Skillet-Braised Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you're searching for a mouthwatering way to serve Brussels sprouts, look no further than these flavorful braised Brussels sprouts. Cooked in bacon fat, then braised and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is anything but dull. Your family will beg for this recipe time and again!

Follow these easy steps to create a dish your taste buds will thank you for:

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispiness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, but make sure to save the bacon grease in the skillet for later use.
2. Saut the Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in the skillet with the cut sides facing down. Raise the heat to medium-high and saut the sprouts in the bacon grease for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they begin to lightly brown. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Braise the Brussels Sprouts: Pour in the chicken stock and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts turn a vibrant green. Once the sprouts have brightened up, remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the sprouts are tender to your liking.
4. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the reserved bacon, butter, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter melts, blending all the flavors together.

How Long Should You Braise Brussels Sprouts? Braise them for about 10 minutes in total. You can adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how soft or firm you like your Brussels sprouts. If you prefer them softer, feel free to add a little more stock and braise them longer.

What to Serve with Braised Brussels Sprouts: These braised Brussels sprouts make an excellent side for steak, chicken, or any protein of your choice. Here are a few meal ideas to pair them with:

• Chef John's Best Steak Recipes
• Seriously Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
• Quick Pork Dinners (Ready in 30 Minutes or Less)

Ingredient List:

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips (or more to taste)
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced (or more to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon butter (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, cut sides down. Turn the heat to medium-high and saut for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken stock, cover the skillet, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sprouts are bright green. Remove the lid and continue simmering for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the bacon, butter, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until the butter is melted and the flavors are well combined.

Recipe Tips:

• For evenly browned sprouts, make sure to use a skillet large enough to cook them in a single layer.
• If you like your Brussels sprouts softer, feel free to add extra stock and braise them a little longer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 207
• Total Fat: 16g (20% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (31% DV)
• Cholesterol: 27mg (9% DV)
• Sodium: 369mg (16% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% DV)
• Protein: 7g (15% DV)
• Vitamin C: 97mg (107% DV)
• Calcium: 54mg (4% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
• Potassium: 508mg (11% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.