My history with Brussels Sprouts has been an interesting one. Growing up in India, I did not even know it existed. When I started living in London many moons ago, my introduction to the humble vegetable was during Christmas at my in laws home- I don’t know what it was about the preparation that instantly made me absolutely disgusted by the taste of Brussels sprouts-it didn’t even stand a chance! I avoided it for years until my kids got older and I started experimenting with different foods. I found out it was very much possible to make Brussels sprouts a tasty mouthwatering dish. The issue was the way it was cooked that made me stay away from this veggie for so long!
In this recipe Brussels Sprouts are caramelized and then smothered with a unique twist of fish sauce. The combination of the slightly sweet and savory caramelization with the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts creates a delightful flavor profile.This dish is versatile and pairs well with various proteins such as chicken, fish, or tofu. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main, they are sure to delight your taste buds and become a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire. Let us dive into the steps of taking your taste buds on an unforgettable journey and elevating your culinary experience. Are you ready to discover how to create these caramelized Brussels sprouts that are sure to become a new favorite in your family as it is in mine? @sarchakra
PREP TIME: 5 mins
COOK TIME: 8 mins
YIELDS: Serves 2
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts 12 oz
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Fish sauce 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 tbsp
- Honey or maple syrup 2 tbsp
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh lime juice 1 tbsp
- Red pepper flakes 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Pepper a pinch
Method
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored and tough outer leaves.
- Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. If the sprouts are larger, you can quarter them for more uniform cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, cut side down, in a single layer. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. Ensure they are in a single layer to promote even caramelization.
- Let the Brussels sprouts cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, allowing them to develop a golden-brown caramelized crust.
- Flip the Brussels sprouts over using tongs and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until they are caramelized on both sides with a slightly charred surface. Do not overcook, they should be tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and lime juice. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined, creating a balanced and flavorful glaze.
- Pour the fish sauce mixture over the caramelized Brussels sprouts in the skillet, coating them evenly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and check the salt and pepper, keeping in mind that fish sauce is already salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Transfer the caramelized fish sauce Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.
- Serve the dish hot as a side to complement your main course, or enjoy it as a flavorful vegetarian option.
Notes
If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be softer, cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes during the cooking process.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Ensure that the Brussels sprouts are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan- cook the sprouts in batches if needed.
Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the glaze according to your taste preferences.
Customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the Brussels sprouts for a visually appealing garnish and an extra touch of flavor.
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