Ah, Brussels sprouts. Those little green orbs can evoke such strong emotions! But fear not, sprout skeptics, because this recipe will transform those tiny cabbages into flavor bombs.
I used to relegate Brussels sprouts to the dreaded side dish category – boiled to oblivion and utterly bland. Then, I discovered the magic of garlic butter. It’s a revelation, folks! The caramelized edges, the hint of spice, the garlicky perfume – it elevates these little guys to a whole new level.
This straightforward recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight side dish or even a light lunch. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who claim to hate Brussels sprouts. (Don’t tell them the secret ingredient is butter.)
Now, let’s get down to delicious business!
Ingredients for Garlic-Butter Brussels Sprouts
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped garlic (fresh is best!)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced (halving them if they’re large)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions for Garlic-Butter Brussels Sprouts
- Heat Up the Fun: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot and shimmering, add that gorgeous garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown!
- Sprout Time! Toss in the sliced Brussels sprouts and stir to coat them in the garlicky oil—season generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Let Them Sizzle: Cover the skillet and let the Brussels sprouts steam for about 5 minutes. This helps them soften up a bit.
- The Golden Touch: Uncover the pan and crank the heat to medium-high. We want those Brussels sprouts to get nice and caramelized! Cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and tender-crisp.
- Butter Believe It! Here comes the magic – add that glorious butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Parmesan Power! Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Give it a final toss, and voila! Your garlic butter Brussels sprouts masterpiece is ready.
Serving and Prep Time
This recipe yields enough for 4 servings as a side dish. It takes 20 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
These garlic butter Brussels sprouts are a revelation. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and healthy to boot. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish, try this recipe. You might just become a Brussels sprout convert (like yours truly)!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Sure, but freshly grated cheese always tastes best.
Do I have to use crushed red pepper flakes?
Nope! If you don’t like spice, leave it out.
Can I roast the Brussels sprouts instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss the seasoned Brussels sprouts with a tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and caramelized. Then, follow steps 5 and 6 for the garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.
Now, go forth and conquer those Brussels sprouts!