Prepare to transform the most misunderstood vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests asking for seconds! These Smoky Sauteed Brussels Sprouts are not your grandmother's bland, boiled side dish. Instead, we're talking about golden-brown, crispy morsels bursting with smoky flavor and a perfect caramelized exterior that will make even the most veggie-resistant eater fall in love.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and evenly cut.
- Pat the halved Brussels sprouts completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior when sautéing.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be large enough to allow Brussels sprouts to sit in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the pan. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure maximum caramelization.
- Let the Brussels sprouts cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to develop a deep golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to move them around too much.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the Brussels sprouts. Use tongs to gently flip and toss them, ensuring even seasoning and browning.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside with some charred edges.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while the sprouts are still hot.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish, enjoying the smoky, caramelized flavors and crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly dry your Brussels sprouts with paper towels before cooking to ensure they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve even heat distribution and maximum caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give your sprouts breathing room. This ensures they sauté instead of steaming.
- The key to perfect Brussels sprouts is patience. Let them sit undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to develop that gorgeous caramelized crust.
- Smoked paprika is the secret weapon that elevates these sprouts from ordinary to extraordinary. Don't skip it!
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a final layer of flavor, so grate it right before serving for maximum impact.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 92kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 2mg
