The Vegetable Guy Fieri Says He Can't Live Without

When you hear the name Guy Fieri, you may envision cheesy chili burgers and loaded gravy fries, and you're not alone. Fieri's "Diners Drive-Ins and Dives" television show features his never-ending U.S. road trip in search of the best "greasy spoon" restaurants in America. Food Network says that the food connoisseur grubs on everything from old school fare to gourmet cuisine.

Aside from his mouthwatering recipes, Fieri has achieved some noteworthy accomplishments, including being named as a New York Times Best Selling author, opening a number of restaurants, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for "Guy Fieri's Family Reunion," and receiving his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (making him the third chef to be awarded with the high honor).

It is safe to say Fieri knows a thing or two about food and cooking, so when he says he can't live without one particular vegetable, we're all ears.

What is Guy Fieri's favorite veggie?

Guy Fieri says he can't live without Brussels sprouts. The green veggie makes his list of favs for many reasons. He told Today, "If I had to pick one thing that I couldn't live without, it'd probably be soy sauce or Brussels sprouts." Guy also points out that he loves all types of Asian food by commenting about the cuisine, "That's my jam. Anywhere. Anytime."

According to the New York Times, the green vegetable can be cooked in various ways, from steaming to roasting. He tells Today that he doesn't eat meat for every meal. And, when he does eat meat, it's in moderation. Fieri also shares that meals at home often consist of nutritious, well-balanced portions of plant-based foods.

Back to Brussels sprouts: Fieri has a few tasty Brussels sprout recipes that include bacon, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan and are easy to whip up. And, according to Epicurious, the mouthwatering veggie doesn't have to be a side dish. It can make a great entrée, too.

Guy Fieri likes his Brussels sprouts 'bumped-up'

Guy Fieri amps up the nutritional notes in his Bumped-Up Brussels Sprout recipe. According to Food Network, the ingredients call for diced pancetta, capers, pine nuts, currants, raisins, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and, the star of the show, Brussels sprouts.

The recipe involves a small number of simple steps: Cook the pancetta and capers on the stovetop over medium heat, then remove them from the pan while reserving the pancetta fat. Next, cook the Brussels sprouts in the fat until brown. After that, dress the sprouts with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until caramelized. After removing them from the oven, sprinkle with the pancetta and caper mix, and top with toasted pine nuts, raisins, and currants, toss and serve.

According to Greatest, one cup of plain, cooked Brussels sprouts yields 129% of your daily Vitamin C, 238% of your daily Vitamin K, 70 calories, and 5.5 grams of protein.

Guy Fieri's My Brother Brussels recipe offers a different spin

Guy Fieri's My Brother Brussels recipe, shared by Food Network is a flavorful recipe that includes Brussels sprouts, bacon, yellow onion, unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. The recipe is easy to make, taking just 50 minutes.

The Brother Brussels recipe requires adding Brussels sprouts to salted water and bringing them to a boil. Allow them to boil for eight to 10 minutes, then drain the sprouts and place them in an ice bath to cool. Next, cut the Brussels sprouts into lengthwise slices and set them aside. 

As the sprouts sit out, sauté the bacon over medium heat on the stovetop until crisp. Then, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Continue by sautéing the onions until they are caramelized and transparent, between five to six minutes. Add the butter and Brussels sprouts to the pan and sauté for three to four additional minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan. Serve while warm.

Craving more Brussels sprout recipes from the celebrity chef? Today shared a clip featuring Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb in which Fieri whipped up bacon roasted turkey breast with Brussels sprouts.