Stovetop Caramelized Pecans
User Reviews
5
Stovetop Caramelized Pecans
Description
This recipe uses brown sugar and water to create a quick caramel base in a skillet, to which pecan halves are added and stirred to coat evenly. The cooking is brief and hot, enough to infuse the nuts with the caramelized sugar flavor without burning. After cooking, the pecans are spread on parchment and cooled until the sugar sets, leaving them slightly tacky but firm and crunchy.
The caramelized pecans make a sweet, crunchy snack or can be used as garnish for desserts and salads. Their flavor balances brown sugar sweetness with the rich nuttiness of pecans.
Various flavor variations include adding cinnamon for warmth, cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or sprinkling flaky sea salt for contrast once the pecans have cooled on the sheet.
They store well at room temperature for about a week, longer in the refrigerator or freezer, making them convenient to prepare in advance.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups pecans halved
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, melt together brown sugar and water until rapidly bubbling. Add pecans, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and most of the liquid has evaporated. (But not so long at the sugars burn.)
- Spread pecans into a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and use a fork to separate them. Let stand at room temperature for about an hour, until fully cooled, set, and dry. (Pecans will be only very slightly tacky to the touch.)
- Break apart any pecan clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
- For a warm spice note, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the sugar mixture while cooking.
- For a spicy variation, include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or adjust to taste with the brown sugar.
- Sprinkle the cooled caramelized pecans with flaked sea salt to enhance flavor contrast.
- Store pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, refrigerated for a couple weeks, or frozen for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 223 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 223kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 119mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
