Name: Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 cloves Garlic, fresh or minced; 1 Jalapeno, minced; 1 cup Red wine vinegar; 2 ounces Honey; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 5 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed & quartered (I used 15 to 20 medium sized brussels sprouts); ¼ cup Italian parsley leaves; 1 tsp Capers; ½ ounce Walnuts, toasted & chopped; ½ ounce Currants; ½ ounce Scallions, sliced; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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This recipe for Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts, or Bruksel Lahanasi, is an absolute favorite of mine!

The first time I was introduced to this recipe was several years ago at one of my favorite restaurants, Ayse Meze in Downtown Frederick.

In spite of the fact that this delicious side dish was hugely popular, Ayse Meze sadly closed their doors.

However, luckily for us Fredericktonians, this exact deep fried, crispy brussels sprouts recipe is on the menu at Pistarro’s Ristorante Pizzeria Napoletana.

In addition, if you want to make them at home, now you can!

Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts

Whenever I dined at Ayse Meze, I always ordered their deep-fried brussels sprouts appetizer.

It was just a no-brainer.

Admittedly, it was my main reason for going there!

Although their entire menu was amazing, the brussels sprouts were the main draw for me.

Needless to say, it was one of those tasty recipes that had me coming back over and over!

How I Got This Recipe

Terri and I became friends with the owner of Ayse Meze a few years ago when we held our Sparkle & Spirits event at his restaurant.

Unquestionably, Nezih Pistar is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and was so gracious with us!

Our event far exceeded our expectations and we have Nezih to thank for that!

So, when we found out that Ayse Meze was closing, we were seriously bummed.

Fast forward a few months, I decided I’m just going to go for it and ask Nezih for his famous deep fried sprouts recipe.

All he can do is say no, right?

Obviously, I was super excited when he responded with a copy of Ayse’s menu showing the exact recipe.

Now I can finally make this amazing dish at home!

No pressure, right?

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to pick up at the grocery store.

Vinaigrette Ingredients

Garlic – fresh or minced
Jalapeno
Red Wine Vinegar
Honey
Dijon Mustard
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts (some spell it brussel sprouts)
Italian Parsley Leaves
Capers
Walnuts
Currants
Scallions
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper

Also, don’t forget your oil for the deep fryer.

Due to the high smoke point, the best types of oil for deep frying are:

Canola Oil
Peanut Oil
Vegetable Oil

Step by Step Instructions

I’m going to take you through the steps for making this recipe.

Then, I will post the recipe for you to print out so you can try it for yourself!

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

First, prepare the vinaigrette.

In a medium bowl, combine garlic cloves (I used minced garlic), minced jalapeno, red wine vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and e.v.o.o. (Extra Virgin Olive Oil).

Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts Recipe Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.

Then pour it into blender and blend well.

I used my NutriBullet which was the perfect size.

Oh, and by the way, when following Ayse’s recipe, the dressing will be enough to make 6 to 7 ‘orders’ worth.

An ‘order’ feeds about 3 people as an appetizer or a side.

So, if you don’t plan to make more than one ‘order’, make less dressing.

Pour your dressing from the NutriBullet into a dressing bottle like the one pictured.

I used my Mom’s salad dressing bottle. Reminds me of her.

Step 2: Wash & Cut Brussels Sprouts

Second, wash and dry your brussels sprouts with a towel or paper towel.

The reason for drying them is because they contain a lot of water content which increases the splashing in a deep fryer.

Then, cut the ends off of the brussels sprouts and cut them in quarters, lengthwise.

Remove any loose outer leaves.

Step 3: Place Brussels Sprouts Into Heated Deep Fryer

Next, place the cut brussels sprouts into the hot oil in your heated up deep fryer.

Note: The temperature of your oil should be between 350° and 375° F.

It’s totally fine to add the sprouts in small batches just to make sure you’re comfortable with the process.

I borrowed Terri’s counter top deep fryer for this recipe.

You can also use a heavy pot, like a Dutch oven or a heavy, large skillet (with splatter screen) to deep fry your foods.

However, I prefer a deep fryer since it’s sole purpose is for deep frying.

Make sure you use enough oil in your deep fryer based on your specific deep fryer’s instructions.

Then, cook your sprouts in the deep fryer for approximately 5 minutes or until they’re a nice golden brown on the edges.

Pro Tip: Lift up the wire basket and remove your cooked brussels sprouts from the deep fryer with a large slotted spoon.

Then, press them with paper towels in order to remove some of the excess oil.

Step 4: Toast Chopped Walnuts in Oven

Now, while your brussels sprouts are cooking, toast your chopped walnuts on a baking sheet in a 350° F oven for 10 minutes.

Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts with toasted walnuts

Then, set aside the walnuts, currants (I found them at Wegmans) and sliced scallions.

Currants, scallions, and toasted walnuts

Step 5: Sauté Capers & Parsley

Now, measure out the capers and parsley leaves and sauté in a frying pan for 1 to 2 minutes.

I just used Pam cooking spray to sauté these ingredients.

Step 6: Add Dressing to Brussels Sprouts

Finally, add everything to a large bowl and mix well with a large spoon.

Once all of the ingredients are added to the bowl, toss in the vinaigrette a little bit at a time until the brussels sprouts are lightly coated.

Then place your creation onto a nice serving dish and enjoy!

You guys!! These fried brussels sprouts are heaven on a plate!

Just taking a bite will transform you to another dimension.

The combination of the currants, scallions, toasted walnuts, capers and parsley are exquisite along with the fried brussels sprouts and vinaigrette dressing.

Additions & Substitutions

Although if you swap out ingredients, you won’t have Ayse Meze recipe bragging rights, I’ve seen these ingredients used in other recipes:

Parmesan Cheese
Lime Juice or Lemon Juice in your dressing
Pine Nuts
Maple Syrup
Fish Sauce
Balsamic Vinegar
Soy Sauce

Alternatives to Deep Frying Brussels Sprouts

Also, if you want to prepare your recipe in a different way in order to save a lot fat grams, you can use an air fryer.

I haven’t air fried this recipe yet, but I’d be willing to bet they’d turn out great!

OR roast your brussels sprouts in the oven and they’ll turn out awesome as well.

Just be sure to coat them with some olive oil before roasting.

So many options!

Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous to attempt to recreate this legendary recipe.

BUT, it turned out amazing!

I’m so happy I tried it!

So, now it’s your turn.

Are you a fan of brussels sprouts?

Let us know if you make it and how you like it.

Just for old time’s sake, here’s a copy of the original recipe:

Ayse Meze Fried Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Housewives of Frederick County

Ayse Meze's famous deep fried brussels sprouts recipe can now be made at home! They're just as delicious as you remember!

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 3 people