Thai-Style Brussels Sprouts May Be the Best Way to Eat Brussels Sprouts

I was inspired to create this Thai flavored Brussels sprouts dish from one of my go-to restaurants here in Portland, Maine. Boda has some of the best Brussels sprout dishes I’ve ever had, and if you’re ever up this way it’s a must-visit restaurant. I think what makes theirs so irresistible is that they pop them in a fryer, and although I don’t use that technique here, the sauce surely is reminiscent enough.

Plus, cooking these in a cast iron will give a nice sear, then pop them in the oven for a really crispy outer layer. I also call for brown sugar which will caramelize nicely and contribute to a bit of the texture as well. Another thought is you could totally air-fry them if you happen to have a machine. Either way, play around and enjoy this easy side dish.

A few substitutions:

Fish Sauce.

I highly encourage you to give this a try, but if you are a vegan or vegetarian who does not eat fish, I would play around with a liquid amino/soy sauce substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but definitely delicious.

Sugar.

I use light brown sugar and highly recommend that or dark. Another option is to use coconut syrup or honey.

Brussels sprouts.

Most of the people that I’ve heard do not like Brussels sprouts have only had them boiled as a child. That sounds terrible, and I’m so sorry you had that experience. I beg you to give them another shot because Brussels sprouts should never be boiled. Try them roasted or fried (pan or otherwise) and I promise you will have a totally different experience.

Having go-to sauces and marinades are a great intuitive eating tool because you can play with different food items to ramp up the diversity. Keep this one in your rotation and play with different veg like broccoli, broccolini, bok choy, or lacinato kale.