Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! This game-changing recipe transforms these tiny green gems from childhood dinner nightmare to a crispy, irresistible side dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly caramelized sprouts, golden and crunchy, mingled with smoky bacon and a bright burst of lemon - this is not your grandmother's vegetable side, this is a culinary revelation that will make Brussels sprouts the star of your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon drippings, add olive oil and increase heat to medium-high. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook Brussels sprouts without stirring for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a deep golden-brown color on the cut side. This will create a delicious crispy texture.
- Gently flip the sprouts and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- Remove skillet from heat. Zest the entire lemon over the Brussels sprouts, then squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot, enjoying the crispy texture and bright, tangy flavors.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tight, bright green leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut sprouts in half to maximize caramelization and ensure even cooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best browning and crispy edges.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - this prevents proper caramelization and steams instead of roasts the sprouts.
- Cook bacon first to render its fat, which adds incredible flavor to the dish.
- Let sprouts sit undisturbed for the first 5-7 minutes to develop that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice added at the end brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness of the bacon.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 135kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
