South AfricanMedium · Hot
Wood-Fire Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and Sesame-Seed
Charred Brussels sprouts kissed by open flame, finished with a glossy balsamic reduction and a scattering of toasted sesame. A side that holds its own at any braai.
Prep
10 min
Cook
18 min
Total
28 min
Method
1
Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
Trim the woody bases from the Brussels sprouts and halve each one lengthwise. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3
Set a heavy cast-iron skillet directly over hot braai coals or place on a grill rack over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat until it shimmers, about 3 minutes.
4
Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until deeply charred at the edges. Turn each sprout and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the cores are tender when pierced with a knife. Transfer to a serving platter.
5
Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze generously over the charred sprouts. Scatter sesame seeds across the top and serve immediately while still hot.
B
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 0
Calories
223
per serving
Low saturated fat · 2g
Protein
6g
Carbs
21g
Fat
14g
Sat. fat
2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
11g
Sodium
615mg
Dairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeHeart HealthyLow CalorieBalanced FatFiber RichVegetarian
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
A
Environmental impact
Very low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.2
per serving
ACarbonAEU all-round· both agree
Water
0.3m³
Land
15Pt
Runoff
0.03g P
Brussels Sprouts drives 40% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
6
Umami
4
Sweet
5
Salty
3
Sour
2
Bitter
4
Spicy
Textures
CrispyTender
Aromas
EarthyHerbalSmoky
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Cast Iron SkilletTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cast iron skillet must be thoroughly heated over braai coals before adding Brussels sprouts. Monitor flame intensity to prevent scorching and ensure even charring of all surfaces.
Equipment Safety
Use long braai tongs when handling the hot cast-iron skillet over open coals. Never place a heated skillet on a wooden surface without protection.
Cross Contamination
After scattering sesame seeds as a finishing garnish, thoroughly clean all utensils and surfaces before using for dishes without sesame to prevent allergen cross-contact.
Handling
Brussels sprouts should be trimmed and halved uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout and prevent raw centers in larger pieces.
Storage
Any leftover balsamic glaze should be cooled, refrigerated in an airtight container, and consumed within 5-7 days. Reheat thoroughly before use.
High Risk Population
This dish contains sesame. Individuals with sesame allergies should avoid this dish entirely. Ensure sesame seeds are not present on serving platters or utensils when serving to allergic guests.
Pro Tips
Technique
Your coals are ready when they glow orange and ash-grey with no black remaining—never cook over active flames. Place your skillet to the side of the main heat where the temperature is steady, not raging.
Substitution
Should honey be unavailable, a tablespoon of brown sugar stirred into the balsamic will give you that same glossy reduction, though the floral sweetness of honey is my preference.
From the chef
In Johannesburg, we say that fire does not discriminate—whatever touches those coals earns its place or it doesn't. These Brussels sprouts found their calling on a winter evening when the mopane was burning clean and I needed something to anchor the plate beside the boerewors. The char that forms on their cut edges over open flame, that slight bitterness softened by the honey-sweet balsamic—that is the language of the braai speaking through vegetables. This dish has been turning skeptics into believers at every gathering since.
TagsWood FireCharredBraaiBalsamic GlazeSesameVegetarian FriendlySide DishQuick Prep
AllergensSesame
Source: generated · June 12, 2026