Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Salt Pork

A savory side dish featuring crispy salt pork, caramelized shallots, and tender brussels sprouts finished with a bright kick of pickle juice. The combination of rich, salty pork and slightly tangy brussels sprouts creates a perfect balance of flavors.

6 servings
53 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salt pork
  • 2 large shallots
  • to taste kosher salt and black pepper
  • pounds brussels sprouts
  • tablespoons pickle juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Blanch salt pork in a large saucepan of boiling water for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer salt pork to a paper towel- lined plate to drain. Set aside. DO AHEAD: Salt pork can be blanched 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

    1 min

  2. 2.

    Cook salt pork in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until about 3/4 cup fat is rendered, 10-12 minutes. Carefully strain drippings into a small bowl; return 2 tablespoons drippings and pork to pan.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until salt pork is browned and crisp, 5-6 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    6 min

  4. 4.

    Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons drippings to skillet; add shallots, cut sides down. Cook, turning once or twice, until tender and browned, 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer shallots to a serving platter.

    12 min

  5. 5.

    Increase heat to medium-high. Add 2 tablespoons more salt pork drippings to skillet. Working in 2 batches and adding 2 more tablespoons drippings between batches, cook brussels sprouts, turning occasionally, until tender and browned. Transfer brussels sprouts to platter with shallots. DO AHEAD: Shallots and brussels sprouts can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm shallots and brussels sprouts together in same skillet over medium heat before continuing.

    20 min

  6. 6.

    Drizzle shallots and brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon pickle juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon more pickle juice, if desired. Scatter salt pork over.

    2 min

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