Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of nutrition like vitamins A, C, and K. This is probably why our parents forced us to eat brussels sprouts when we were younger. It wasn’t so pleasant but we had to. Now that we’re older, we could appreciate the flavor of brussels sprouts more, especially with meats that go well with it. We have some tasty combinations like speck ham, pulled pork, bacon, and more.
Brussels sprouts are not commonly loved but those who love them would always want to have them.
You’ve probably had a traumatizing experience with brussels sprouts when you were younger because your parents would force you to eat these balls of leafy greens. You probably remember the house not smelling so great whenever they were prepared because its odor is so strong. However, this experience is most likely related to our psychological dislike for vegetables in general when we were younger.
Brussels sprouts aren’t actually that bad. The flavor of these vegetables depends on how they’re cooked. Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family which includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and the like. When these vegetables are overcooked, they tend to release an odor that’s not so enticing to the nose and appetite.
In order to enjoy brussels sprouts, you should cook them at the right time and temperature, and of course, the liberty to add what other ingredients you can like balsamic vinegar, and more.
To further enjoy this very healthy vegetable, you should be able to serve them with different kinds of meat to give more character to the meal.
1. Speck Ham
Speck ham is a smoky ham with a strong salty flavor, making it great to serve with neutral-tasting vegetables. A vegetable like brussels sprouts isn’t exactly neutral in flavor but it goes well with the flavor of speck infused into it. Speck ham could also be the protein in a ciabatta sandwich with roasted brussels sprouts, provolone cheese and layers of different mixed greens. Speck ham is available at your local deli and well-stocked grocery stores.
2. Anchovies
Anchovies aren’t exactly meat but they’re perfect with brussels sprouts because they add flavor to the vegetal flavor of brussels sprouts. Although brussels sprouts could end up tasting sweet and palatable, it’s still nice to add some external flavors to it like anchovies, bacon, and pancetta. Try adding some anchovies if you’re making a roasted brussels sprouts salad.
3. Bacon
Bacon will always be the winning meat to serve with any kind of vegetable. Vegetables are able to adapt to the flavor of bacon, creating a bacon-infused dish. We suggest you make a nice salad or casserole out of bacon and brussels sprouts. The addition of cheese and perhaps other fresh greens would make a nice and refreshing meal with hints of lively flavors from both the bacon and the brussels sprouts.
4. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a classic Sunday barbecue dish that would go really well with brussels sprouts. It’s very easy to make and the flavors from the pulled pork would taste amazing with the straightforward taste of the brussels sprouts. If you’re pairing brussels sprouts with pulled pork, we suggest you roast the brussels sprouts and then add them to a pulled pork sandwich bun for nice added flavor.
5. Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is easy to make and easy to get if you aren’t really in the mood to make your own rotisserie chicken. You could easily find these from the deli and pair it with honey glazed balsamic brussels sprouts. This kind of brussels sprouts are packed with flavor and they make the mix of a typical marinated piece of roast chicken and the vegetable even more interesting.
6. Sausages
Sausages are another delicious kind of meat to go with brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are sweet in flavor sometimes so it’s nice to mix them with a nice smokey or sharp-tasting sausage. Simply sear the sausages in some bacon fat or olive oil until they char a little bit then add the brussels sprouts. Add some beef or chicken broth for nice added flavor and cook until it reduces.
7. Pork Chops
You can never go wrong with pork chops as a main dish. Here’s a simple way of preparing pork chops. Marinate it in lemonsito and soy sauce for one hour then sear the pork chops in a cast iron pan. Add 3 tablespoons of the marinade and then 3 tablespoons of water to create a balanced sauce. Add a lot of freshly sliced onion rings and then some halved brussels sprouts.
8. Lamb
A simple roast lamb could take you a long way in your side dish game. There’s so much you could serve with roasted lamb most especially if it doesn’t have too many layers of flavor. Roast lamb could be served with mashed potatoes, noodles, roasted vegetables with carrots, zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, brussels sprouts, parsnips, squash, and more. These vegetables all together create a nice blend of flavors but they’re pretty perfect with a nice earthy-tasting piece of roasted lamb.
9. Scallops
Scallops are shellfish that come in different sizes. Some scallops are smaller than the others and some are very large. The large kind of scallops are perfect for searing and caramelizing. Simply lightly salt the scallops then sear each side in a hot cast iron pan. To enjoy this simple dish, you could serve it with sauteed brussels sprouts. The brussels sprouts, when cooked properly, will be sweet and fresh in flavor. Serve these with the scallops and you’ll have yourself a very simple yet striking seafood dish.
10. Osso Bucco
Osso bucco is an Italian stew made with veal shank cooked with red wine and simmered for a very long time until the meat gets tender and the wine reduces. Osso bucco is a stew that usually stands alone but some add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and eggplant to serve with it. However, a vegetable like brussels sprouts glazed in honey and butter would also taste fantastic with the veal stew. Osso bucco is great to serve with buttered noodles or a plain risotto.
