Today's Brussels sprouts recipe is super simple and so delicious.
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For years, I've been making these Golden Brussels Sprouts, and from time-to-time, I like to switch up the flavors to keep things interesting. Bacon is always a good addition, and I've also enjoyed the seared sprouts tossed in a punchy fish sauce vinaigrette. Here, I'm using a more classic combination of butter, shallot, garlic, white wine and lemon. The sprouts are first halved and then cooked flat side down in olive oil until deep golden and blackened in spots. It's important that you don't move the sprouts around during the initial sear, so you really get some good color on them. That's where all the flavor's at!! Next, butter, shallots, garlic and lemon zest are stirred in and cooked for a few moments. White wine is added to deglaze the pan, and then cooked down to concentrate the flavor. The dish is finished simply with salt and pepper. Lemon wedges on the side add a good hit of acid to help balance the dark, bitter notes from the sear. You can top these sprouts with a fried egg for a complete meal or serve as a side dish with practically anything (chicken, steak, pork and fish). Continue reading for the recipe!
If you love Brussels sprouts as much as I do, then I would highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with this method. Once you learn the basic pan-searing technique, you can switch up flavors to taste. If you hate Brussels sprouts, then still give this recipe a try 😉 I've converted many haters over to the cruciferous side with these simple sprouts. PS. All the restaurants that like to charge $13 for a Brussels sprouts dish are all using this technique, so learn it and save some money!!
Pan-Seared Lemon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- 20– 24 small Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for tossing
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Freshly grated zest from ½ lemon
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Place halved Brussels sprouts in a medium sized bowl and toss gently with a small glug of extra virgin olive oil.
- Warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and place the sprouts cut side down in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the sprouts. They can be touching; however, any sprouts that do not fit in the single layer, save for another batch or another use. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and cover.
- Let the brussels sprouts cook for approximately 5 minutes, then turn them with tongs. They should be a deep golden brown and blackened with spots. If the sprouts are not golden, flip them back over, and move them to the hotter part of the skillet.
- Once most of the sprouts are nicely golden (should only take 1 to 2 minutes longer), add the butter, shallots, garlic and lemon zest to the skillet, tossing to combine. Cook for 1 ½ minutes, then add the white wine. The skillet will sizzle! Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated (2 to 3 minutes more). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Transfer sprouts to a large plate and serve with lemon wedges.
Here are some other Brussels sprouts recipes on Kitchen Konfidence:
Brussels Sprouts and Prosciutto Pizza
Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
Brussels Sprout Slaw
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Miso Mustard
Brussels Sprout and Caramelized Shallot Gratin
I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Abby @ Heart of a Baker says
I've been loving sprouts lately, but with lemon?! Even better!
Joleen says
LOVE this combo!! I usually roast mine and include some bacon in there, but I'll try the pan-searing method next time 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
I like to use bacon as well sometimes 🙂 But we eat a lot of sprouts at my house, so I like to switch things up.
averie @ averie cooks says
They look perfect and I've never met a brussels sprout I didn't love! And how about it....I paid about $13 bucks last weekend in the Gaslamp for some sprouts that while they were 'ok' , the restaurant must have deglazed the pan with vinegar or just dumped straight vinegar on them. Good thing I don't mind vinegar lol. Your version looks and sounds wayyyy better!
Diana says
I commented on the carbonara recipe last week, but it's not there, so I don't know if this will work, but I'll try.
This was very good. I love my brussels sprouts. My teenager doesn't. Last night as we was eating these, he said that they were "better than usual." and he ate all his sprouts. High praise from that picky eater. I'll use this recipe again.
Brandon Matzek says
Hey Diana! Sorry for the delayed response. I got a flood of spam comments this month, and I'm sorting through everything right now. Glad you liked this recipe as well, and I might just quote your son if I ever need to talk up this recipe 😉 "Teenager approved!"