Brussel sprouts, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, are packed with nutrients and boast a unique flavor that can be enhanced with the right pairings. Whether roasted, sautéed, or steamed, Brussel sprouts can be a delicious addition to any meal. This comprehensive guide explores various foods, seasonings, and beverages that complement Brussel sprouts, offering you endless possibilities to elevate this humble vegetable.
What Goes Well with Brussel Sprouts?
Flavor Enhancements
Seasonings and Spices
Seasonings and spices can transform Brussel sprouts from simple to spectacular.
| Seasoning/Spice | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic | Adds a robust flavor. |
| Lemon Zest | Provides a refreshing citrus note. |
| Balsamic Vinegar | Adds a sweet and tangy flavor. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Adds a savory, umami taste. |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Adds a hint of heat. |
Garlic
Garlic is a classic addition that enhances the natural flavors of Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Toss Brussel sprouts with minced garlic and olive oil before roasting. |
| Sautéing | Add sliced garlic to a hot pan with Brussel sprouts. |
Lemon Zest
Lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing citrus note.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Sprinkle lemon zest over roasted Brussel sprouts. |
| Sautéing | Add lemon zest at the end of cooking for a fresh finish. |
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Drizzle balsamic vinegar over Brussel sprouts before roasting. |
| Glazing | Create a balsamic glaze to toss with cooked Brussel sprouts. |
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese provides a savory, umami taste.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Sprinkle grated Parmesan over roasted Brussel sprouts. |
| Gratin | Combine with cream and bake for a rich dish. |
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Sautéing | Sprinkle red pepper flakes during cooking. |
| Roasting | Toss Brussel sprouts with red pepper flakes before roasting. |
Complementary Foods
Proteins
Pairing Brussel sprouts with proteins can create a balanced and satisfying meal.
| Protein | Description |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture. |
| Chicken | A versatile and lean protein option. |
| Salmon | Provides a rich, fatty contrast. |
| Tofu | A plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well. |
| Eggs | Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. |
Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Cook bacon pieces with Brussel sprouts in the oven. |
| Sautéing | Sauté Brussel sprouts in bacon fat. |
Chicken
Chicken pairs well with Brussel sprouts for a lean protein option.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Roast chicken and Brussel sprouts together on a sheet pan. |
| Grilling | Serve grilled chicken alongside Brussel sprouts. |
Salmon
Salmon provides a rich, fatty contrast to Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Baking | Bake salmon and Brussel sprouts with herbs. |
| Pan-searing | Pan-sear salmon and serve with sautéed Brussel sprouts. |
Tofu
Tofu is a plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Stir-frying | Stir-fry tofu and Brussel sprouts with soy sauce and ginger. |
| Roasting | Roast marinated tofu with Brussel sprouts. |
Eggs
Eggs make Brussel sprouts perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Scrambled | Add chopped Brussel sprouts to scrambled eggs. |
| Frittata | Include Brussel sprouts in a vegetable frittata. |
Grains and Starches
Pairing Brussel sprouts with grains and starches adds substance to your meal.
| Grain/Starch | Description |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | A high-protein grain that pairs well with Brussel sprouts. |
| Rice | Versatile and easy to prepare. |
| Potatoes | Adds a comforting, starchy element. |
| Pasta | Combines well in various pasta dishes. |
| Polenta | Offers a creamy and satisfying base. |
Quinoa
Quinoa is a high-protein grain that pairs well with Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Salad | Combine cooked quinoa with roasted Brussel sprouts and a lemon vinaigrette. |
| Side Dish | Serve Brussel sprouts over a bed of quinoa. |
Rice
Rice is versatile and easy to prepare with Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Stir-fry | Add Brussel sprouts to a vegetable stir-fry with rice. |
| Pilaf | Mix roasted Brussel sprouts into a rice pilaf. |
Potatoes
Potatoes add a comforting, starchy element to meals with Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasting | Roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts together with rosemary. |
| Mashed | Serve Brussel sprouts alongside mashed potatoes. |
Pasta
Pasta combines well with Brussel sprouts in various dishes.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Pasta Salad | Include Brussel sprouts in a cold pasta salad. |
| Pasta Dish | Toss roasted Brussel sprouts with pasta and Parmesan. |
Polenta
Polenta offers a creamy and satisfying base for Brussel sprouts.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Creamy Polenta | Serve Brussel sprouts over creamy polenta with herbs. |
| Grilled Polenta | Top grilled polenta cakes with sautéed Brussel sprouts. |
Beverages
Wines
Choosing the right wine can enhance the flavors of Brussel sprouts.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Rich and buttery, pairs well with roasted Brussel sprouts. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp and acidic, complements sautéed Brussel sprouts. |
| Pinot Noir | Light and fruity, pairs well with bacon and Brussel sprouts. |
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is rich and buttery, perfect for roasted Brussel sprouts.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Oaked Chardonnay | Offers a rich, buttery flavor that complements roasted Brussel sprouts. |
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and acidic, complementing sautéed Brussel sprouts.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc | Offers a bright acidity that pairs well with the earthy flavors of Brussel sprouts. |
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is light and fruity, pairing well with bacon and Brussel sprouts.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| California Pinot Noir | Offers fruit-forward flavors that balance the smoky bacon and Brussel sprouts. |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages can also complement Brussel sprouts.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Refreshing and light, complements the meal without overpowering it. |
| Iced Tea | Versatile and refreshing, pairs well with various flavors. |
| Lemonade | Sweet and tangy, balances the earthy flavors of Brussel sprouts. |
Cooking Methods
Roasting
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of Brussel sprouts.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). |
| Prepare Brussel Sprouts | Trim and halve Brussel sprouts. |
| Season | Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. |
| Roast | Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. |
Sautéing
Sautéing provides a quick and flavorful way to cook Brussel sprouts.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Prepare Brussel Sprouts | Trim and slice Brussel sprouts. |
| Heat Pan | Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. |
| Add Brussel Sprouts | Add Brussel sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally. |
| Season | Season with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings. |
Steaming
Steaming preserves the nutrients and natural flavor of Brussel sprouts.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Prepare Brussel Sprouts | Trim and halve Brussel sprouts. |
| Steam | Place in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. |
| Cook | Steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. |
Dessert Pairings
Pairing Brussel sprouts with the right dessert can complete your
meal.
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruit Salad | Light and refreshing, balances the savory flavors. |
| Sorbet | A cool and refreshing end to the meal. |
| Yogurt Parfait | Layers of yogurt, fruit, and granola for a satisfying finish. |
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is light and refreshing, perfect after a meal with Brussel sprouts.
| Fruit | Description |
|---|---|
| Berries | Sweet and tart, provide a nice contrast. |
| Citrus | Bright and refreshing. |
| Melons | Juicy and sweet. |
Sorbet
Sorbet is a cool and refreshing end to a meal.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon | Tart and refreshing. |
| Raspberry | Sweet and tangy. |
| Mango | Sweet and tropical. |
Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is a satisfying finish with layers of yogurt, fruit, and granola.
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Yogurt | Creamy and tangy base. |
| Fruit | Adds sweetness and texture. |
| Granola | Adds crunch and flavor. |
Conclusion
Brussel sprouts are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be paired with a variety of foods, seasonings, and beverages to create delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you prefer roasted, sautéed, or steamed Brussel sprouts, there are endless possibilities to explore. From flavorful seasonings like garlic and lemon zest to complementary proteins like bacon and chicken, and beverages ranging from Chardonnay to sparkling water, the right pairings can elevate your Brussel sprouts to new heights.
FAQs
What seasonings go well with Brussel sprouts?
Seasonings like garlic, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes enhance the natural flavors of Brussel sprouts.
What proteins pair well with Brussel sprouts?
Proteins such as bacon, chicken, salmon, tofu, and eggs complement Brussel sprouts and create balanced meals.
What grains and starches go well with Brussel sprouts?
Grains and starches like quinoa, rice, potatoes, pasta, and polenta add substance and variety to meals with Brussel sprouts.
What wines pair well with Brussel sprouts?
Wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir enhance the flavors of Brussel sprouts and complement various cooking methods.
How should I cook Brussel sprouts?
Popular cooking methods for Brussel sprouts include roasting, sautéing, and steaming, each bringing out different flavors and textures.