Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots: A Sweet and Smoky Delight

Grilled carrots, often overlooked, are transformed into a culinary star with a simple yet brilliant maple glaze. This recipe elevates the humble carrot, creating a side dish that’s both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the rich, caramel notes of maple syrup, while the grilling process imparts a smoky char that adds depth and complexity. Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even holiday gatherings, these Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots are sure to become a new family favorite. This recipe details a straightforward and delicious approach to preparing maple-glazed grilled carrots, perfect for any occasion where you want a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet maple syrup, smoky grill marks, and tender carrots creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Carrots are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this a guilt-free side dish.
* **Versatile:** These grilled carrots pair well with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken and fish to steak and vegetarian options.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant orange color of the carrots and the glossy glaze make this dish a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Carrots:** 1 pound, medium-sized, peeled and trimmed. Choose carrots that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
* **Maple Syrup:** 1/4 cup, pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup). Pure maple syrup has a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil helps the carrots to grill evenly and prevents them from sticking to the grill grates.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Provides a subtle tang and enhances the other flavors.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a savory note to the glaze.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Enhances the smoky flavor of the grilled carrots.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the maple glaze.
* **Whisk:** For combining the glaze ingredients.
* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill.
* **Grill Basket (Optional):** A grill basket can be helpful for preventing the carrots from falling through the grill grates.
* **Tongs:** For turning the carrots on the grill.
* **Serving Platter:** For serving the finished carrots.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrots

* Wash the carrots thoroughly and peel them. Trimming the ends ensures a cleaner presentation.
* If the carrots are very thick, you can halve or quarter them lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are approximately the same size.

2. Make the Maple Glaze

* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth.
* Taste the glaze and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a touch more maple syrup for extra sweetness.

3. Marinate the Carrots

* Place the prepared carrots in the mixing bowl with the maple glaze.
* Toss the carrots thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated in the glaze.
* Let the carrots marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the carrots.

4. Prepare the Grill

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* If using a gas grill, turn on the burners to medium heat.
* If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for even heat distribution.
* Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any debris.
* Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the carrots from sticking. You can use a grill spray or a brush dipped in oil.

5. Grill the Carrots

* Place the marinated carrots on the preheated grill.
* If using a grill basket, place the carrots in the basket and then onto the grill.
* Grill the carrots for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have grill marks.
* The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the carrots and the heat of your grill.
* Brush the carrots with any remaining glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor and create a glossy finish.
* Watch the carrots carefully to prevent them from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.

6. Serve

* Remove the grilled carrots from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Add Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple glaze.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Instead of parsley, try using fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill as a garnish.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the grilled carrots for added texture and flavor.
* **Roast Instead of Grill:** If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the carrots in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
* **Glaze Variations:** Experiment with different glazes, such as a honey-mustard glaze or a balsamic glaze.
* **Thicker Carrots:** If using very thick carrots, consider parboiling them for a few minutes before grilling to ensure they cook through evenly.
* **Even Cooking:** To ensure even cooking, try to use carrots of similar size. Cut larger carrots in half or quarters lengthwise.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Lightly oiling the grill grates before grilling helps to prevent the carrots from sticking.
* **Charcoal vs. Gas:** Charcoal grills will impart a smokier flavor than gas grills. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Internal Temperature:** While not typically necessary for carrots, if you prefer to be precise, aim for an internal temperature of around 185-190°F (85-88°C).

Serving Suggestions

* **Grilled Chicken:** These maple glazed grilled carrots pair perfectly with grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
* **Grilled Fish:** Serve them alongside grilled salmon, tuna, or swordfish.
* **Steak:** They make a delicious side dish for steak, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavor of the meat.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** These carrots are a great addition to vegetarian meals, such as grilled halloumi or vegetable skewers.
* **Holiday Dinners:** They are a festive and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
* **Salads:** Chop up the grilled carrots and add them to salads for a burst of flavor and color.
* **Grain Bowls:** Incorporate them into grain bowls with quinoa, rice, or farro.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 120-150 per serving
* Fat: 5-7 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
* Protein: 1-2 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

How to Store Leftovers

* Allow the grilled carrots to cool completely before storing them.
* Place the carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheat the carrots in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup before reheating can help to restore the glaze.
* Leftover grilled carrots can also be chopped up and added to salads or grain bowls.

Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound carrots, peeled and trimmed
* 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the carrots: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. Halve or quarter lengthwise if very thick.
2. Make the maple glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the carrots: Place the carrots in the bowl with the glaze and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Prepare the grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
5. Grill the carrots: Place the marinated carrots on the grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp and with grill marks. Brush with remaining glaze during the last few minutes.
6. Serve: Remove from grill, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can use baby carrots. However, they may cook more quickly than regular carrots, so keep a close eye on them while grilling.

**Q: Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?**
A: While you can use pancake syrup in a pinch, pure maple syrup is highly recommended for its richer, more complex flavor. Pancake syrup is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavorings, which won’t provide the same depth of flavor as pure maple syrup.

**Q: How do I prevent the carrots from burning on the grill?**
A: To prevent burning, make sure your grill is not too hot. Keep the heat at medium (around 350-400°F). Turn the carrots frequently and move them to a cooler part of the grill if they start to brown too quickly. Brushing with glaze in the last few minutes will help prevent burning as well.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the carrots and the glaze ahead of time. Store the marinated carrots in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to grill, simply remove them from the refrigerator and follow the grilling instructions. However, they are best served fresh.

**Q: What if I don’t have a grill?**
A: If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the carrots in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?**
A: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the grill along with the carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

**Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?**
A: This recipe is already naturally vegan as long as you ensure your Dijon mustard doesn’t contain honey. Most Dijon mustards are vegan-friendly.

**Q: What is the best way to clean my grill grates?**
A: The best way to clean your grill grates is to preheat the grill for about 10-15 minutes to burn off any residue. Then, use a grill brush to scrub the grates clean. You can also use a ball of aluminum foil or half an onion to scrub the grates.

**Q: Can I use a grill pan instead of the grill itself?**
A: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium heat and follow the same grilling instructions. Keep in mind that the carrots may not get as smoky of a flavor as they would on an outdoor grill.

**Q: Is it important to use pure maple syrup?**
A: Yes, using pure maple syrup is essential for the best flavor. Pancake syrup is typically made from corn syrup and artificial flavorings, which won’t provide the same rich, nuanced taste as pure maple syrup. Look for Grade A or Grade B pure maple syrup for the best results.

This Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make even the most ardent carrot skeptics change their minds. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. Give it a try at your next barbecue or dinner party and prepare to be amazed!