Lucky Robot, located on South Congress, offers a unique take on brussels sprouts with the crispy, lemongrass soy brussels sprouts appetizer.
Vegetables are controversial in the public eye. The brussels sprout, however, is considered the most hated vegetable in the country and some may wonder why.
Story by Alexis Fischer
Photos by Veronica Briones
They’re just like any other vegetable out there. You can boil, charr, steam, roast, bake, sauté, fry or, if worst comes to worst, wrap them in bacon. Their versatility as a vegetable should make them hard to hate. Unfortunately, when most even hear their name, they think of an outdated advertisement of a child with a face of open disgust. It is time to break the brussels sprout stigma.
Brussels sprouts are the scapegoat of vegetables. Why eat disgusting brussels sprouts when you can have a healthy serving of broccoli florets doused in butter? It is a compromise for parents and children alike: as long as you eat the other vegetable, you will not have to eat the less savory ones.
If you think brussels sprouts are disgusting, it is likely that the preparation was lacking. There are plenty of vegetables that aren’t good raw or need seasoning to create greatness. Brussels sprouts are just like other vegetables, but the hatred often comes from its strong flavor or smell when overcooked. Overcooking can lead to a release of an organic compound that smells very similar to sulfur.
The smell is due to a mineral called selenium, which is often linked to lower risks of cancer. Brussels sprouts have also been used in Chinese medicine to aid in digestive health as they are very high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folic acid and iron. These cruciferous vegetables not only taste good, but keep individuals in good health.
Lucky Robot takes brussels sprouts to another level with its seasoning.
The peak season for brussels sprouts ranges from September to February. Brussels sprouts can be added to meat dishes, salads or pastas. The nutty flavor, typically written off as bitterness, makes a great base for any meal.
Lucky Robot, a hip sushi house on South Congress, is known for their brussels sprouts crisped with lemongrass soy. This appetizer is an unfamiliar yet satisfying twist on an ostracized vegetable.
Keeping Austinites warm through the winter, Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s menu is more expansive than just noodle dishes. Although they’re disguised on the menu as “Sweet and Sour Yodas,” the brussels sprouts are coated in apricot vinegar and spiced with curry.
University of Texas at Austin staple Madam Mam’s takes on a more tangy flavor for their sweet and spicy brussels sprouts. They are perfectly crisped and coated in a sweet marinade.
These restaurants are clearly appreciative of the brussels sprout and are enlightening the public to its potential deliciousness. The distaste that has targeted brussels sprouts for generations should end. Brussels sprouts are delicious and versatile enough for everyone to enjoy. Before exacerbating the brussels sprout stigma, take a seat at Madam Mam’s and order their sweet and spicy brussels sprouts.
