Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, usually because they're overcooked and turn into mushy bites that release unwanted sulfur flavors. This vibrant recipe elevates the humble Brussels sprout by pairing it with crispy bacon and sweet, caramelized onions, resulting in a fantastic medley of flavors and textures. Each shredded sprout soaks up the delicious smoky essence of bacon while the Dijon mustard and cider vinegar add just the right tang. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this dish not only celebrates Brussels sprouts in style but also ensures they steal the spotlight on your dinner table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
2 slices (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
yellow onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
water
3/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (trimmed, halved, and very thinly sliced)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
2
Using the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the thinly sliced yellow onion and the salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender and have turned a lovely golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.
3
Pour in the water and Dijon mustard, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, enhancing the flavor.
4
Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring frequently while allowing them to cook until they are tender yet still vibrant, about 4 to 6 minutes.
5
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the cider vinegar, and add the crumbled bacon on top. Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously smoky Brussels sprouts!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main recipe name?
The recipe is Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Why do Brussels sprouts sometimes taste bad?
They often get a bad rap because they are overcooked, which makes them mushy and releases unwanted sulfur flavors.
What are the primary flavor components of this dish?
The dish features smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, tangy Dijon mustard, and cider vinegar.
How should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden, then crumble it.
Do I need to discard the bacon grease?
No, you should use the bacon drippings in the skillet to cook the yellow onions for added flavor.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The thinly sliced yellow onions take approximately 3 minutes to become tender and golden brown.
What is the purpose of adding water and Dijon mustard?
They are used to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared before cooking?
They should be trimmed, halved, and very thinly sliced (shredded).
How long do the shredded Brussels sprouts need to cook?
Sauté them for 4 to 6 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant.
When should I add the cider vinegar?
Stir in the cider vinegar once the skillet has been removed from the heat.
When is the crumbled bacon added back to the dish?
The bacon is added on top right before serving.
What type of onion is recommended?
A small yellow onion is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe with short cooking times for each component.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Vegetable.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 7 ingredients: bacon, yellow onion, salt, water, Dijon mustard, Brussels sprouts, and cider vinegar.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
While Dijon is specified for its tang, you could use a whole grain mustard as a substitute.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on bacon and mustard to be sure.
What heat setting should I use?
Medium heat is used for both the bacon and the onions.
What is the texture of the finished Brussels sprouts?
They should be tender but still have a vibrant color and some structure, not mushy.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing the onions.
Is cider vinegar necessary?
Cider vinegar adds a specific tang, but you could substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, it is best served warm.
How much bacon is used?
The recipe uses 2 slices of bacon.
How much water is added to the skillet?
3/4 cup of water is used to help deglaze the pan and cook the sprouts.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include savory, healthy, vegetable side dish, and caramelized onions.
How many Brussels sprouts do I need?
You will need 1 lb of Brussels sprouts.
What does the description suggest about the dish's role at dinner?
It suggests that the dish ensures Brussels sprouts steal the spotlight on your dinner table.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information like calories?
No, specific nutritional data such as calories and fat is not provided in the raw data.