Get ready to transform ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Easy Maple Glazed Sauteed Carrots are not just a simple vegetable side, but a culinary experience that perfectly balances sweet, caramelized flavors with a tender-crisp texture. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will make even the most vegetable-reluctant eaters ask for more.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel carrots thoroughly, then slice them diagonally into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to shimmer but not smoke.
- Add sliced carrots to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to promote proper caramelization and prevent overcrowding.
- Sauté carrots for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they develop a golden-brown color and become slightly tender.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the carrots, tossing to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the carrots, stirring gently to coat each piece with the sweet glaze.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the maple syrup to caramelize and create a glossy, rich coating on the carrots.
- Remove from heat when carrots are tender-crisp and have a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Cut Carrots Uniformly: Slice carrots diagonally and aim for consistent 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet and spread carrots in a single layer to achieve proper caramelization. Overcrowding will steam instead of sauté.
- Watch the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat to get that perfect golden-brown color without burning the maple syrup.
- Use High-Quality Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor. Avoid pancake syrups, which are often just sugar syrup.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. The right seasoning can elevate the entire dish.
- Fresh Herb Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme at the end adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
