FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH FISH SAUCE CARAMEL

Fried Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce Caramel image

Provided by Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Canola oil, for frying
1 1/2 to 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
Garlic Chips, recipe follows
Fresh red chiles, such as Fresnos, thinly sliced for garnish (can substitute crushed red pepper flakes)
Lime wedges, for serving
Canola oil, for frying
Whole garlic cloves, for frying

Steps:

For the fish sauce caramel: Combine granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and cook, without stirring, over medium-low heat, until the mixture is nicely amber colored, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and CAREFULLY add brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and salt; it may splatter. Stir to combine. If the mixture seizes, return to low heat and stir until fully incorporated.
For the Brussels sprouts: Bring oil to 350 degrees F in a deep-fryer. Trim bottoms of sprouts and halve lengthwise.
Fry sprouts until they are crispy with some char, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
While still hot, toss with fish sauce caramel, garnish with Garlic Chips, red chiles and fresh lime wedges.
Bring oil to 350 degrees F.
Thinly slice garlic cloves. Quickly fry to a light golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. (Don't let them get dark brown, or they will become bitter.) Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.