If you're looking to elevate your vegetable game, look no further than these irresistibly crispy Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts! In just 30 minutes, you can transform this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering side dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal. With their perfectly caramelized edges and a touch of balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness, these Brussels sprouts are not just a side; they're a culinary experience you won't want to miss. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let's dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly under cool running water. Trim off the tough stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and uniform in size.
- Pat the halved brussels sprouts completely dry using paper towels. Moisture will prevent proper caramelization, so ensure they are as dry as possible.
- Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes until it's very hot. This will help create a perfect crispy exterior.
- Add olive oil to the hot cast iron skillet, swirling to coat the entire surface evenly.
- Carefully place the brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer across the skillet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each sprout gets direct contact with the hot surface.
- Season the sprouts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook without moving the sprouts for 6-8 minutes, allowing them to develop a deep golden-brown caramelized crust.
- Once the cut sides are crispy and dark brown, use tongs to flip the sprouts and cook the rounded sides for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Optional: In the last minute of cooking, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the sprouts for added depth of flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the brussels sprouts to a serving dish, ensuring they retain their crispy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving immediately.
Tips
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from achieving that coveted crispy texture.
- Preheat the Skillet: Ensure your cast iron skillet is properly preheated before adding the sprouts. A hot skillet is key to achieving that golden-brown caramelization.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the sprouts in the skillet, do so in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows each sprout to get the direct heat it needs for optimal crispiness.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Generous seasoning will enhance the flavors and make your Brussels sprouts truly shine.
- Finish with Balsamic: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the sprouts in the last minute of cooking. It adds a delicious tang that complements the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
- Serve Immediately: These sprouts are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet while they’re still crispy. Serve them hot for maximum flavor and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
