Brussel Sprouts Fish Sauce Recipe

Brussel sprouts: These small, cabbage-like vegetables are the star of the dish, offering a slightly bitter and nutty flavor when cooked.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to brown the brussel sprouts.

Fish sauce: A fermented condiment that provides a deep umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic quality that complements the brussel sprouts and fish sauce.

Red pepper flakes: These add a touch of heat, balancing the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the dish.

When cooking brussel sprouts, ensure they are evenly trimmed and halved for consistent cooking. To achieve a perfect golden brown color, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows each sprout to make direct contact with the hot olive oil, promoting even browning. Adding garlic and red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking prevents the garlic from burning and ensures the spices remain vibrant. Finally, when incorporating fish sauce, stir well to evenly distribute its umami flavor throughout the dish.

• brussel sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor, though it lacks the fishy undertone.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent and more convenient.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a similar heat level and can be used in smaller quantities.

• Allow the brussel sprouts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled brussel sprouts into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together even more, enhancing the taste.
• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. Brussel sprouts can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing much of their texture or flavor.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the brussel sprouts in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.
• Reheat the brussel sprouts in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave. Place the brussel sprouts in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a fresh drizzle of fish sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover brussel sprouts.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. If the brussel sprouts seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate them.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover brussel sprouts in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover brussel sprouts in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover brussel sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and heat, then serve immediately.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the brussel sprouts evenly.

• Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift food. Useful for stirring the brussel sprouts and ensuring they cook evenly.

• Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking. Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, fish sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

• Knife: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting or slicing. Needed for trimming and halving the brussel sprouts.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. Provides a safe surface for trimming and halving the brussel sprouts.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine ingredients. Useful for holding the brussel sprouts after they are trimmed and halved.

• Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently. Handy for mincing the garlic.

• Measuring cup: A cup marked in graded amounts, used for measuring ingredients. Useful for measuring the olive oil.

Pre-trim and halve: Prepare the brussel sprouts in advance by trimming and halving them the night before.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

High heat sear: Increase the heat slightly to sear the brussel sprouts faster, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Batch cooking: Cook larger quantities and store leftovers for quick reheating.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes before you start cooking.