Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens
A vibrant side dish featuring crispy Brussels sprouts sautéed with bitter greens and brightened by charred lemon and orange slices. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, chopped Kale leaves, sliced into thin rounds Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2 cups, chopped Kale leaves
- 1, sliced into thin rounds Lemon
- 1, sliced into thin rounds Orange
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3, minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim and halve 1 lb Brussels sprouts. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts cut side down and cook for 5 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip the sprouts, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped kale leaves and cook for 3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
- Step 4: In a separate small pan, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 sliced lemon and 1 sliced orange and char for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly bitter.
- Step 5: Plate the Brussels sprouts and kale, topping with charred citrus slices for a punch of bright, bitter flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brussels sprouts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Charred Citrus and Bitter Greens vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
