Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts Chilli

If you’re looking for a side dish that punches well above its weight, Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts Chilli is it. The sprouts are beautifully crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and infused with garlic, chilli, and lemony zing. I tried this one out on a whim when I had some extra sprouts in the fridge—and wow, it completely transformed them. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 600g (about 1¼ lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed at the base
• 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil

For Flavour

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and bashed
• 1–2 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

How To Make Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts Chilli

Prep the Sprouts:

Start by trimming your Brussels sprouts—cut off the dry base and peel away any yellowing leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, toss the sprouts in, and let them cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain them and leave to cool slightly before slicing each one in half lengthwise.

Infuse the Oil:

Next, grab a large frying pan and heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add in your bashed garlic cloves. Let them sizzle gently for about 4 minutes until golden and fragrant, then scoop them out with a slotted spoon and discard. The oil will now be subtly garlic-infused—magic!

Crisp Up the Sprouts:

To that lovely oil, add your chilli flakes and a pinch of sea salt. Then carefully place your halved sprouts cut-side down in the pan. Leave them alone for around 10 minutes. That’s right—no stirring! This patience pays off with deep, golden caramelisation.

Add Lemon:

Once crispy, pour in the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Let everything mingle in the pan for a few minutes so the sprouts soak up all that tangy goodness. Finish by scattering lemon zest over the top just before serving.

Serve:

Transfer to a warm serving dish and season to taste. These chilli-spiked sprouts can also be kept warm in a low oven (around 120°C or 250°F) for up to 20 minutes if you need to time them with the rest of your meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

This was a total game-changer for me. I made it for a Sunday roast and wasn’t expecting much, but everyone at the table was reaching for seconds—yes, of Brussels sprouts! It’s such a clever combo of spicy, zesty, and savoury that turns a humble veg into the star of the meal.

Recipe Tips

• Trim the sprouts well: A clean cut and removing any rough outer leaves really helps with even cooking.
• Boil before frying: Softens the insides so the outside can go beautifully crispy in the pan.
• Use enough oil: Don’t skimp—it’s key to getting that restaurant-style caramelisation.
• Keep them face down: Resist the urge to stir. Letting them sit cut-side down is the trick to golden perfection.
• Tweak the heat and zest: Start light on the chilli and lemon, then adjust at the end to taste.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts Chilli

In the Fridge

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer

Not ideal for freezing, as sprouts can go mushy once thawed. Better to enjoy them fresh!

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a hot frying pan with a splash of olive oil, or roast them at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to crisp them up again.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 140
• Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sodium: ~120mg (depending on salt used)

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Totally! Just boil them slightly longer and pat dry before frying to avoid sogginess.

What if I don’t like it too spicy?
No problem—start with ½ tsp of chilli flakes or swap in a milder paprika.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook them ahead and reheat in a pan just before serving.

What mains go well with this?
These sprouts pair perfectly with roast chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian risotto.

How do I make it even more Jamie-style?
Try finishing with a handful of toasted nuts or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley!

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Mashed Potatoes And Brussel Sprouts
• Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts Worcestershire Sauce
• Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts With Apple And Sausage
• Jamie Oliver Roasted Brussels Sprouts