Oriental Brussels Sprouts
Oriental Brussels Sprouts combine tender Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon, savory soy sauce, and crunchy water chestnuts for a flavorful side dish. Perfect for Asian-inspired meals or casual dinners, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors that appeal to both vegetable lovers and meat enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Stir soy sauce into the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Add sliced water chestnuts, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then add Brussels sprouts.
- Return to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to cook about 8 minutes or until sprouts are just tender.
- Combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan liquid and cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts to the dish. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika for flavor and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced bell peppers can work as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Oriental Brussels Sprouts as a delightful side dish to grilled chicken or fish. They pair beautifully with Chicken Stir-Fry or can be served alongside rice for a complete meal. For added texture, consider garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook the Brussels sprouts, which can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Brussels Sprouts contains roughly 189 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as frozen sprouts may take longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a low-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, which will still provide the same umami flavor without the extra salt.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can include vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Just add them at the same time as the Brussels sprouts, adjusting the cooking time if necessary to ensure everything is cooked to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).