Introduction
Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Chile offers a delightful fusion of flavors that celebrates the crunchy, earthy taste of Brussels sprouts infused with the boldness of garlic and chili. This dish is not just about the perfect balance between spicy and savory but also about honoring traditional stir-fry techniques to deliver a vibrant, healthful meal that can be enjoyed at any time.
Tips for this recipe
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time by halving and trimming to ensure quick cooking.
- Maintain a hot pan throughout to retain the vibrant colors and crisp texture of the vegetables.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference; they add an extra kick that can be enjoyed by all taste buds.
Why you will love this recipe
This dish is a culinary adventure in every bite, combining the heartiness of Brussels sprouts with the zesty kick from garlic and chili. It’s not just an explosion of flavor but also a nutritious choice that delivers wholesome satisfaction. Plus, it embraces tradition while being adaptable for modern kitchens—making it both timeless and trendy.
Ingredients
4 cups halved brussels sprouts
Kosher salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic
1/4 cup oyster sauce
4 teaspoons Thai fish sauce (nam pla)
2 teaspoons soy sauce, preferably Thai thin soy sauce (such as Healthy Boy)
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper or more to taste
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
- Chili Flakes – Optional
- Red Thai Chiles (1/8″ thick slices) – Optional
Adviced equipment
- Wok – Ideal for stir-frying, promoting even cooking and retaining flavor.
- Cast Iron Skillet – An excellent alternative to a wok with similar benefits.
- Nonstick Pan – Offers easy food release and cleanup.
- Cutting Board Set – Provides a safe surface for preparing vegetables.
- Chef’s Knife – Necessary for cutting Brussels sprouts efficiently.
- Garlic Press – Facilitates the process of mincing garlic.
- Wooden Spoon or Stirring Utensil – Useful for stirring and tossing vegetables in cooking.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons Set (Optional) – Aids in precise ingredient measurement.
History of the recipe
Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Chile has its roots deep within Asian culinary traditions. Stir-frying, a method originating in China, emphasizes quick cooking over high heat to preserve texture, flavor, and nutritional value of ingredients. This specific dish incorporates Thai influence, with the inclusion of fish sauce (nam pla) and oyster sauce, reflective of Southeast Asian culinary practices. As Western palates have grown more adventurous over time, this fusion dish has found a place in diverse households.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that Brussels sprouts are part of the cabbage family and were first cultivated as early as 100 A.D.? Incorporating them into a stir-fry not only adds nutritional value but also pays homage to their rich history in European cuisine, now reimagined with an Asian twist through the infusion of garlic and chili. Additionally, the use of oyster sauce introduces umami—the fifth taste—bringing complexity and depth that elevate this simple vegetable dish to new culinary heights.
