I've been going out of my way to make Brussels sprouts AND actually eating them. Does this mean I am officially an adult now? I think there's those milestones in your life where your taste buds just change, develop, and become finely tuned. Or perhaps they weaken with age so that we're able to eat things like olives, red wine and Brussels sprouts without stomping our feet and making faces like we're dying inside. 😉
Seriously, guys, I have a vivid memory of eating a Brussels sprout when I was about 6. The thing stayed in my mouth for what felt like hours. I just couldn't swallow it, and I wasn't allowed to spit it out. I was gagging. And now …. I make them ON PURPOSE! It's a bit ridic.
The thing is when I grew up Brussels sprouts were prepared one way: steamed. All vegetables in the 80s and 90s seemed to be subjected to a soggy and bland fate. A tiny dab of margarine might have been the highlight of their lives. It's no wonder no one liked to eat their veggies.
→ sidebar ← My mom would sometimes smother our steamed veggies in cheese sauce and my sister and I would devour them. But then cheese sauce has magical powers to turn everything, even soggy veggies, into something even kids want to eat.
The thing with Brussels sprouts, and all veggies, is you have to know to cook them. Put away that pot full of water and do one of two things: turn on the oven or grab a frying pan. Roasting your veggies, like with these Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts, brings out their natural sweetness and will make you want to eat them.
Searing them until they're nice and dark in your frying pan will give you similar results in less time. When you make these make sure that they're in a single layer and work in batches if you need to. A cast iron frying pan works the best for these. If you have a non-stick pan you'll have trouble getting these to brown nicely – a least that's what I remember from when I used to use non-stick pans.
I used to think that Brussels sprouts were only eaten at Thanksgiving and Christmas but recipe is simple and easy enough to make any day. Bon appetit!
If you make these Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Almonds and Balsamic, make sure to snap a pic and tag @theendlessmeal on Instagram so I can like and comment on your photos. I love seeing TEM recipes you create.
- 2 tablespoons whole almonds
- 1 teaspoon grape seed oil (or another neutral flavoured oil)
- 11 ounces (about 16) brussels sprouts, cut in half
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- A good pinch of Maldon, or other flaky sea salt
- Heat a pan (preferably cast iron) on medium high heat. Add the almonds and toast them, shaking the pan occasionally, until they start to brown and are fragrant. Remove them from the pan and, when they are cool enough to handle, coarsely chop them.
- Add the grape seed oil to the same pan. Place the Brussels sprouts, facedown, in the pan. Work in batches if you need to so that the Brussels are in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they are dark brown on the bottom. Add a few tablespoons of water (no need to be exact) to the pan and cover it with a lid - this will ensure they are cooked through. I like my Brussels with a bit of crunch still but if you like them softer you may want to add another splash of water to the pan. Remove the Brussels from the pan.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the same pan. It will start to bubble up immediately. Wait about 15 seconds then pour the reduced balsamic over the Brussels. Top with the chopped almonds and a good pinch of flaky sea salt.
Kristen Stevens
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Hi, I’m Kristen! 
My daughter is in Las Vegas often for business. Her hotel restaurant serves this recipe and she has dreams of it when home in Manhattan. She had them last night and sent me a photo (looks like yours except for the presentation). Anyway, I plan to make these tonight, but I am confused . In your second paragraph you note add a few tablespoons (no need to be exact). A few tablespoons of what?
Thank you, Julia
Hi Julia,
Thank you for pointing that out! It is supposed to say “add 2 tablespoons of water”.
I hope these are just like the ones your daughter loves!!
Haha, you are so right! I have a very vivid memory of the same thing occurring with broccoli (and being smothered in cheese sauce to force us to eat them)! I love what you have done with these brussels sprouts though! I would devour the whole pan!
Ha! So glad to hear I’m not the only one with that memory!
Wow these brussels sprouts look so caramelised and delicious. I love how simple the recipe is and how little ingredients it requires.. I’m glad I have all the ingredients on hand so I can make your recipe. Thanks for sharing it!