Turmeric Free Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pork Belly and Apples
This skillet dish is the kind of thing that makes you wonder why you ever ordered Brussels sprouts at a restaurant instead of making them at home. Pork belly renders down into golden, crispy little bites that do double duty — flavoring the pan and adding serious richness to every forkful. The sprouts get a proper sear, cut-side down, until they're deeply caramelized and just tender, then sweet apple pieces and a quick maple-cider glaze pull the whole thing together with a balance of savory, sweet, and just a little tang. Every ingredient here is straightforward and clean, so there's no need to scan labels or swap anything out to keep this meal free of unwanted spices or additives. The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick if you want it, and a handful of fresh parsley brightens the finished dish beautifully. It's a one-pan dinner that feels genuinely special without requiring much more than a good skillet and about twenty minutes of active cooking.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 6 oz fresh pork belly, skin removed, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium honeycrisp or fuji apple, cored and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the pork belly cubes in a cold large (12-inch) skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the fat has rendered and the pieces are golden brown and crispy on most sides. Transfer the pork belly to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- 2
Pour off all but about 1 teaspoon of the rendered fat from the skillet. Add the olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the cut sides are deep golden brown.
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