“Pretty soon the kids won’t have to worry about eating their Brussel sprouts because the Brussel sprouts will be eating them.” Ernest P. Worrell, Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Did anyone else watch the Ernest movies? If I watched one now I would probably think they are pretty dumb, but I loved them as a kid. I remember the Halloween one called Ernest Scared Stupid and there were these nasty, green, slimy things falling from the trees. And sometime in that movie, Ernest said the quote about brussel sprouts.
I never ate brussel sprouts as a kid, so when I was introduced to them in culinary school I was excited to give that green, slimy vegetable a chance. Ok so they weren’t slimy, but they also did not taste good. I don’t remember how we made them, but they were waxy and had no flavor.
Now fast forward a few years to present date. I know brussel sprouts are very nutritious so I decided to buy some last week at the grocery store. I was making Kyle pork ribs and grilled corn for dinner that night, so I decided to grill these too. And good thing I did, because now I LOVE brussel sprouts and they will be making regular appearances on our dinner plates!
Oh and in case you are wondering why they are good for you, let me give you a small explanation. Brussel sprouts are high in protein. Although the protein isn’t complete, it can become complete with whole grains. Which means? Yet another way to get complete protein NOT from an animal!! Plus they are low in calorie and high in fiber.
Grilled Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- Brussel Sprouts
- Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
Instructions
- Trim the stalk on each brussel sprout and cut an X shape onto the bottom of each one (top picture). Do not cut all the way. This will ensure even cooking in the middle of the brussel sprout.
- Boil for 10 minutes in salted water. Drain and let cool in an ice bath (this will help keep the bright green color).
- Using the same cut as when you cut an X, cut the brussel sprout in half. Drain on a paper towel.
- Heat up your grill or grill pan and brush the brussel sprout with oil on each side. Place the brussel sprout on the the grill and grill for about 2 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with sea salt, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
About Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are a favorite summer side dish
You don’t need a grill, a steamer, or any other special equipment to prepare grilled brussel sprouts. Although they might look intimidating, they’re actually very easy to prepare. First, make sure you’ve washed them well with cold water and pluck any loose leaves. Next, cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. Rub them to remove dirt.
To grill brussels sprouts, simply remove the stem end of the vegetable and cut in half lengthwise. Then, toss them with a combination of olive oil and seasonings. After six minutes, flip them over and continue grilling for another three to four minutes. After that, remove them from the grill and serve as an appetizer or addition to a salad.
They are high in vitamins
This vegetable is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes regularity. Fiber also helps maintain proper digestive health and can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. In addition, Brussels sprouts contain vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage to cells. This nutrient also helps prevent osteoporosis. It is also high in vitamin K, which plays a vital role in the body.
When buying Brussels sprouts, make sure you buy them in season. Brussels sprouts are best if they are not boiled, because boiling can make them mushy and bitter. Besides, boiling the vegetable will also remove many of its nutrients. So, opt for a grilled Brussels sprouts recipe instead! It is rich in vitamins and fiber and is a healthy snack for your family. For optimal nutrition, choose Brussels sprouts that are organically grown.
They are not bitter
When it comes to eating vegetables, not all types are bitter. Some humans are genetically predisposed to dislike the taste of bitter vegetables, like Brussels sprouts. This is because bitter compounds in vegetables can trigger receptors in the tongue. As a result, our brain has evolved to associate bitterness with poison. To combat this, Brussels sprouts are often grilled, which cuts down on the bitterness. Besides avoiding bitter foods, grilling vegetables also improves your diet.
Many people still associate Brussels sprouts with their nastiness. While they are surprisingly low in calories, they are rich in antioxidants and low in fiber. They contain high levels of vitamin A and folate and may even protect against certain forms of cancer. This makes them a popular side dish at holiday gatherings. But despite the stigma surrounding Brussels sprouts, they’re actually not bitter when grilled.
They are a blank canvas for flavors
The versatile veggie is a fall and winter staple, adding a crisp, sweet element to soups and warm grains. When grilled, it turns from boring to sweet and savory, allowing you to experiment with a variety of sauces, toppings, and more. Here are some ways to prepare grilled Brussels sprouts. You can also grill them whole for a crispy texture, or cut them in half. Either way, you can get the same results.
Brussels sprouts have been given a bad reputation for years, but with the help of ambitious chefs, the vegetable has changed its reputation as a bland veggie. Today, it is a mainstay of the New American Comfort and GastroPub restaurant scenes. Consumers are now scanning menus looking for their signature dish, and creative chefs are creating unique, unusual dishes to excite them.
They can be served on an appetizer platter
For a tasty and healthy snack, grilled Brussels sprouts are a great choice. They can be served on a platter with a dipping sauce like hummus or garlic aioli. You can even add bacon to the mix! These roasted sprouts are a great addition to almost any meal, and they go well with grilled meats. Serve them with some fresh cracked pepper, too!
To make grilled Brussels sprouts, season them with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard powder. You can also add some lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Serve this colorful side dish on an appetizer platter to impress your guests. It is a delicious appetizer that can be grilled year-round in California! Brussels sprouts are also great to serve at a holiday party.
