Get ready to discover the best Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts recipe that will revolutionize your side dish game! This irresistible dish is a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Imagine restaurant-quality sprouts, charred to perfection and coated in a glaze so addicting you’ll crave them every week. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe focuses on simplicity and incredible flavor, making it accessible for any home cook.
This phenomenal recipe comes from Brandon (also known as @dadacookstoo), a culinary enthusiast who shares his passion for creating exceptional dishes at home. We’re confident you’ll become just as obsessed with these Brussels sprouts as we are!
Have you ever had a restaurant dish so incredibly good that it haunts you until you figure out how to recreate it yourself? That’s exactly the story behind these Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts. It all started with a memorable dining experience that inspired a weekend-long mission in the kitchen. While the original sprouts cost a mere $10, the entire evening felt like a $70 affair after factoring in a babysitter to “watch” our sleeping boys. The quest to recreate that perfect dish, without the hefty price tag of an evening out, became a personal challenge.
Beyond the joy of cooking, there’s a certain satisfaction in mastering restaurant-caliber dishes in your own home. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about the pure pleasure of culinary experimentation and the pride of serving something truly special. For me, the kitchen is a creative sanctuary, a place where I gladly invest in gadgets like a meat grinder, pasta maker, and a sous vide. These tools aren’t just for convenience; they’re gateways to exploring new culinary horizons and recreating gourmet experiences right in my own dining room.
Unlocking Crispy Green Euphoria: The Uchi Inspiration
These now legendary Brussels sprouts were directly inspired by one of my absolute favorite restaurants, Uchi. Originating in Austin, Texas, Uchi has expanded to several other cities, including Dallas, enchanting diners with its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. Every dish at Uchi is a testament to culinary artistry, and their Brussels sprouts are nothing short of crispy green euphoria. The explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, coupled with an unparalleled texture, leaves a lasting impression. While Uchi likely achieves its signature crispiness through deep-frying, our home version offers an equally amazing texture with a much simpler, less messy high-heat roasting method.
Roasting vs. Frying: The Mess-Free Path to Crispy Perfection
The Uchi Brussels sprouts boast a profound depth of flavor, hitting all the right notes: sweet, spicy, and savory simultaneously. While their secret might lie in deep-frying, a technique that undoubtedly delivers incredible results, it often comes with a significant drawback: the mess. Frying can transform your kitchen into a chaotic battleground of oil splatters and lingering aromas. It’s a bit like giving your kids an ice cream cone – pure joy in the moment, but the aftermath often requires a full-scale cleanup operation!
That’s why our recipe opts for a high-heat roasting method. This approach achieves an almost identical texture to frying – perfectly crispy edges with tender interiors – but without the hassle of excessive oil, lingering smells, and laborious cleanup. Roasting not only makes the cooking process far more enjoyable but also offers a healthier alternative without compromising on that coveted “crispy green euphoria.” It’s a win-win: gourmet flavor with home-cook convenience.
Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
Crafting these delectable Brussels sprouts requires a blend of fresh produce and pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in developing the complex flavor profile. You’ll find the specific measurements in the recipe card below, but here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: The star of our dish! Halved sprouts allow for maximum surface area to get crispy and absorb the incredible sauce. Look for firm, vibrant green sprouts.
- Vegetable Oil (or other high-heat oil such as grapeseed oil or sesame oil): Essential for achieving that perfect crispiness during roasting. High-heat oils can withstand the oven’s temperature without burning, ensuring a beautiful char.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the foundational savory, umami flavor. For an extra layer of depth, a dash of fish sauce can be added to the glaze.
- Maple Syrup: Contributes natural sweetness that balances the savory and spicy notes, creating a delightful glaze. Ensure you use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: A bright, acidic component that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh zest to the sauce. About half a large lemon usually does the trick.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and flavor, infusing the sauce with a robust kick.
- Sriracha Sauce: Delivers the perfect amount of heat, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your preference. It also adds a touch of tangy sweetness.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aroma.
- Kosher Salt: Crucial for seasoning the Brussels sprouts before roasting, drawing out moisture and enhancing their natural flavors, contributing to their crispiness.
Supplies:
- Rimmed Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting to prevent any oil or sprouts from falling off.
- Heavy Duty Foil: Makes cleanup incredibly easy and helps with even roasting.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the roasted sprouts with the delicious sauce.
- Sauté Pan: For reducing the sauce to a thick, glossy consistency.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving restaurant-quality crispy Brussels sprouts at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to create a side dish that will impress everyone:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven rack on the very top for optimal crisping. While the oven heats, prepare your Brussels sprouts: trim the tough base off each sprout, then slice them in half lengthwise from top to bottom. Discard any loose or discolored outer leaves.
- Clean and Dry: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl and soak them in water for about a minute. This helps to clean them thoroughly. After soaking, drain them well and spread them out on a layer of paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly – this step is crucial for achieving crispiness, as excess moisture will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This not only aids in even heat distribution but also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Oil and Season: Arrange the dried Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Generously drizzle them with your chosen high-heat oil (vegetable, grapeseed, or sesame oil work best; avoid olive oil as its low smoke point isn’t ideal for this high-heat roasting). Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Toss and Roast: Using your hands, gently toss the Brussels sprouts to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in oil and salt. Arrange them again in an even, single layer on the baking sheet. Place the sheet on the top rack of your preheated oven and roast for approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Stir for Even Crisping: To ensure all sides get beautifully crispy and charred, stir the Brussels sprouts after 20 minutes and again after 40 minutes of roasting. This promotes even cooking and prevents one side from burning while others remain soft.
- Prepare the Glaze: During the final 5-10 minutes of the Brussels sprouts’ cooking time, begin preparing the flavorful Asian glaze. In a small sauté pan over medium-high heat, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, sriracha, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are perfectly crispy and slightly charred, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour a portion of the reduced sauce over the sprouts and toss gently. The key here is to coat them lightly, not to drown them, so they retain their crisp texture. You might have a little extra sauce left over, which can be served on the side for dipping if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Maximizing Crispiness and Flavor
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your Brussels sprouts plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they will steam instead of roast, preventing that coveted crispy texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: As mentioned, moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Ensure your sprouts are as dry as possible after washing.
- High Heat is Key: The 400°F oven temperature is critical. It allows the sprouts to char and caramelize quickly, developing deep flavor and a crispy exterior.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your liking. For a milder flavor, reduce it; for more heat, add an extra dash.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delectable Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts (which is unlikely, they’re that good!), proper storage and reheating can help maintain their deliciousness.
- Storage: Store any leftover roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To bring back their crispy texture, avoid the microwave. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover sprouts in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Reheat for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crisp again. This method will help restore much of their original crunch and flavor.
Watch the Recipe in Action
For those who prefer a visual guide, a video demonstrating how to make these Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts is also available. Seeing each step come to life can be incredibly helpful in perfecting your technique and achieving the best possible results.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and tasting these Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts. This recipe is a testament that delicious, restaurant-inspired food is well within reach for every home cook. If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your culinary creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us, or tag us on Instagram at @thebakermama and @dadacookstoo. Your creativity with our recipes is always inspiring!
– Brandon
Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama (Recipe by Brandon)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Vegetable
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
The best crispy Brussels sprouts that are sweet, spicy, savory, and oh so addicting!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil such as grapeseed oil or sesame oil)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about half a large lemon)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a rack on the very top.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the base of each sprout, slicing them in half from top to bottom, and removing any excess or loose exterior leaves.
- Soak the cut Brussels sprouts for a minute in water to clean them thoroughly.
- Drain the sprouts and spread them out on a paper towel to dry completely while the oven is preheating.
- Cover a large rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easier cleanup) and spread the dried Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on the pan.
- Generously drizzle the sprouts with the oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Stir with your hands to ensure all Brussels sprouts are well-oiled and salted.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven on the top rack and roast for about 45-60 minutes. After 20 and 40 minutes, stir the Brussels sprouts to ensure all sides get crispy and charred evenly.
- During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking the sprouts, reduce the remaining ingredients (soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, sriracha, lemon juice, and black pepper) in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until the sauce is thickened, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven once they are all crispy and slightly charred to your liking.
- Place the hot Brussels sprouts in a bowl and toss with some of the reduced sauce. Add the sauce a little at a time, ensuring the sprouts are coated but not soaked, to retain their crispy texture. You may have a small amount of leftover sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!