Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Method8 steps · about 35 min

1. 1

   Step 1: If making the optional fried garlic (5–6 clove), heat its 4 tbsp oil in a small pot or round-bottomed wok over medium-low heat with one piece of chopped garlic as a heat tester. Once it bubbles, add the remaining chopped garlic. There should be enough oil to just cover it; add more if needed. If omitting fried garlic, skip steps 1–3.

   Uses 5–6 clove garlic · 4 Tbsp (60 ml) neutral flavoured oil · extra oil only if needed to cover garlic

2. 2

   Step 2: Fry the garlic, stirring frequently, until golden (not browned) and the bubbling has subsided.

   Uses chopped garlic gently bubbling in four tablespoons oil or enough to cover

3. 3

   Step 3: Either strain the garlic through a metal sieve or use a fine mesh skimmer to remove it from the oil, then put the garlic on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. Keep the oil for frying the Brussels sprouts.

   Uses garlic fried golden, not brown, with bubbling slowed

4. 4

   Step 4: Use enough of the reserved garlic oil to coat a large skillet, or use the separate vegetable oil if you omitted fried garlic. Arrange half the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in one layer, with every piece touching the pan.

   Uses first half of the 450 g halved Brussels sprouts · extra oil only if reserved garlic oil is insufficient · enough strained garlic oil to coat skillet, if fried garlic was made

5. 5

   Step 5: Turn heat on medium high and let them cook without stirring until well browned on the bottom side, about 4 minutes. (A mesh splash guard would come in handy here.) Flip the sprouts and cook the other side for just one more minute. I recommend tossing the pan for faster flipping, then go back and turn over any that did not cooperate.

   Brown first sprouts batch · 5 minUses first half of sprouts arranged cut side down in oil

6. 6

   Step 6: Transfer the first batch of sprouts to a bowl, leaving the oil in the pan. Remove stray bits, add more reserved garlic oil or vegetable oil only if needed and repeat the browning on both sides with the remaining sprouts.

   Uses remaining half of the 450 g halved Brussels sprouts · extra oil only if needed for second batch · first batch cooked fourminutes flat-side down and one minute flipped · reserved garlic oil for second batch as needed

7. 7

   Step 7: Return the first batch to the pan with the second and toss for 10–15 seconds to heat through.

   Warm sprouts batches together · 1 minUses second batch cooked through with first batch returned

8. 8

   Step 8: Turn off the heat and immediately toss with fish sauce, maple syrup and pepper. Top with the drained fried garlic if desired. If omitting homemade fried garlic (0.25 tsp), use ¼ tsp granulated garlic as an alternative seasoning.

   Uses 4 tsp (20 ml) fish sauce · 1 Tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup · ¼ tsp white or black pepper · 0.25 tsp granulated garlic · both batches warmed together ten to fifteen seconds · fried garlic drained on paper towel, optional garnish