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Sweet and salty sauteed Brussels sprouts will elevate any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a Holiday spread. They are smothered in a sweet and vegan buttery glaze, then pan-cooked until the nutty and smoky flavor intensifies. Best of all this 4-ingredient side dish comes together in less than 20 minutes!
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Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe!
- Ingredients for this Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- How to Make Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- Toni’s Recipe Tips for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions for Sweet Brussels Sprouts
- Storage Instructions for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- More Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts [Sweet and Salty] Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe!
My darling friend Zuri created this sweet and salty Brussels sprouts dish for me and it is so good!! It’s the perfect amount of sweet and salty, tender and crunchy in every bite. Adding just vegan butter, sugar, and salt transforms this mild veggie into a flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
I love that it’s a one pan-dish, with a few simple steps, that’s ready quickly. Easy to make and easier to clean up! It is also so nutritious! Brussels sprouts are a superfood, low in calories but high in vitamin C, fiber, and even protein, making them great for your health. Plus, with just a few ingredients, this side is budget-friendly! But don’t let the ease and affordability of these sauteed Brussels sprouts fool you, the buttery flavor and tender crunch within a caramelized exterior will impress even the pickiest of guests!
Looking for more easy Brussels sprouts recipes? Try my ‘Cheesy’ Roasted Tahini Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries.
Ingredients for this Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These sweet and salty Brussels Sprouts require only a few simple ingredients that are likely in your pantry. Exact measurements are available in our printable recipe below.
- Brussels sprouts: Nothing compares to the taste of fresh sprouts. However, if you prefer the convenience of frozen ingredients to save time in the kitchen, go ahead and do so. The sprouts can be thawed before being sliced in half.
- Vegan butter: Gives the dish a richer taste.
- Brown sugar: Provides that sweet, caramelized flavor to the roasted sprouts.
- Salt: A dash of this balances the sweetness from the sugar.
How to Make Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: First, prepare the Brussels sprouts by rinsing them and then towel drying them. Next, slice the stem off. Then remove any dry, yellow, and wilted leaves. After that, to cut them in half, place the trimmed sprout length-wise and slice. This is the classic cut for roasting or sautéing.
Step 2: Next, in a large pan on medium heat, combine vegan butter and brown sugar. Then, stir continuously as the vegan butter melts.
Step 3: Next, arrange the Brussels sprouts sliced side down in the pan and cook until they are light brown. While the brown, season lightly with salt.
Step 4: Finally, flip the sauteeing Brussels sprouts on the other side and do the same. Serve it hot.
Toni’s Recipe Tips for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- Evenly sized: Choose Brussels sprouts of the same sizes as much as possible for even cooking.
- Don’t crowd: Don’t overcrowd the pan. When browning the sprouts, it’s crucial to keep the heat at a constant temperature. If you add too many sprouts in the pan, the heat will reduce, making the dish watery rather than perfectly scorched. To get that crisp exterior, each piece should touch the pan.
- Be patient: Avoid moving them around too much. If you like a wonderful charred look, then let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes. Take a quick peek with one or two if they have browned enough then flip the rest over.
- Spice it up: If you prefer it with a touch of spiciness to balance the sweet Brussels sprouts, you can sprinkle chili powder or red chili flakes too!
FAQs
It is possible that you were not able to dry your sprouts properly after washing them. This can lead to them creating steam as they cook. It is also possible that your pan is overcrowded. If you only have a small pan, cook in batches instead.
Too little vegan butter was probably used. You have to use enough to coat all the pieces generously to achieve that perfect caramelized texture for sweet and saly Brussels sprouts.
Making this easy Brussels sprouts recipe in advance would save a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s best to make it one or two days before the date and keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Sure, cook them at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Brussels Sprouts
- Rice/quinoa/grain: Serve on a bed of brown rice risotto, veggie-packed vegan fried rice, or garlic rice. Or add to a roasted vegetable couscous, or healthy quinoa veggie bowl.
- More veggies: Sweet and salty Brussels sprouts pair well with curried roasted butternut squash, roasted parsnips, or sauteed Swiss chard.
- Salad: Serve alongside or atop some yummy greens, like this easy butternut squash salad, fall quinoa salad, roasted pumpkin salad, or roasted sweet potato salad.
- Mains: Sauteed Brussels sprouts is a lovely touch to a nice vegan roast dinner, BBQ seitan, easy lentil loaf, or crispy baked tofu.
Storage Instructions for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- In the fridge: Leftover sweet Brussels sprouts can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Store carefully in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags.
- In the freezer: Place the sweet and salty Brussels sprouts in resealable freezer bags/Stasher bags and freeze for up to 10-12 months.
- Uncooked Brussels sprouts: Uncooked Brussels sprouts can be stored in the fridge vegetable crisper in a paper or plastic bag. This can last up to a week. However, if you keep them on the stem, they will stay fresher for longer.
More Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Vegan Appetizers
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a Spicy Kick
Vegan Appetizers
Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples
Vegan Dinners
Brussels Sprouts Curry
Vegan Appetizers
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
If you tried this easy sauteed Brussels sprouts recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
If you’re loving my recipes and would like a more comprehensive resource, check out my cookbooks!
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts [Sweet and Salty]
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Ingredients
- 1 pound of brussels sprouts halved and stems removed
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, add vegan butter, brown sugar and mix together as vegan butter melts.
- Add brussels sprouts face down until they turn light brown (6 or 7 minutes). Sprinkle salt lightly on the backside.
- After brussels sprouts are a golden brown, flip and do the same to the other side.
Notes
- Evenly sized: Choose Brussels sprouts of the same sizes as much as possible for even cooking.
- Don’t crowd: Don’t overcrowd the pan. When browning the sprouts, it’s crucial to keep the heat at a constant temperature. If you add too many sprouts in the pan, the heat will reduce, making the dish watery rather than perfectly scorched. To get that crisp exterior, each piece should touch the pan.
- Be patient: Avoid moving them around too much. If you like a wonderful charred look, then let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes. Take a quick peek with one or two if they have browned enough then flip the rest over.
- Spice it up: If you prefer it with a touch of spiciness, you can sprinkle chili powder or red chili flakes too!
