Soul Food Candied Yams Skillet (Print View)

Buttery brown sugar yams cooked in skillet, featuring warm spices and optional pecan garnish.

# Components:

→ Yams

01 - 3 large yams (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds

→ Syrup

02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1/4 cup water
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans

# Method:

01 - In a large 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to simmer.
02 - Arrange the yam slices evenly in the skillet, turning each slice to coat thoroughly in the syrup mixture.
03 - Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, gently stirring and turning the yams occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating.
04 - Remove the lid and raise the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, spooning the syrup over the yams continuously, until they are fork-tender and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
05 - Stir in the vanilla extract and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
06 - Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality results
  • Rich, buttery brown sugar syrup that caramelizes beautifully
  • Tender yams with a glossy glaze in just 50 minutes
  • Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight comfort food
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
02 -
  • Use a large skillet to give the yams enough room to cook evenly without crowding
  • Medium-low heat during the covered phase prevents scorching while ensuring tender yams
  • Baste frequently during the final reduction for maximum glaze coverage
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving—the syrup will thicken slightly as it cools
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully; add a splash of water to loosen the syrup
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