Momofuku Roasted Brussels Sprouts and a Weekend in New York


Each year I try to collect at least one new tried and true recipe to feature on the Thanksgiving table. This year the recipe is from a side dish that Alex and I ate during one of our someday-legendary-mother-son trips. It was recent a trip to New York that brought us to Momofuku Noodle Bar where we enjoyed a bold umami-packed bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. However before I dive into the recipe here are a few pics of New York in the fall.


Reading in Central Park
Sugar Rush at FOA Schwartz
Central Park
Bar at The Mark in the Upper East Side
One of my favorite chefs in New York, Chef Gavin Kaysen of Cafe Boulud.
I saw a sign of a mansion for rent in the Upper East side if anyone is interested. You know I'm always looking out for my peeps. 
I was sent to heaven twice during this trip. Once when I had a sandwich at Num Pang in midtown, and a second time when we had the macarons at Le Maison du Chocolat that were flown in from Paris. Oh la la!
La Maison du Chocolat interior
La Maison du Chocolat
The Plaza Hotel in New York
Central Park

Alex is approaching a mighty and prestigious door. Hopefully he'll appreciate this picture someday when he himself dines at Per Se. The host got a kick out of Alex triggering the sliding door open and shut. Even cuteness couldn't gain him admission. We'll have to wait until you are out of your high chair for this one buddy.


This has quickly become my favorite way to serve brussels sprouts. The dressing is a scratch to put together and you only need a portion of it to add a light coating that brings an exotic complex umam-filled flavor to the roasted brussels sprout's caramelized sweetness. 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mostly from Gourmet | October 2007
David Chang Momofuku Noodle Bar and Momofuku Ssäm Bar
I omitted the puffed rice for the recipe. If you would like to add them you may find the recipe here. The original recipe, the one you'll find at the restaurant, is deep-fried. Oven roasting at a high temperature accomplishes the job just as well.
For brussels sprouts
  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For dressing
  • 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce (preferably Tiparos brand)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro stems
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 (1 1/2-inch) fresh red Thai chile, thinly sliced crosswise, including seeds
Roast brussels sprouts:
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in upper third.
  2. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, then arrange, cut sides down, in a 17- by 12-inch shallow baking pan. Roast, without turning, until outer leaves are tender and very dark brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Add butter and toss to coat.
  3. Make dressing: Stir together all dressing ingredients until sugar has dissolved.
Finish dish: Put Brussels sprouts in a serving bowl, then toss with just enough dressing to coat.

24 comments:

La Table De Nana said...

What gorgeous shots:-)
You and Alex are blessed with beauty genes:-)
Thank you for the recipe:-)

Chuzai Living said...

I'd have to try that recipe because it looks and sounds so good!! I'm not a huge fan of brussels sprouts, but it looks like a great recipe. Your photos made me long for the autumn season in the East Coast. I love it. I miss it. Alex is so cute and he's grown so much!!!!!! My son is 8 months now. Still not crawling yet. He's probably too big. :)

Chuzai Living said...

I hope you guys were fine in Philadelphia when Sandy hit. It seemed to have left such a devastating damage in the greater NY area.

Delicious Dishings said...

First, Alex is so incredibly adorable! Second, those chocolates have me drooling, And lastly, this brussels sprout recipe sounds amazing... definitely umami-packed!

Sara McCarty said...

Awesome weekend. One of these days I'm going make it a point to join you in NYC for some food. You definitely know how to do it right!

Jamie said...

Alex is so adorable and wonderful! I love the pic of him with the Boston Terriers :-) What wonderful (some day) memories you are creating with him...in such a great city. And the Brussel Sprouts look crazy good!

tasteofbeirut said...

Loved the New York pics! You make such a beautiful pair the two of you. La Maison du Chocolat was on of my stopovers in Nice last month and eating too many of these gave me the worst case of indigestion in years, but boy was it fun while it lasted. These brussel sprouts look just too good for words!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

First of all, wonderful photos of NYC! I especially love the first one of your and Alex :) He is such a cutie!!!

Delightful, flavorful version of roasted Brussels sprouts, Christine. I do love them!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Alex is adorable as always. He really is attracted to dogs. Cute shot with the blue door too. I know you must have enjoyed your visit back "home" Christine.

Love the roasted Brussels sprouts too. Beautiful presentation and so fall-ish.

Mari Nuñez said...

I love the photos! Beautiful shots of NY and cute Alex.

Original way to prepare brussels sprouts, I'm looking forward to cooking it.

Have a wonderful week :)

Bunkycooks said...

What a great time in New York and I love the photos of Alex! You are so lucky to live so close. I hope we are able to meet again in the city sometime soon.

A Canadian Foodie said...

You must have seen the city through completely different eyes with your little fellow along! Gorgeous shots... and I am sure you were eating at different little spots this time round! Children require that - and restaurants need to make better kids meals - FOR SURE!
:)
V

K said...

Love your site! And recipes!

Was wondering if you can tell me where you got your baby carrier?

nancy at good food matters said...

It's the fish sauce that pushes these Brussels sprouts over the top!

I always enjoy the photographs from your travels--you capture the sense of a place.

To Per Se, someday!

in the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks for your comments everyone!

K- That is a baby beco that I am wearing. You can order one off of Amazon.

kale said...

oh my goodness, you and your son are so stunningly beautiful. normally i set out to comment on the food, which obviously is gorgeous, but next to you two it pales!

CQUEK said...

what a fabulous collection of places and wonderful photos:

chow and chatter said...

must try this and your wee man is adorable :-) you miss new york :-)

lisa is cooking said...

Looks like you had a great visit to New York! I hope Alex goes back to Per Se some day. Now, I can't wait to try these Brussels sprouts. The dressing sounds fantastic!

Penny said...

Love your beautiful shots of New York and sweet Alex. Especially love him in front of that blue door. It would seem that your heart is still in the city - can't say that I could blame you if that is the case. I love New York too.

Barbara said...

Beautiful photos, Christine! I just spent a week with my daughter in NYC. She's lived there since 1980 and treated me to some divine meals. Loved seeing it again through your eyes.

Kitchen Butterfly said...

He is CUTE!!! And I like you am a NY lover. In fact in less than a week.....I shall walk some of the same stones and avenues :-).

Love anything Momofuku and these umami-rich sprouts are no exception

El said...

Awesome photos. Thanks for looking out for us. I'll take the apartment! The brussels sprout recipe looks great. I never know what to do with them so it's nice to have a good recipe.

Victoria said...

1. Your son is just precious! The fact that he shares a name with my sweet nephew makes me feel even more of a bond with him, even though I haven't met him.

2. I miss NYC terribly. Your photographs gave me some serious nostalgia. I am planning a visit in the coming weeks!

3. I have heard great things about La Maison du Chocolat and now I feel I will definitely have to plan a stop there when I visit.

4. Per Se is still perpetually on my wish list...

5. These brussels sprouts look to die for! My brother-in-law wanted to make some for Christmas and was thinking about what recipe to make. I'm sending this to him!!

6. I miss you!!! I hope life is great. You're looking fabulous, my friend. xo