Brussels Sprouts Cooked Perfectly!
About this recipe
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap for their bitterness, but Chef Jean-Pierre has a secret technique to transform them into a delicious side dish. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with the savory goodness of bacon, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this simple yet flavorful dish that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will enjoy. The addition of garlic olive oil and a hint of lemon zest elevates the flavors, while optional balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness.
Ingredient notes
- Use 500g of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved.
- Opt for salted bacon for added flavor, about 100g.
- A medium red onion is recommended for its flavor and color.
- 1 tbsp of sugar is optional to reduce bitterness, but can be omitted if you prefer the natural taste of the sprouts.
Tips from Chef Jean-Pierre’s video
- Boil the Brussels sprouts in salted water with a bit of sugar for 3-4 minutes to soften them and reduce bitterness.
- Sauté the bacon until lightly browned before adding the Brussels sprouts to the same pan for enhanced flavor.
- Zest the lemon over the finished dish to add brightness without cooking the zest, which can become bitter if burned.
Good to know
- How long does it take to cook the Brussels sprouts?
- The Brussels sprouts should be boiled for 3-4 minutes before sautéing.
- Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts in advance?
- Yes, you can boil them in advance and then sauté them just before serving.
- What type of bacon should I use?
- Salted bacon is preferred for this recipe.
- What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
- You can drizzle with maple syrup for sweetness instead of balsamic vinegar.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Chef Jean-Pierre: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Prepare a pot of boiling water and add sugar and salt.
- 2
Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the root and halving them.
- 3
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- 4
While the sprouts are boiling, sauté the bacon in a pan until lightly browned.
- 5
Remove the Brussels sprouts from the boiling water and drain them.
- 6
In the same pan with the bacon, add the drained Brussels sprouts and sauté until golden brown.
- 7
Add garlic olive oil to the pan and sauté for a few more minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 9
Zest the lemon over the Brussels sprouts for added flavor.
- 10
If desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The quantity of Brussels sprouts is inferred based on typical serving sizes for a side dish.
- The amount of bacon is a common quantity for flavoring in similar recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Chef Jean-Pierre’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
Are you Chef Jean-Pierre? Claim this page or ask us to take it down. Your call, always.
