Celebrity chef James Martin has shared a culinary secret he promises will revolutionise the humble Brussels sprout, transforming it from a festive dinner pariah into the star of the Christmas plate.
The Deep-Frying Game-Changer
Appearing on ITV's Loose Women, Martin advocated for a surprisingly simple yet effective technique. His top tip is to deep-fry the sprouts in very hot vegetable oil until they turn a perfect golden brown. He advises cutting the sprouts in half and, crucially, not washing them before they hit the oil to ensure maximum crispiness.
Once they are crispy and golden, the chef recommends a generous sprinkle of salt. However, the real magic, according to Martin, comes next. "If you put some malt vinegar in a spray bottle and then spray it over the sprouts, it's amazing. Honestly, deep fried sprouts," he enthused during the show on December 25, 2025.
Other Chefs' Tips for Sprout Success
James Martin is not the only top chef with strong opinions on elevating this divisive vegetable. Fellow culinary star Tom Kerridge has his own method for creating delicious sprouts.
Speaking to Chris Evans on the Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, Kerridge suggested wok-frying them with classic accompaniments like bacon and chestnuts. He also proposed a more unconventional twist: a dash of curry powder, finished with grated parmesan cheese. He claimed this combination creates a fantastic flavour profile that could win over even the most ardent sprout sceptic.
Perfecting the Full Christmas Feast
Beyond the sprouts, Martin also offered crucial advice for other Christmas dinner staples. When asked by a viewer about the perfect stuffing, he delivered a clear instruction. "The key to it is, you cook the stuffing separate, so don't stuff the turkey," he stated.
He explained that people often stuff the wrong end of the bird and emphasised the importance of removing the wishbone from poultry like turkey, pheasant, or chicken before cooking. This, he quipped, is more practical than relying on it for luck. Removing it allows for clean, beautiful carving through the meat and stuffing, just as seen in television advertisements.
With these expert tips from James Martin and Tom Kerridge, home cooks across the UK have a new arsenal of ideas to ensure their festive vegetables and trimmings are anything but bland this holiday season.
