Roasted Spicy & Sweet Sesame Brussel Sprouts

Personally, growing up I never had the pleasure of eating these delectable green guys from the cultivar group sharing the same species as cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, kohlrabi, and kale. Thank goodness I gave these beauts a try, it's amazing to think of the wide variety of foods I have tasted in the short few years since I met my husband. Yes, I attribute all of my awesome fun adventures and taste tempters to that man. Before him, I would eat about 3 things on most dinner menus, 1. Caesar salad with chicken, meatloaf, or a hamburger. That was about it for me. 

Growing up I was an extremely picky eater and ate turkey on white with miracle whip for about 19 years of my life. I missed out on so much because I was just too picky to try new things. I also wasn't very adventurous because growing up not having money it wasn't like IF we did go out, I could order something and chance not liking it, I'd go hungry not to mention be on my parent's shit list for the rest of my life. The first time I tried Brussel sprouts was at a Brazilian steak house in Chicago with Chris named Zed451, it was actually the first time I tried A LOT of foods and meats in particular. But I went up to the salad bar area and they had these amazing Chinese inspired baked Brussels and I gave them a go even though they looked burnt to me (something I always avoid.... If something even had a burnt edge I would tare it off- PICKIEST OF THE PICKY!) They were amazing, albeit the crazy bloated belly they gave me due to my minimal consumption of veggies at the time. 

After all these years and many MANY recipe successes and food fouls, I have an awesome recipe down pat that I love and best of all, I get it to myself because Chris hates the taste of sesame. So these bad boys are all mine when I make them. 

Not a huge list of ingredients and super simple! All you need... 

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp liquid aminos

2 Tbsp avocado oil

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1/2 Tbsp Siracha 

1/2 Tbsp garlic

1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sesame oil

salt + pepper

sprinkle of sesame seeds 

How to:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Cut brussel sprouts in half or quartered depending on size, this will affect roasting time, and place in a large bowl. 

Next, prepare sauce mix all ingredients besides salt, pepper, and sesame seeds in a small dish and whisk until fully incorporated. 

Pour mixture into large bowl over brussels and toss till throughly coated. 

Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread brussels out evenly, sprinkle with salt & pepper.

Place in oven and roasted for 20-30 mins (depending on size), tossing half way through.

Once crisp and browned, remove from oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds, serve, and enjoy! 

If any of you give these a go, let me know. I love to hear modifications or if you have any questions! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!