If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish, sauteed Brussels sprouts are a perfect choice. This simple recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and makes a tasty addition to any meal.
To make sauteed Brussels sprouts, start by trimming the ends and removing any damaged outer leaves. Then, cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the Brussels sprouts. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they become tender and slightly browned.
For a little extra flavor, you can also add some minced garlic or chopped bacon to the skillet. Another option is to sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with Parmesan cheese or drizzle them with balsamic glaze before serving. These additions will take your sauteed Brussels sprouts to the next level of deliciousness.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and vibrant green in color. Avoid any that have yellow or brown spots or feel soft.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a delicious savory taste to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Equipment:
To make easy sautéed Brussels sprouts, you will need the following kitchen equipment:
- A large skillet or frying pan: Use a wide, shallow pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and to allow for easy stirring.
- A sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to trim the ends and remove any yellow or brown leaves from the Brussels sprouts.
- A cutting board: Use a clean cutting board to prepare your Brussels sprouts.
- A spatula or tongs: Use a spatula or tongs to stir and flip the Brussels sprouts in the pan.
- A garlic press or mincer: A garlic press or mincer will make it easier to finely chop the garlic cloves.
Having these ingredients and equipment on hand will ensure that you have everything you need to make delicious and easy sautéed Brussels sprouts. Enjoy!
Steps for Preparing Brussels Sprouts
- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Trim and clean the sprouts: Remove any loose or wilted outer leaves from the sprouts. Trim the stem ends and make a shallow “X” shaped cut on the bottom of each sprout. This helps the sprouts to cook evenly.
- Steam or blanch the sprouts: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Alternatively, you can steam the sprouts for 7-8 minutes.
- Shock in ice water: Drain the cooked sprouts and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps to retain their vibrant color.
- Sauté the sprouts: Heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the blanched Brussels sprouts and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Season and serve: Season the sautéed Brussels sprouts with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings such as garlic powder or lemon zest. Serve hot as a side dish or incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
By following these steps, you can easily prepare Brussels sprouts that are tender, flavorful, and a perfect addition to any meal.
Sautéing the Brussels Sprouts
To sauté Brussels sprouts, start by trimming the ends and removing any outer leaves that may be damaged or wilted. This helps to ensure that the sprouts cook evenly and have a nice appearance. Then, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts or cut them in half, depending on your preference. This allows for quicker and more even cooking.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the fat is hot, add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and stir them occasionally to prevent them from sticking. Cook the sprouts for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into a sprout – it should go in easily without resistance.
Adding flavorings such as garlic, shallots, or spices can enhance the taste of sautéed Brussels sprouts. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added zing. Serve the sautéed Brussels sprouts as a side dish, or use them as a topping for salads, pasta, or grain bowls. They make a great addition to any meal and are a nutritious way to enjoy this cruciferous vegetable.
Preparing the Pan
- Select the right pan: Choose a large skillet or frying pan with a flat bottom and sloped sides. A non-stick pan is ideal for easy cleaning and to prevent the sprouts from sticking.
- Preheat the pan: Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating the pan ensures that the Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately and helps them to develop a caramelized exterior.
- Add oil or fat: Once the pan is preheated, add a small amount of oil or fat. Olive oil, butter, or a combination of both are commonly used. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom.
- Heat the oil or fat: Allow the oil or fat to heat for a minute or two until it is shimmering but not smoking. This will help create a non-stick surface and add flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
- Add the Brussels sprouts: Carefully add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the pan in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded to allow for proper browning.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Cook the Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
By properly preparing the pan, you can ensure that your sautéed Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly cooked and delicious.
