Enjoy crispy, crunchy Sautéed Brussels Sprouts, a healthy and delicious side dish. Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, this easy-to-cook recipe is perfect alongside chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It also complements rice, pasta, and quinoa beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the ideal addition to elevate any meal!
Start by cleaning the Brussels sprouts under running water. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves and trim the ends. Cutting them in half increases the surface area, allowing for more caramelization.
In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. The combination of olive oil and butter offers a blend of rich flavor and higher smoking point. Add garlic and sauté until it releases its aroma, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the oil.
Place the Brussels sprouts in the pan, cut side down. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and caramelization, which adds a deep, nutty flavor.
Now, stir the sprouts and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. They should turn golden brown and tender, but not mushy. The key is to get them cooked through while retaining a slight bite.
Season with garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, and salt to enhance the flavors. The addition of lemon juice at the end provides a bright, acidic note that balances the dish.
Stir the Brussels sprouts thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly seasoned. This helps distribute the flavors of garlic powder, black pepper, chili flakes, and salt uniformly. Once they reach your preferred level of doneness, remove from heat.
Serving
Serve these sautéed Brussels sprouts with your choice of protein or as a hearty side to any main dish for an enhanced meal. Enjoy them warm to appreciate their crisp texture and full flavor. For additional pairing ideas, please see the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some valuable tips to perfect your Sautéed Brussels Sprouts:
Incorporate Healthy Fats: Use olive oil and butter for sautéing. This combination not only adds richness but also aids in achieving a deliciously caramelized exterior.
Even Slicing: Make sure to slice the Brussels sprouts uniformly. This ensures that they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté the Brussels sprouts in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, resulting in less caramelization.
Pre-Heat Your Pan: Before adding your sprouts, make sure the pan is properly heated. This helps in achieving a good sear and prevents sticking.
High Heat for Sweetness: Sauté Brussels sprouts over high heat to eliminate bitterness and enhance their natural sweetness. However, it's important to sauté them just right – too much heat can burn them, while too little may not achieve the desired caramelization.
Season at the End: Adding salt towards the end of cooking helps to retain the vibrant green color of the Brussels sprouts and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Consider Acidity: If you're substituting lemon juice with vinegar, remember that different vinegars have varying levels of acidity. Adjust quantities accordingly to balance the flavors.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving. This gives you the opportunity to adjust the seasoning and acidity, ensuring a well-balanced final product.