Prepare to transform the humble carrot into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These Vanilla Maple Glazed Carrots are not just a side dish – they're a sweet and savory sensation that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and subtle vanilla warmth, this recipe turns simple baby carrots into a gourmet experience that's both incredibly easy to make and absolutely delectable.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the baby carrots thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan evenly without burning.
- Add the baby carrots to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the carrots to enhance their natural sweetness and help with seasoning.
- Cook the carrots for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure they develop a light golden color and become slightly tender.
- Pour the maple syrup over the carrots, gently tossing to coat each carrot completely with the sweet glaze.
- Add the vanilla extract to the skillet, stirring to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the carrots.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the maple syrup to reduce and create a glossy, caramelized coating on the carrots.
- Remove from heat when the carrots are tender but still have a slight crispness and the glaze has thickened.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, spooning any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.
- Let the carrots rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Choose fresh, uniform baby carrots for the most consistent cooking and presentation.
- Use real maple syrup for the best flavor – avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning while allowing proper caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet – ensure carrots are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Stir occasionally but not too frequently to allow natural caramelization to occur.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the glaze.
- If you prefer softer carrots, cover the skillet for part of the cooking time to steam them slightly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and glossiest appearance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
