Are you ready to transform Brussels sprouts into an irresistible dish? My Miso Maple Brussels Sprouts with Pecans are packed with flavor and crunch. This tasty side dish combines the rich umami of miso with the natural sweetness of maple syrup. You can impress your family and friends with this quick and easy recipe! Let’s dive into the fresh ingredients and simple steps to create this delightful treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons miso paste (white or yellow)
– 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Additional Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious dish. Fresh Brussels sprouts are key. Choose sprouts that are firm and bright green. The miso paste adds a savory touch. Maple syrup brings sweetness to balance the flavors. Olive oil and soy sauce enhance the glaze. Pecans provide a crunchy texture. Garlic powder adds depth. Season with salt and pepper for a perfect taste. If you want, sprinkle black sesame seeds for extra flair. Each ingredient plays a role in making your Brussels sprouts shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
– Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven for even cooking.
Prepare the Miso Glaze
– Combine miso paste, maple syrup, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it is smooth. This glaze brings rich flavors to the Brussels sprouts.
Coat the Brussels Sprouts
– Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in the miso glaze. Ensure each sprout gets a good coat. This helps them roast nicely and soak up all that flavor.
Arrange for Roasting
– Spread Brussels sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This method prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Make sure they are in a single layer to roast evenly.
Add the Crunch
– Sprinkle chopped pecans over the Brussels sprouts. This adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. The pecans will toast as they roast, enhancing their taste.
Roast to Perfection
– Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning. You want the Brussels sprouts to be tender and golden.
Cool and Serve
– Let the Brussels sprouts cool before serving. This short cooling time helps the flavors set.
Add Finishing Touches
– Optional: garnish with black sesame seeds. This adds a nice visual pop and a bit of extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Best Brussels Sprouts
For the best Brussels sprouts, you want fresh and firm ones. Look for sprouts that are bright green and small to medium-sized. Larger sprouts may be bitter. Check for any yellow leaves; these indicate age and should be avoided. Fresh sprouts should feel heavy for their size.
Perfecting the Glaze
Adjusting the glaze is key for great flavor. If you want it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a saltier taste, increase the miso or soy sauce. Taste the glaze before coating the Brussels sprouts. This way, you can tweak it to fit your liking. Remember, balance is important!
Cooking Tips
To ensure even roasting, spread the sprouts in a single layer. This helps them caramelize nicely. Stir them halfway through cooking to avoid burning. If you want extra crispness, let them roast a bit longer. Just keep an eye on them! The goal is tender sprouts with a golden crust.
Variations
Spice It Up
Want to add some heat? You can sprinkle chili flakes or crushed red pepper on top. This small change makes a big difference. The spice balances the sweet maple and savory miso. Start with a pinch, then taste and add more if you like it spicy.
Nut Alternatives
If you don’t have pecans, don’t worry! You can swap them for walnuts or almonds. Walnuts give a rich flavor, while almonds add a nice crunch. Just chop them roughly as you would the pecans. Both options add different textures and tastes to the dish.
Flavor Twists
Looking for a new flavor? You can add citrus zest like lemon or orange. The zest brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also try different miso types. Red miso has a bolder flavor, while white or yellow is milder. Each choice changes the dish’s profile, so feel free to experiment!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To store your Miso Maple Brussels Sprouts with Pecans, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and flavorful. They can last up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool before sealing the container. This helps avoid excess moisture, which can make them soggy.
Reheating Instructions
For the best taste and texture, reheat leftovers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warm. This method helps keep them crispy. You can also use a skillet over medium heat for quick reheating. Stir occasionally to warm them evenly.
Freezing Tips
Yes, you can freeze these Brussels sprouts! To do this, let them cool completely. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Miso Maple Brussels Sprouts vegan?
Yes, you can make Miso Maple Brussels Sprouts vegan. Here are a few tips to keep it plant-based:
– Miso Paste: Most miso pastes are vegan. Just check the label.
– Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is vegan. Always choose 100% pure.
– Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free vegan option.
– Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is plant-based. You can use other oils too.
These swaps keep the dish full of flavor while sticking to vegan diets!
What can I serve with Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts pair well with many dishes. Here are some great options:
– Grains: Serve with quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal.
– Proteins: Try roasted chicken, grilled tofu, or baked salmon on the side.
– Salads: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance.
– Starch: Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes work nicely too.
These pairings create a tasty and balanced meal!
How do I know when Brussels sprouts are cooked?
You can tell when Brussels sprouts are cooked by looking for a few signs:
– Color: They should be a bright green with some golden brown edges.
– Tenderness: A fork should easily pierce through the sprouts.
– Caramelization: Look for a nice, crispy outer layer from roasting.
These indicators help ensure you get perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts every time!
This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Miso Maple Brussels sprouts. You learned about the key ingredients, like Brussels sprouts, miso paste, and maple syrup. I offered step-by-step instructions to help you create this dish. You also discovered tips for selecting fresh sprouts and variations to add excitement.
In closing, these Brussels sprouts are easy to make and full of flavor. They can fit into many meals and please different tastes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish with others. Your cooking adventures can start now!
