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    Foody Schmoody Blog Recipes For Everyone » All Recipes

    Published: Nov 10, 2017 · Modified: Oct 1, 2021 by foodyschmoody ·

    Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta

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    The secret to getting the perfect pan seared brussels sprouts for your holiday table is to simmer for a few minutes before searing.

    Once the sprouts are in the skillet with the salty pancetta, give them a few minutes to caramelize before stirring and you will have the perfect tender, yet crispy brussels sprouts!

    caramelized brussels sprouts in spoon above serving bowl

    Brussels sprouts get a bad wrap and I can see why. I've seen them served up so mushy and yucky, it's no wonder, right? I hated them as a kid. Now that I'm all grown up (age-wise anyway), I have learned the tricks to make drool-worthy and irresistible sprouts.

    Sprouts are meant to be tender and meaty on the inside and crispy on the outside - pan seared brussels sprouts!

    Pancetta is one of my favorite ingredients. It adds saltiness and texture. No pancetta? No problem, simply use bacon. However, if you use bacon, remove some of the grease. Bacon renders out a lot more grease than pancetta.

    Related: Orange Glazed Easter Ham

    How To Get Brussels Sprouts Tender

    To get the sprouts tender, I quickly simmer them in a little water for about 4-5 minutes.  While they're softening up, I crisp up the pancetta in a little (okay, more than a little) butter. 

    halved brussels sprouts submerged in water in saucepan

    Steps to Perfect Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts

    While the brussels sprouts are simmering, crisp the pancetta in a large skillet.

    pancetta in skillet cooking

    Once the pancetta is crispy, which only takes a few minutes, I use a slotted spoon and move it to a plate. 

    I not only strain the sprouts but I take the extra minute it takes to dry them off with a paper towel. 

    Two reasons for this:

    If you add wet watery sprouts to a hot pan with butter, it's going to splatter and smoke and it just isn't fun.

    Secondly, you want those sprouts to caramelize and get beautifully browned and that isn't going to happen if they're wet. 

    sprouts in skillet cut side down

    You'll want to place the sprouts cut side down in the pan and then leave them alone.  That's right, don't touch them.  Let the pan and the butter do the work. 

    After 4-5 minutes or so, flip one and if it's beautifully browned, you may stir them around for another minute or two.  Then sprinkle the pancetta back in and it's ready to serve. Perfect pan seared brussels sprouts!

    sprouts caramelized cut side up in skillet on cutting board

    Try not to eat too many straight from the pan, you'll want to have enough to serve your family.

    What?  I don't do this. 

    Okay, I do.  Don't judge me, they're that good!!!

    finished brussels sprouts in whie serving bowl

    Looking for more holiday recipes? Try visiting Parade.com for: Easter Side Dishes & Easter Desserts

    crispy brussels sprouts on spoon close up

    Brussels Sprouts with Cripsy Pancetta

    foodyschmoody
    Brussels Sprouts are cooked just to tender and then seared in a pan with crispy pancetta.  These sprouts make a wonderful holiday side dish and pair well with any meat choice.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course dinner, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 193 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 ounce brussels sprouts halved
    • 4 ounce diced pancetta
    • 1 ½ Tablespoon butter
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Place halved sprouts in a sauce pan with just enough water to cover. Put over high heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce heat to a medium/ low to simmer for about 4-5 minutes, just until tender.
    • Strain sprouts. Pat dry with towel or paper towel. Set aside.
    • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add in pancetta. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until pancetta is crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove pancetta from pan and place on a plate.
    • Keeping pan over medium/high heat, add the sprouts, cut side down to pan. Do not stir right away. Allow them to caramelize, should take about 3-5 minutes or so. Once they have browned and caramelized, season with black pepper and salt (if desired)give them a stir and cook 2 minutes more.
    • Stir the crispy pancetta back in with the sprouts and serve.
    • If desired, drizzle with a balsamic glaze or maple syrup before serving.

    Notes

    Recipe can easily be doubled if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 246mgPotassium: 390mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 784IUVitamin C: 72mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword easter, holiday, pork, side dish, vegetable
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Love Pancetta?  Not sure about Pancetta?  Check out these other recipes featuring PANCETTA:

    Pancetta & Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

    pancetta and goat cheese stuffed mushrooms

    Brussels Sprouts & Pancetta Pasta

    Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta Pasta

    Baked Pancetta Egg Cups

    Baked Pancetta Egg Cups
    Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta

     

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    1. Lorinda - The Rowdy Baker says

      November 10, 2017 at 2:12 pm

      This looks wonderful! I, too, hated brussels sprouts as a child but recently discovered that crispy is better. Love 'em roasted, but this seems quick and easy. Thank you for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        November 10, 2017 at 2:57 pm

        I also love them roasted - this is a great alternative to not use up that oven space on Thanksgiving. Thanks for popping over!

        Reply

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