Here’s a list of ingredients for **maple glazed grilled carrots**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe stand out:
- **Fresh carrots** (organic, if possible) - 1 lb, peeled and trimmed
- **Pure maple syrup** (100% natural, no additives) - 3 tbsp
- **Olive oil** (extra virgin) - 2 tbsp
- **Garlic** - 2 cloves, minced
- **Fresh thyme** (or dried thyme) - 1 tsp
- **Smoked paprika** - 1/2 tsp
- **Salt** (sea salt or kosher salt) - 1/2 tsp
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground) - 1/4 tsp
- **Unsalted butter** (optional, for richness) - 1 tbsp
- **Lemon zest** (optional, for brightness) - 1 tsp
This combination of **maple-glazed grilled carrots** is perfect for a **healthy side dish**, **grilled vegetable recipe**, or **summer BBQ**. The **natural sweetness of maple syrup** pairs beautifully with the **smoky flavor from grilling**, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Steps
# How to Make Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maple glazed grilled carrots are a sweet, smoky, and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This recipe is easy to follow, packed with flavor, and perfect for grilling season. Below, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to create this delicious dish, ensuring it’s SEO-friendly and easy to read.
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## **Ingredients for Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots**
- 1 lb fresh carrots (preferably whole, with tops removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish, optional)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prep the Carrots**
- Wash the carrots thoroughly under cold water. If the carrots are large, cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the glaze sticks properly.
### **2. Make the Maple Glaze**
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This glaze will add a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor to the carrots.
### **3. Toss the Carrots in the Glaze**
- Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple glaze over them. Toss well to ensure every carrot is evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
### **4. Preheat the Grill**
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). If using a gas grill, set it to medium-high. For a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are ash-covered.
### **5. Grill the Carrots**
- Place the carrots directly on the grill grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop grill marks and become tender. Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking.
### **6. Baste with Extra Glaze**
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the carrots with any remaining glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
### **7. Garnish and Serve**
- Remove the carrots from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added freshness.
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## **Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots**
- **Choose Fresh Carrots:** Fresh, firm carrots work best for grilling. Avoid limp or overly thick carrots.
- **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the maple syrup to 1 tbsp.
- **Add Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- **Grill Alternatives:** If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the carrots in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
This maple glazed grilled carrots recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich, smoky flavors of the grill. It’s a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals.
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## **SEO Keywords**
- Maple glazed grilled carrots
- Grilled carrots recipe
- Easy grilled vegetable side dish
- Healthy grilled carrots
- Maple syrup glaze for carrots
- Summer grilling recipes
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Try this maple glazed grilled carrots recipe today and elevate your grilling game with a dish that’s both simple and impressive!