Step 1: Prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and slicing them into small pieces to maximize juice extraction.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, skimming off any pink foam that rises to the top.
Step 5: Once the strawberries are pale and soft, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.
Step 6: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing lightly on the solids to extract the liquid without pushing pulp through.
Step 7: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar for refrigerated storage.