Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when cooked to perfection, they can transform into a delightful side dish that everyone will love. In this easy recipe for Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon, we take these nutritious little gems and elevate them with the smoky, savory flavors of turkey bacon, which adds a lean protein source and a satisfying crispiness without the excessive fat of traditional pork bacon. The combination not only provides a satisfying crunch but also brings a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the natural earthiness of the Brussels sprouts.
Start by cooking the turkey bacon, shallots, and garlic in a skillet, letting them sizzle until they are aromatic, and the bacon starts getting crispy. Next, add the Brussels sprouts. The key to delicious Brussels sprouts is to caramelize them until they are golden brown, stopping when they are tender yet still bright green. Then fold in the toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, and finish it off with a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
To make the Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon, you will need the following ingredients:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and add the chopped turkey bacon, 3-4 tablespoons finely minced shallots, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium-high heat or until the bacon starts getting crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add in remaining 1 tablespoon oil, Brussels sprouts, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes without stirring, or until the sprouts that touch the skillet turn golden brown. Stir again, cover with a lid, and lower the heat. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, or until the Brussels sprouts reach your desired tenderness.
Add ¼ cup pine nuts, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and stir to combine.
Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve warm, garnished with more fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
If you're looking for a delicious and simple recipe that highlights the flavors of fresh vegetables and savory bacon, these Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon fit the bill! Perfect for a weeknight dish, it combines nutritious veggies with crispy bacon for added flavor. Try it out soon and remember to tag #cookmerecipes in your posts!