Zesty Lemon Marinated Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your vegetable game with these Zesty Lemon Marinated Brussels Sprouts! This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a deliciously tangy and refreshing dish that's sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. The combination of bright lemon zest and juice, aromatic shallots, fresh parsley, and fragrant garlic creates a flavorful marinade that penetrates the sprouts, enhancing their natural sweetness. Perfect for make-ahead meals, this dish gets better the longer it sits in the fridge, making it an ideal side for any occasion or a unique addition to salads. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the vibrant burst of nutrition in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
2 lbs (cleaned, trimmed, and cut in half)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (none)
Lemons
2 (zested and juiced)
Shallots
2 large (peeled and sliced)
Parsley
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
Garlic cloves
4 large (minced)
Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by cleaning the Brussels sprouts thoroughly: trim the bottom 1/4 inch of each sprout’s core and remove any loose outer leaves. To ensure even cooking, cut a small 'X' or slit in the bottom of each sprout with a sharp knife.
2
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice. In a large pot, bring about an inch of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the prepared Brussels sprouts, cover the pot, and steam for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are just tender. To test, cut one in half; it should be bright green and firm but tender.
3
Once cooked, drain the Brussels sprouts and plunge them immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Leave them for a few minutes and then drain again, allowing them to cool and dry slightly.
4
Slice the cooled Brussels sprouts in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then add the lemon zest, sliced shallots, chopped parsley, and minced garlic, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients.
5
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking the olive oil and lemon juice together until emulsified and creamy. You can also place these ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
6
Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. It's essential that each sprout is well-covered in the tangy dressing.
7
Transfer the marinated sprouts to an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Allow them to refrigerate for at least one hour before serving, though the flavors develop more fully if left overnight.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Marinated Brussels Sprouts?
This is a tangy and refreshing side dish that transforms steamed Brussels sprouts with a bright marinade of lemon, garlic, shallots, and fresh parsley.
How many pounds of Brussels sprouts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of fresh Brussels sprouts.
How should I clean the Brussels sprouts?
Thoroughly clean them by trimming the bottom 1/4 inch of each core and removing any loose or damaged outer leaves.
What is the purpose of cutting an 'X' in the bottom of the sprout?
Cutting a small 'X' or slit in the core ensures that the sprouts cook evenly, as the base is denser than the leaves.
How long do I need to steam the Brussels sprouts?
Steam them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are just tender and bright green.
How do I know when the sprouts are perfectly cooked?
They should be bright green and firm but tender when cut in half.
Why do I need to use an ice bath?
Plunging the sprouts into an ice bath stops the cooking process immediately, which preserves their vibrant green color and prevents them from becoming mushy.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
How many lemons are required for the marinade?
You will need 2 lemons, using both the zest and the juice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is ideal for make-ahead meals as the flavors develop more fully if left in the refrigerator overnight.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only vegetables, herbs, and oils.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What aromatics are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 large peeled and sliced shallots and 4 large minced garlic cloves.
Which fresh herb is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together until emulsified, or shake them vigorously in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
When should I cut the Brussels sprouts in half?
Slice them in half after they have been steamed, shocked in the ice bath, and cooled.
How long should the sprouts marinate before serving?
They should refrigerate for at least one hour, but overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
Should the sprouts be dry before marinating?
Yes, after the ice bath, allow them to drain and dry slightly so the marinade can coat them better.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The 2 large shallots should be peeled and sliced before being added to the sprouts.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 4 large minced garlic cloves.
What seasoning is added to the sprouts?
The sprouts are seasoned with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Can I serve these sprouts in a salad?
Absolutely, these marinated sprouts make a unique and flavorful addition to salads.
Do I need a large pot for this recipe?
Yes, you need a large pot with a lid to steam the 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts effectively.
Should I cover the sprouts while they marinate?
Yes, place them in an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Is the lemon zest added to the dressing or the sprouts?
The lemon zest is tossed directly with the Brussels sprouts, while the juice is used for the dressing.
What is the texture of these marinated Brussels sprouts?
They have a firm but tender texture, enhanced by the light crunch of fresh shallots.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While you could, fresh lemons are recommended because you need the zest to provide the aromatic 'zesty' flavor the recipe is named for.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specifically stated, 2 lbs of Brussels sprouts typically serves about 6 to 8 people as a side dish.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the sprouts and the acidity of the lemon.
What should I do if the sprouts are still too hard after 5 minutes of steaming?
You can steam them for an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overcook them as they will lose their bright green color.