Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Step 1

In a small pot or a round-bottomed wok set over medium low heat, add the oil and one little piece of chopped garlic as a "heat tester". Once the tester garlic starts to bubble, add the rest of the garlic. There should be enough oil to just cover the garlic; if not, add more oil.

Step 2

Fry the garlic, stirring frequently, until golden (not browned) and the bubbling has subsided.

Step 3

Either strain the garlic through a metal sieve or use a fine mesh skimmer to remove it from the oil, then put the garlic on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. Keep the oil for frying the Brussels sprouts.

Step 4

In a large skillet (the biggest one you have) add just enough oil to completely coat the bottom. Place the Brussels sprouts, cut side down, and fill the pan completely while making sure all pieces are making full contact with the pan. You will need to do this in 2 batches if using a 12 inch skillet.

Step 5

Turn heat on medium high and let them cook without stirring until well browned on the bottom side, about 4 minutes. (A mesh splash guard would come in handy here.) Flip the sprouts and cook the other side for just one more minute. I recommend tossing the pan for faster flipping, then go back and turn over any that did not cooperate.

Step 6

Remove the sprouts from pan with tongs, leaving the oil behind, and put them in a bowl for now. Make sure there are no stray bits of sprouts left in the pan, then add more oil and repeat with the second batch.

Step 7

Once the second batch is done, put the first batch back into the pan, toss just for 10-15 seconds to heat the first batch of sprouts. (Note: In the video, as you saw, we had a bit of smoke alarm drama to deal with (!!!) so I removed the second batch of sprouts from the pan and didn't turn the heat back on to finish. You do not need to remove the second batch of sprouts from pan; just add the first batch back in and toss with seasoning. And ideally your pan would be hotter than mine when you add the seasoning so the sauce will cook a bit.)

Step 8

Turn off the heat and immediately add fish sauce, maple syrup, and white pepper and toss well to thoroughly coat all pieces with the sauce.