Would you like something very, very tasty to bring to your next potluck, family function, or subversive lesbian recruitment seminar?
My brother hid the camera somewhere so there are no pictures, but here is the recipe for spicy Vietnamese brussels sprouts (adapted from the version served at Momofuku):
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
- 2-3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro stems
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 or 2 (1 1/2-inch) fresh red Thai chile, thinly sliced crosswise, including seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
Preheat oven to 450º with a rack near the top.
Cut all your brussels sprouts in half and arrange them on a cookie sheet/baking tray. When you run out of room, stop cutting brussels sprouts.
Take them, coat them in canola oil, return them to the cookie sheet and throw it in the oven on the aforementioned rack. Cook for 35-45 minutes, until charred and creepy looking.
While that’s happening, mince your garlic, chile (or chiles, if you’re feeling frisky and aren’t afraid of heat), mint, and cilantro stems. Mix the fish sauce, water, sugar, and vinegar (you can use white wine or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar, but you should have rice vinegar because it’s awesome). Add the things you just chopped into tiny pieces to this weird sugary liquid. Stir, shake, or otherwise agitate to mix them. Set aside.
In a tiny saucepan heat canola oil over medium heat until sexy. Add cayenne, coriander (if using) and sesame seeds. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until seeds are somewhat toasted and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Soften or melt the butter you’ve been staring at this whole time.
When brussels sprouts are charred and goofy looking, remove them from the oven. Turn off the oven so your house doesn’t burn down. Coat them with the butter (this can be done in a big bowl). Then add the sesame seeds and continue wiggling everything around. Then add half the dressing you made earlier (shaking/stirring once again to ensure it’s well mixed).
Serve coated brussels sprouts with the rest of the dressing on the side and watch everyone make moaning noises and offer to sleep with you when they taste them.
