2800. BRUSSELS SPROUTS with BACON and MISO-MUSTARD

serves four


For the Brussels Sprouts:
3 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch bits
20–24 small Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
1 tablespoon bacon fat, plus more to toss
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
grated Parmesan cheese

For the Miso-Mustard:
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons white miso

Cook bacon in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve bacon fat.

Place halved brussels sprouts in a medium sized bowl and toss gently with a small drizzle of bacon fat. The halves should be glistening with (not drowning in) the bacon fat.

Warm 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the same large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the fat starts to shine a bit, swirl around the pan to coat the entire surface. Test the heat by placing one sprout cut side down in the pan. You should hear a slight sizzle. Anything more and the pan is too hot. You don’t want the sprouts to burn on the outside before their insides finish cooking. Working quickly, place the rest of the sprouts cut side down in the pan in a single layer. Do not try to overcrowd the sprouts. They can be touching; however, any sprouts that do not fit in the single layer, save for another batch or another use. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and cover.

Let the brussels sprouts cook for approximately 5 minutes. The flat bottoms should be slightly golden and the sprouts should be tender. Test for tenderness by spearing one of the sprouts with a fork. If the fork goes in and out with minimal resistance, the sprouts are cooked through. If you find your sprouts are not quite done, cover and let cook for an additional 1 – 2 minutes. I like to take a moment and move some of the darker golden brussels sprouts from the center of the pan to the outside and the barely colored sprouts from the outside in.

Once tender, uncover and turn up the heat from medium to medium-high. Cook the brussels sprouts until the flat bottoms are deeply golden and caramelized. Using a spatula, flip the sprouts so the rounded sides can get a little color. Season with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish with a heavy dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

To make the miso-mustard, combine Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar and white miso in a small bowl. Stir or whisk until smooth.

Transfer sprouts to a large plate. Top with crispy bacon and serve with miso-mustard.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Brandon Matzek, Kitchen Konfidence, San Diego, December 10, 2012