Ever tried brussels sprouts in a salad? Try our shaved brussels sprouts salad, roasted brussels sprouts caesar salad, or brussels sprouts salad with bacon, walnuts, and apricots. The thing about brussels sprouts, which is true for most vegetables, is you need to know how to cook them. Pan-searing or roasting them helps to bring out their sweetness and makes them much more enjoyable than the over-boiled ones you may remember as a kid. Simply slice them in half and cook them face-down until they’re tender inside and caramelized. Turn off the heat, drizzle them with balsamic glaze, and toss in some chopped almonds for crunch. Pan seared brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish you can make all winter long. They’re perfect for weeknights, but also delicious as a quick and easy side for holiday dinners!
Olive oil – use a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil to coat the pan and help the brussels sprouts crisp up nicely. You can also use butter if you prefer. Brussels sprouts – look for brussels sprouts that are bright green in color with tightly packed leaves. They reach their peak season in early fall but you can find them throughout the winter in most places. Sea salt – acts as a flavor enhancer. Balsamic glaze – just make sure it’s balsamic glaze and not balsamic vinegar. While both are delicious, the sweetness of the glaze is the taste we’re after. Roasted almonds – for a little nutty crunch.
Make sure to trim off the stems and remove any tough outer leaves. If you notice black spots, that’s fungus and you should discard them. We cut them in half which increases their surface area. This helps them cook more quickly, helps them caramelize, and gives them a great texture. Make sure they’re placed in a single layer in your skillet, working in batches if needed. We recommend using a heavy bottom or cast-iron skillet which helps give them a nice brown color.
Lemon + parmesan – this flavor combination of citrus and cheese is perfectly matched with the sweet brussels sprouts. Goat cheese and feta cheese are also super tasty. Add fresh herbs – top them with some parsley, thyme, cilantro, or mint for extra herbaceous flavor. Add bacon – dice a few slices of bacon and add it to your skillet. Cook until crispy, remove from the pan, and then cook the brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings. No need for olive oil if you’re using bacon! Add onion – add half a sliced red onion to the pan while cooking the brussels sprouts. It adds sweetness and flavor.
Quick mains that pair perfectly with pan seared brussels sprouts
8-Minute Baked Salmon Italian Seasoning Chicken Honey Mustard Pork Chops
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