Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang Butter

                                            Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang Butter

A Spicy and Savory Sensation

Tired of the same old roasted Brussels sprouts? This recipe takes this humble green vegetable to a new level of flavor. The gochujang butter has a fermented, spicy, and slightly sweet taste that coats each sprout. This creates a caramelized crust with a tender inside. It's an addictive side dish that is surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a highlight at your next gathering.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 30-35 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Serve: 2

 INGREDIENTS 

·       1 lb. (450g) Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved. 

·       1 tbsp olive oil 

·       Salt and black pepper to taste 

For the Gochujang Butter 

·       2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened. 

·       1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) 

·       1 tsp honey or maple syrup 

·       1 clove garlic, minced. 

·       1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil 

For Garnish (Optional) 

·       Toasted sesame seeds 

·       Sliced green onions. 

Tools & Equipment 

·       Cutting board 

·       Chef's knife 

·       Large baking sheet 

·       Small bowl 

·       Measuring spoons and cups 

·       Mixing spoon or spatula 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Step 1.

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 

Step 2.

Toss the Sprouts: On a large baking sheet, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are in a single layer for even roasting. 

Step 3.

Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the sprouts are tender and the outer leaves are crispy and caramelized. Shake the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. 

Step 4.

Make the Gochujang Butter: While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the gochujang butter. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, gochujang, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Stir until you have a smooth, uniform paste. 

Step 5.

Combine: Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, take them out of the oven. Move them to a mixing bowl or back onto the hot baking sheet. Add the gochujang butter mixture and toss until every sprout is well coated. The heat from the sprouts will melt the butter, creating a lovely glaze. 

Step 6.

Serve: Move the sprouts to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately. 

Macros (Estimated per serving) 

v  Calories: ~250-300 kcal 

v  Protein: ~6-8g 

v  Carbohydrates: ~20-25g 

v  Fat: ~18-22g 

v  Fiber: ~6-8g 

Note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities. 

Tips and Variations 

·       Crispy Sprouts: To get extra crispy sprouts, make sure the oven is hot, and the sprouts are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. A single layer is important. 

·       Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the heat. Use less for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat. 

·       Sweetness: The honey or maple syrup helps balance the spiciness and saltiness of gochujang. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste. 

Variations

·       Add Protein: Serve the sprouts with crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or pan-seared salmon for a complete meal. 

·       Roasted Vegetables: This gochujang butter works well with other roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. 

·       Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and a nutty taste. 

FAQs 

1. Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?

 A: Yes! Halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once cooked, toss with the gochujang butter. 

2. Q: What is gochujang?

 A: Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean condiment made from gochugaru (Korean chili powder), glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It adds a unique depth of flavor that other chili pastes can’t match. 

3. Q: Can I do this ahead of time?

 A: It's best to serve this dish right away to enjoy the crispy texture. However, you can roast the Brussels sprouts in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer until crispy, then toss with the gochujang butter.