Side Story

My two best friends, April and Sarah, and I had dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse one night. Forget the steaks; we all fell in love with the Brussels sprouts - even April who scoffed when I ordered them. I searched the internet for a copycat recipe and found one that was close, but not quite right, so I did some testing and came up with this.

 

 

Copycat of Ruth's Chris Brussels Sprouts in Bacon

sprouts photo

Ingredients:

1 lb. fresh Brussels Sprouts (not frozen)
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
3-4 slices of applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1.5 tsp apple cider vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt, plus more as needed
Ground black pepper for seasoning
(Click here for instructions without pictures)

1. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and salt generously.

2. Trim the bottom end of Brussels sprouts, and pull off the outer dark leaves. Halve through the core.
cut sproutssprouts cut

3. Add Brussels sprouts to boiling water and cook, uncovered, until tender - about 7 minutes.
boiling sprouts
4. While Brussels sprouts are boiling, add the oil and bacon to a large skillet (I prefer cast iron), and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the bacon is crispy.
bacon frying

5. When Brussels sprouts are tender, drain and rinse under cold running water.
drain and rinse

6. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium high. Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

sprouts in pan
7. After five minutes, sprouts will start to brown a little. Add apple cider vinegar and stir. Cook an additional 4 minutes.

vinegar

8. After 4 minutes, add maple syrup. Continue stirring until edges of sprouts are brown and crispy (about 2-3 additional minutes.)

9. Add bacon. Salt and pepper to taste.
with bacon

10. Serve warm. (Serves 2-3. Can double recipe for more.)
in bowl

Contact Shawn with questions or comments.

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