavorful ribbons. Lightly steamed and tossed in a fragrant rosemary butter, this recipe is perfect for adding a fresh, vibrant touch to any meal.

Ingredients
- 3-4 large, straight carrots (to make about 2 cups of carrot ribbons)
- 1 Tbsp ghee or butter
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed)
- ½ tsp fresh parsley, minced (or ¼ tsp dried parsley flakes)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Thoroughly wash the carrots. Lay one carrot flat on a cutting board and, using a vegetable peeler, peel along the length to create thin ribbons. Rotate the carrot as needed and continue peeling until it becomes too thin to peel. Repeat with the remaining carrots until you have about 2 heaping cups of ribbons.
- Step 2: Fill a saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the carrot ribbons in a steamer basket or metal colander and set it over the boiling water. Cover and steam for 3 minutes or until the ribbons are crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ghee or butter, minced rosemary, parsley, and salt. Once the carrots are steamed, add them to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the flavorful butter sauce. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs if possible for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Try substituting parsley with thyme or tarragon for a different herbaceous note.
- If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place the ribbons in a metal colander that fits over your saucepan.
- Carrot ribbons can also be enjoyed raw as a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette.
Storage
Store any leftover carrot ribbons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or enjoy cold as a salad. Avoid microwaving as the delicate ribbons can become mushy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of butter?
Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter, ghee, or even a plant-based butter substitute depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary works fine; just use about half the amount as it is more concentrated. Crush it well before mixing to release the aroma.
PrintCarrot Ribbons with Rosemary Butter Sauce Recipe
This delightful Carrot Ribbons with Rosemary Butter Sauce recipe features tender carrot ribbons steamed to perfection and tossed in a fragrant rosemary-infused butter sauce. It’s a simple, elegant side dish that combines fresh herbs with the natural sweetness of carrots for a savory complement to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Carrot Ribbons
- 3–4 large, straight carrots (to make about 2 cups of carrot ribbons)
Rosemary Butter Sauce
- 1 Tbsp ghee or butter
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed)
- ½ tsp fresh parsley, minced (or ¼ tsp dried parsley flakes)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Create Carrot Ribbons: Thoroughly wash the carrots. Lay one carrot flat on a cutting board and use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons along the length of the carrot. Rotate the carrot as needed and continue peeling until it becomes too thin to peel. Repeat this process with all carrots until you have about 2 heaping cups of carrot ribbons. Extra ribbons can be saved for salads.
- Steam the Carrot Ribbons: Fill a saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the carrot ribbons in a steamer basket or metal colander and position it over the boiling water. Cover the saucepan and steam the ribbons for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Due to their thinness, the steaming process is quick to preserve texture and prevent mashing.
- Prepare Rosemary Butter Sauce and Toss: While steaming, combine the ghee or butter, minced rosemary, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Once steaming is complete, immediately transfer the hot carrot ribbons into the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly with the rosemary butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve the carrot ribbons immediately while warm as a flavorful and elegant side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well as a substitute.
- Do not over-steam the ribbons to avoid a mushy texture.
- Extra carrot ribbons are perfect for salads or as a crunchy snack.
- Ghee or unsalted butter can be used interchangeably depending on preference.
Keywords: carrot ribbons, steamed carrots, rosemary butter sauce, easy side dish, healthy vegetable recipe

