Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe

Introduction

Stove Top Candied Yams are a simple, comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Sweet, tender yam chunks simmered in butter, brown sugar, and warm spices create a delightful treat that pairs well with savory dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 large yams (peeled and cut into 1″ chunks)
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and peel the yams thoroughly. Cut off both ends for stability, then slice each yam lengthwise into halves or quarters. Lay each piece cut-side down and slice into 1-inch wide strips, then turn the strips horizontally and cut into 1-inch chunks.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the yam chunks and stir to coat evenly with the melted butter.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the yams in the skillet and stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
4. Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the yams simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally until the yams begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Remove the lid and cook the yams for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the yams to become tender and caramelized. Season with salt to taste, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground cloves to the sugar mixture before cooking.
• You can substitute maple syrup for half of the brown sugar to add natural sweetness.
• If you prefer a softer texture, cover and cook a bit longer, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well as a substitute and will yield a similar sweet and tender result.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use a plant-based butter or margarine instead of salted butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe

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4.9 from 55 reviews

This Stove Top Candied Yams recipe features tender chunks of yams simmered in a buttery, sweet, and warmly spiced brown sugar glaze. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these yams are cooked gently on the stovetop until caramelized and richly flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a deliciously simple yet indulgent treat for any meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Yams

• 3 large yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yams: Wash and peel the yams thoroughly. Place each yam on a cutting board, trim both ends to stabilize, then slice lengthwise into halves or quarters depending on size. Lay each piece cut-side down and slice into 1-inch wide strips. Turn the strips horizontally and cut into 1-inch chunks ensuring even pieces for uniform cooking.
2. Melt Butter and Add Yams: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the salted butter. Allow it to melt completely, then add the yam chunks. Stir well to coat the yams evenly with the melted butter for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Mix and Add Spices: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the yams in the skillet. Stir carefully to make sure all the yam pieces are thoroughly coated with the sweet and spiced sugar blend.
4. Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let the yams simmer gently for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking, until the yams start to soften but still hold their shape.
5. Caramelize and Finish: Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes on low heat. This allows the liquid to reduce, resulting in tender, caramelized yams with a rich glaze. Season with salt to taste, serve hot, and enjoy this cozy, flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Use salted butter for a balanced sweet-salty profile, or unsalted butter if you prefer to control salt levels.
• Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
• Keep the heat low when simmering to avoid burning the sugar and to cook the yams evenly.
• Stir occasionally while covered to prevent yams from sticking to the pan bottom.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or holiday meals as a classic side.

Keywords: candied yams, stove top yams, brown sugar yams, spiced yams, yam side dish, holiday side, cinnamon yams, nutmeg yams