Prepare to transform the humble Brussels sprout from a childhood nightmare into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! These Vegan Chili Lime Fried Brussels Sprouts are not just a side dish—they're a crispy, tangy, and spicy revelation that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about vegetables. With a perfect balance of caramelized edges, zesty lime, and a kick of chili, this recipe turns these little green gems into an irresistible crowd-pleaser that even the most ardent veggie skeptics won't be able to resist.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly and trimming off any discolored outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot enough that the sprouts will sizzle when added.
- Carefully place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer across the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper caramelization.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts without moving them for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to develop a deep golden-brown crispy exterior. The cut side should become deeply caramelized and slightly charred.
- Sprinkle chili powder evenly over the Brussels sprouts while they are cooking, which will create a spicy and aromatic crust.
- Flip the Brussels sprouts and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender and crisp around the edges.
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the hot Brussels sprouts, which will create a sizzling effect and add bright, tangy flavor.
- Season with salt to taste, tossing the sprouts to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for added color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the combination of spicy, tangy, and caramelized flavors.
Tips
- Ensure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness. Any moisture will prevent proper caramelization.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan for the best results. The key is getting that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook the sprouts in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets direct contact with the hot surface.
- Let the sprouts sit undisturbed for 5-7 minutes when first added to the pan. This is crucial for developing those delicious crispy edges.
- Fresh lime juice is essential - bottled juice simply won't give you the same bright, fresh flavor.
- Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like extra spice.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. These sprouts lose their magic if they sit too long.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of vegan sriracha mayo as a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
