Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts & Capers

These fried Brussels sprouts with walnuts and capers are deep-fried and finished with a bright red wine vinaigrette. If you think you’ve tried Brussels sprouts every possible way, this preparation may change your mind.

A serving spoon of fried Brussels sprouts with walnuts and capers resting over a large metal bowl.

These fried Brussels sprouts are one of our favorite indulgent ways to prepare the small cabbages. It’s not the lightest method, but frying brings out a crisp texture and a toasty, caramelized flavor that even picky eaters—children and adults alike—tend to love. This recipe pairs the crunchy fried sprouts with a tangy, savory vinaigrette that includes walnuts and capers for contrast. —Renee Schettler Rossi

A serving spoon of fried Brussels sprouts with walnuts and capers resting over a large metal bowl.

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Deep-fried Brussels sprouts tossed in a red wine vinaigrette with toasted walnuts, capers, scallions, and parsley for a crunchy, flavorful side.

David Leite

Print
CourseSides
CuisineAmerican
Servings6 to 8 servings
Calories282 kcal
Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Equipment

  • Deep-fry or candy thermometer

Ingredients

  • Canola oil, for deep frying
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 salt-packed anchovy fillets, rinsed, filleted, and minced
  • 1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced on the bias
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered lengthwise
  • 2 cups loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons salt-packed capers, rinsed and patted dry
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Pour enough oil into a medium pot to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat until the oil registers 350°F (175°C) on a deep-fry or candy thermometer.
  • While the oil warms, whisk together the garlic, anchovies, serrano chile, red wine vinegar, honey, scallions, walnuts, and extra-virgin olive oil in a bowl large enough to hold all the Brussels sprouts. Set the bowl near the stove.
  • Pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry. Working in batches, carefully lower some sprouts into the oil and deep-fry until the edges begin to curl and brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer each batch directly into the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat.
  • After frying the last batch, carefully add the parsley and capers to the hot oil — stand back, as the capers will pop and sputter — and stir briefly. Remove the parsley and capers when the parsley deepens in color, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Add the fried parsley and capers to the bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Adapted From

Live to Cook

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portion
Calories: 282 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 2 mg
Sodium: 109 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.


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Recipe Testers’ Reviews

Not every tested recipe makes the site; this one passed a rigorous blind testing process and earned the Leite’s Culinaria stamp of approval. Testers’ comments below highlight how the dish performed in home kitchens.

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Jill Mulcahy

Delicious! This approach made Brussels sprouts a favorite in our household. Frying developed a deeper flavor and the vinaigrette’s sweet, salty, and spicy notes complemented the sprouts perfectly. We served it with roasted chicken for an ideal winter dinner.

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Marilyn Canna

This is a richly flavorful fall or winter side. If you use small-batch frying techniques and prepare ingredients ahead, you can make this for weeknight or weekend dinners. The dish leans more sweet than hot or sour; we found there was plenty of dressing and drained some before serving.

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Brenda Carleton

Yum—my family loved it. The toasted walnuts add a pleasing crunch, and the capers give a bright, pungent pop. Next time I might add more chile for heat and try sautéing instead of deep-frying for a less messy option.