Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Kung Pao Brussels sprouts with bacon is a fusion dish that combines elements from traditional Chinese cuisine with Western ingredients. The dish is inspired by Kung Pao chicken, a classic Sichuan stir-fry known for its bold flavors, including the use of Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and peanuts.
The incorporation of Brussels sprouts brings a unique twist, as they are not traditionally used in Chinese cooking. This vegetable adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch when roasted or stir-fried. The addition of bacon introduces a savory, smoky element that complements the dish’s flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a mix of both cuisines.
Overall, this dish reflects a modern culinary trend where chefs experiment with cross-cultural ingredients to create innovative and accessible dishes that pay homage to traditional recipes while appealing to contemporary palates.
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts,
4 strips of bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1-2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
In the same skillet, add vegetable oil to the bacon fat.
Add the Brussels sprouts, season with sea salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are browned and tender.
Add the prepared Kung Pao sauce to the Brussels sprouts. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the crispy bacon. Mix well and remove from heat.
Feel free to adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your taste!
Enjoy your Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
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If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good appetizer page.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with Bacon