Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Daniela Apostol · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan, a quick and easy way of cooking brussels sprouts in under 10 minutes. No more boring brussels sprouts, this is a delicious side dish, perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu, but also throughout the Winter months.

Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (1)

Love them or hate them, brussels sprouts become one of the most popular vegetables during the festive season.

Some people find them bland, others can't have enough of them. Surely, any vegetable can be tasty if cooked the right way, and I agree that just boiling them does sound bland.

I usually go for roasting, and myMaple Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Sweet Potatoes is my preferred side dish during this time of the year, but it you'd rather free up the oven for that roast turkey or all the baking, then sauteeing the brussels sprouts not only takes a lot less time, but also tastes as delicious.

There are a few tricks to get the brussels sprouts have the right texture after pan-frying, but it's so super easy, that you won't go back to just boiling them. The garlic, bacon and parmesan add so much flavour, it's a winning combination that will have everybody asking for seconds.

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  • Ingredients needed
  • Step-by-step photos and instructions
  • Expert tips
  • Other brussels sprouts recipes
  • Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan
Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (2)

Ingredients needed

  • brussels sprouts-fresh ones
  • bacon lardons - you can also use bacon rashes chopped up small
  • garlic - chopped
  • grated parmesan
  • vegetable oil
  • boiled water
Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (3)

Step-by-step photos and instructions

You don't need to pre-cook the brussels sprouts before pan-frying, once they get a bit of colour, you can add water, and leave it to be absorbed while covering the pan with a lid. In this way, the brussels sprouts become tender, while the edges get that caramelisation we are after.

  • wash and cut the brussels sprouts into half
  • in a pan, add the bacon lardons and cook until brown, then remove from the pan and set aside
  • in the same pan, add the vegetable oil and brussels sprouts, and leave to cook for 2-3 minutes
  • add the chopped garlic and boiling water, cover the pan with a lid and leave to cook until the water evaporates

NOTE! Do keep an eye on the pan, because the water evaporates pretty quickly, and the brussels sprouts can burn. We want them to get a slightly charred texture, but left for too long, they will get a bitter burnt taste.

  • once you got the brussels sprouts tender, throw in the cooked bacon, and add the grated parmesan in
Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (4)

Expert tips

You might want to add less or more water, depending on how tender you like the brussels sprouts. Some people prefer them super tender, others with a bit of crunch, so it's up to you. Start by adding one third of a cup first, leave to evaporate, then add the second third is you want them more tender.

Also, for extra flavour, you can swap boiling water for chicken stock, but it's just an option, the water would do just fine as well. Just be careful when adding the boiling water, the pan is already hot, so it will sizzle quite a bit. Cover the pan straight away, and leave to cook.

Don't bring the heat to high, otherwise the water will evaporate too quickly, and the sprouts will be still tough. A medium heat is ideal, in this way the sprouts cook quickly, and retain all the flavour from the garlic. You can add in onion too, in which case it's best to sautee it first before adding the sprouts.

Other brussels sprouts recipes

Brussel Sprouts Casserole with Chicken

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussel Sprout Slaw

Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (5)

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Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (6)

Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan

Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan, a quick and easy way of cooking brussels sprouts in under 10 minutes. No more boring brussels sprouts, this is a delicious side dish, perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu.

4.72 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 358kcal

Author: Daniela Apostol

Ingredients

  • 450 g brussels sprouts (1 lb)
  • 85 g bacon lardons (½ cup)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon grated parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • cup boiling water

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Wash the brussels sprouts and cut them in half.

  • In a pan, add the bacon lardons and fry until brown.

  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

  • In the same pan, add the oil and brussels sprouts and leave to cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan now and then.

  • Add the garlic and half of the water, place a lid on and leave to cook on a medium heat until the water evaporates, that should take 1-2 minutes.

  • If the brussels sprouts are not tender enough at this point, add the remaining water, and cook again with the lid on; once the vater evaporates, the sprouts are tender, and slightly caramelised on the edges.

  • Add the cooked bacon, and parmesan, and remove from the heat.

Video

Notes

  • You might want to add less or more water, depending on how tender you like the brussels sprouts. Some people prefer them super tender, others with a bit of crunch, so it's up to you. Start by adding one third of a cup first, leave to evaporate, then add the second third is you want them more tender.
  • Also, for extra flavour, you can swap boiling water for chicken stock, but it's just an option, the water would do just fine as well. Just be careful when adding the boiling water, the pan is already hot, so it will sizzle quite a bit. Cover the pan straight away, and leave to cook.
  • Don't bring the heat to high, otherwise the water will evaporate too quickly, and the sprouts will be still tough. A medium heat is ideal, in this way the sprouts cook quickly, and retain all the flavour from the garlic. You can add in onion too, in which case it's best to sautee it first before adding the sprouts.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 959mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1740IU | Vitamin C: 192mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 3mg

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Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

How does Bobby Flay cook brussel sprouts? ›

Add the shallots to the pan and cook until soft. Add the Brussels sprouts and potatoes and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven until the vegetables are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the vegetables from the oven and stir in the butter and lemon juice.

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

If you want your roasted Brussels sprouts to be seriously crispy, you need to crank up the heat. Roasting at a low temperature won't allow them to brown properly, so you want to get that oven nice and hot before tossing in your baking sheet. Follow this tip: Roast Brussels sprouts at a minimum of 400°F.

Do you boil Brussels sprouts before frying? ›

It's not always necessary but we think it works here to create a soft middle and crisp exterior in the pan. When you boil them, the water should be well salted which allows seasons the sprouts from the inside out for best flavour all the way through.

How long should you soak Brussels sprouts in salt water? ›

Contributed by Whole Foods Market, Inc. To prepare, soak Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold, salted water for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Do you wash Brussels sprouts before or after you cut them? ›

Sauté: Wash sprouts under cold running water and remove any yellow spots and then cut them in half.

Do you cook Brussels sprouts cut side up or down? ›

Roast 'em! Our two rules: place and space! Place them cut side down to create that slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Space them out evenly so they don't steam–a crowded sheet pan party is not where your brussels want to be.

What season is best for brussel sprouts? ›

A slow-growing, long-bearing crop, Brussels sprouts should be planted in early spring, or mid- to late summer for a crop that matures in the fall. The small heads mature best in cool and even in light frosty weather. Spring planting is also fine in cooler climates.

Why do brussel sprouts taste bad sometimes? ›

The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.

Should you cut Brussels sprouts in half before boiling? ›

Halve, quarter or shred sprouts to minimise the cooking time. If the sprouts are larger than average and you want them to remain whole, you can of course cook them for longer. They will probably need 7-8 minutes to cook through. Don't cut a cross in the base of your sprouts.

How do you tell if brussel sprouts are fully cooked? ›

Add the Brussels sprouts and boil lightly for four to six minutes or until the sprouts are al dente, but still beautifully green. You can test with a sharp knife, but trying one is a surer way to tell. Drain off the water and serve immediatly with the butter and pepper if desired.

Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts? ›

Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts, but they should be cooked and served in moderation. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins K, A, and C beneficial for dogs. Some dogs may not like the bitter taste of Brussels sprouts. Never feed your dog raw Brussels sprouts as they can cause digestive issues.

Should sprouts be soaked? ›

However, the natural agents that protect them from early germination can wreak havoc in our digestive system. Soaking and sprouting replicates germination, which activates and multiplies nutrients (particularly Vitamins A, B, and C), neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, and promotes the growth of vital digestive enzymes.

How do you get the bitterness out of brussel sprouts? ›

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up. This is why it's so popular to render bacon fat and cook Brussels sprouts in it, then add the bacon bits back in at the end.

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