Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Brussels sprouts pan-seared until crisp and finished with a tangy bitter orange glaze and crunchy toasted walnuts for contrast. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, Walnuts, Bitter orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 12 oz Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and slice them in half lengthwise.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook without stirring for 5 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the Brussels sprouts and cook for another 3 minutes until tender. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, toast 1/3 cup walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned; set aside.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bitter orange juice and 1 tbsp honey.
  6. Step 6: Pour the bitter orange glaze over the Brussels sprouts in the skillet, stirring to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the sprouts.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze 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 Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze?

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 Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze?

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 Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze 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 Toasted Walnut and Bitter Orange Glaze 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.

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