Pan-Crisped Brussels Sprouts: Achieving The Perfect Crunch

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but cooking them in a pan can bring out their flavour and make them crispy and delicious. The trick to achieving the perfect sprouts is to use a heavy-bottomed pan, such as cast iron, and to ensure the sprouts are not overcrowded so that they can get a nice char. The key to achieving the perfect level of crispiness is to cook them over medium-high heat, undisturbed, for several minutes on each side.

Use a cast-iron pan

Using a cast-iron pan is a great way to get your Brussels sprouts crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, being careful not to cut too much, or the leaves will fall apart. Then, cut them in half. Next, heat up your cast-iron pan on medium-high heat for about four minutes. You can also use a similar sturdy-bottomed skillet. Add some olive oil, butter, or ghee. Make sure the oil is hot and shining but not smoking.

Now, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pan, placing as many as possible with the cut side down. Leave them undisturbed for five to eight minutes. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure they get a nice, even sear. Once they have developed a dark, tasty, caramelized crust, give them a stir and continue cooking for another six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender on the inside.

Finally, season with salt and pepper and stir. You can also add some vinegar, pine nuts, or almonds, and let the residual heat toast the nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Heat oil in the pan

Heating oil in the pan is the first step to achieving crispy Brussels sprouts. This is best done in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium to medium-high heat. You'll want to use olive oil, butter, ghee, or avocado oil, adding enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil until it shimmers or is hot and shining—just short of smoking.

Once the oil is hot, it's time to add the Brussels sprouts, placing them cut-side down in a single layer in the pan. They should sizzle as they hit the oil. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the sprouts to steam instead of fry. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook the sprouts in batches.

Let the sprouts cook undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they develop a deep golden-brown colour and a tasty, caramelized sear. You can then flip them and season with salt and pepper, or just salt, before cooking for another 3 to 8 minutes, until the sprouts are browned all over and tender on the inside.

Add Brussels sprouts cut-side down

To get crispy Brussels sprouts in a pan, you'll want to start by trimming and halving them. Using a knife, trim off the bottom of the tough stem end of each sprout and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Then, cut each sprout in half lengthwise.

Next, heat some olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. You'll know the oil is ready when it begins to shimmer. Place the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer in the pan. This will give them a nice, golden-brown caramelization.

Cook the sprouts undisturbed until they begin to brown on the bottom. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, this can take anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes. For the best results, keep an eye on them and give the pan a shake every 5 minutes or so.

Once the sprouts have reached your desired level of doneness, season them with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!

Cook undisturbed until browned

When cooking brussels sprouts in a pan, it's important to let them cook undisturbed for a while to get a nice sear. This will give them a delicious, crispy texture.

First, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. Heat some olive oil, butter, ghee, or avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium to medium-high heat. Place the sprouts in the pan with the cut side down, making sure they are in a single layer.

Now, let the sprouts cook undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes. This will allow them to develop a deep, tasty, caramelized sear. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.

Once the sprouts have a nice golden-brown crust, it's time to flip them over. Season with a generous pinch of salt and maybe some black pepper, then let them cook for another 3 to 7 minutes, depending on how deep a colour you want.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy and browned brussels sprouts.

Season with salt and pepper

Seasoning is a crucial step in the cooking process, enhancing the flavour and overall experience of the dish. When it comes to seasoning Brussel sprouts with salt and pepper, there are a few key considerations and techniques to keep in mind to ensure a delicious result.

Firstly, it is important to use a generous amount of salt and pepper. This doesn't mean overdoing it, but rather ensuring a good distribution and coverage of the spices on the Brussel sprouts. You can trim and chop the sprouts beforehand, removing any dry or woody stems and slicing larger ones in half while leaving smaller ones whole. This ensures even cooking and allows the salt and pepper to penetrate the sprouts effectively.

Next, you have the option of tossing the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper before transferring them to a baking sheet. This step adds flavour and helps to achieve the desired crispiness. The sprouts should be arranged in a single layer, cut-side down, to allow for even browning and crisping of the outer leaves.

Additionally, when cooking the Brussel sprouts, whether in a pan or in the oven, it is essential to cook them undisturbed for a few minutes until they develop a nice sear or charring. This adds to the crispy texture and enhances the overall flavour. After this initial cooking period, you can then stir and continue cooking, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of salt and pepper. For example, kosher salt is recommended by some due to its pure and soft taste compared to table salt. You can also try using a cast-iron skillet or pan, as this can add a unique flavour and crispness to the sprouts.

By following these steps and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy Brussel sprouts seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper.

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