If you want to reap the benefits of Brussels sprouts, but have never particularly loved their flavor or texture, try grilling them. It is a cooking method that enhances the flavor of this vegetable better than boiling or steaming, but without adding the calories of frying. To start, mix the sprouts with oil along with spices and other seasonings of your choice, then skewer them with metal skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat, calculating about 5 minutes per side, then serve them hot and crispy. Alternatively, mix them once again with oil and spices to intensify their taste even more.
Ingrediants
- 500 g Brussels sprouts (large, firm and green)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 pinch of coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or other seasonings
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cutting and Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts
Step 1. Choose sprouts that can withstand the heat of the grill
Being delicate, Brussels sprouts tend to break when cooked at high temperatures. You can avoid this problem by selecting only the compact and green ones. Large sprouts are also preferable for grilling, as they tend to shrink quite a bit.
- Avoid using sprouts that are yellowing, soft or mushy to the touch, or already open.
- Make sure you prepare enough for you and the guests. Calculate about 4 or 5 for each skewer.
Step 2. Remove the ends from the sprouts
Use a sharp knife to cut the stems and lumpy base, being careful not to damage the sprouts in the process. Only remove a thin slice from each end to make sure there is still enough pulp left.
- Do not cut the sprouts in half or in 4 parts - they are best grilled when whole.
- Applying too much pressure or using a blunt knife can crush them.
Step 3. Microwave the sprouts for 3 minutes on maximum power
Cut the sprouts, place them in a microwave safe bowl and pour enough tap water to moisten them. Then, put it in the oven. A preliminary heating allows you to soften them sufficiently, so as to be able to pierce them more easily.
- If you prefer to avoid microwaving, you can also blanch them in a saucepan for 3-5 minutes.
- Hot sprouts also tend to absorb oil and seasonings better.
Step 4. Let them cool
Since they have a high water content, they will be hot when they come out of the microwave or pot. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes, then lightly squeeze one of the larger sprouts to test its temperature.
The sprouts should be left to rest until the steam has almost completely dissipated and they have cooled down enough to be picked up without getting burned
Step 5. Stir the sprouts with the oil and seasonings of your choice
Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil over the warm sprouts and mix with your hands. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, a pinch of coarsely ground black pepper, and other herbs, spices, or additives that you think will enhance the taste of grilled sprouts.
- Cayenne pepper, chopped garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes are all popular seasonings to add flavor to Brussels sprouts and other similar vegetables.
- In addition to the more common spices, try adding ingredients such as honey, Dijon mustard or lemon zest to add sweet and pungent notes.
- Using a lightweight metal bowl makes this easier.
Part 2 of 3: Grilling the Brussels sprouts
Step 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat
Turn on the grill and let it heat while you finish making the sprouts. Setting it to a moderate temperature (around 180-220 ° C) allows you to sear the outer surface of the sprouts well. Make sure you light both burners or sides of the grill to ensure that the heat is spread evenly.
- Before cooking, scrub the grill grate thoroughly with a metal brush to remove charred food scraps, which could affect the flavor of the sprouts.
- If you're using a charcoal grill, don't overdo it with liquid fuel. The fumes can easily overwhelm delicate flavored ingredients.
Step 2. Skewer the Brussels sprouts
Insert the tip of the skewer into the center of the sprout, making sure that the ends of the stem are all facing the same direction. Leave at least 1.5 cm of space between the sprouts for them to breathe. Skewer 4-5 sprouts, prepare a new skewer.
- Orienting all the sprouts in the same direction helps cook them more evenly on the grill.
- It is important to use only metal skewers for grilling the sprouts. Wooden skewers burn when exposed to fire.
Step 3. Arrange the skewers on the grill
Distribute the skewers on the wire rack with the stem ends facing down, this way they will receive the heat directly and you won't have to worry about them breaking. Place them on the grill surface in a way that allows you to easily flip and remove them when cooked.
- If you place them parallel to the metal elements of the grate, it is possible for them to slip between the openings during cooking.
- Grilling the sprouts directly on the wire rack allows for a more intense flavor than wrapping them in aluminum foil or placing them on the upper shelves of the grill.
Step 4. Cover and grill them for about 5-10 minutes per side
Turn the skewers after the first 5 minutes, when they have taken on an intense green color and are lightly browned on the edges. Especially large or hard sprouts may take at least 10 minutes per side to cook well.
- Exact cooking times may vary depending on the size, texture and number of sprouts. Keep an eye on them while cooking and trust your judgment to determine if they're ready.
- During cooking, the outer coating of the oil will caramelize them, making them very crunchy.
Part 3 of 3: Serve the Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Step 1. Let them cool before eating
Remove the skewers from the grill with tongs and stack them on a clean plate. Since the heat will be trapped between the layers, wait for a few minutes before eating them. In the meantime, prepare the rest of the meal: when you are done, the sprouts will have cooled down sufficiently and will be ready to be served.
The skewers can be served directly to organize in a simple and practical way. Alternatively, remove the sprouts from the skewers and place them in a large bowl so diners can pass it to the table
Step 2. Mix the sprouts with the oil mixture you have left over
To further intensify the flavor, place the grilled sprouts in the bowl you mixed them in before cooking and season them once more. This will help you collect the remaining seasoning at the bottom of the bowl. The oil will also create a nice contrast to the outer surface of the sprouts, which has become crunchy during cooking.
Complete the preparation with fresh grated shallots, a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of Parmesan
Step 3. Serve them with your favorite grilled foods
Grilled Brussels sprouts go perfectly with hearty dishes such as steak, chicken, ribs or salmon. They can also be served with typically summer greens and vegetables, such as corn on the cob and tomato salad. They are a versatile ingredient with which you will always be on the safe side!
Serve them as a side dish for a vegan or vegetarian meal
Advice
- Try searing Brussels sprouts on the stove in a grill pan when it's raining or too cold to cook outside.
- If the flavor of Brussels sprouts doesn't drive you crazy, make a homemade dressing or gravy using ingredients like balsamic vinaigrette, hazelnut butter, or bacon fat.
- Since Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients that are good for your health, you can eat a large portion without guilt!
