Sharon BrownBefore diving into the wonders of crispy Asian Brussels sprouts, let’s chat about how to elevate your meal. These remarkable sprouts pair beautifully with various dishes.
Imagine a bowl of sticky rice soaking in that delightful sauce. Or, picture them alongside grilled chicken, which balances the dish’s crunch with tender juiciness.
A rich miso-glazed salmon complements the sprouts’ flavors well. Even a simple stir-fry, loaded with colorful veggies and protein, can make a complete meal. Let’s not forget about a refreshing cucumber salad on the side, which adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the sprouts.
Now, let’s jump into the delicious world of crispy Asian Brussels sprouts!
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As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I find joy in creating dishes that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Crispy Asian Brussels sprouts are a personal favorite, and for a good reason.
They present a delightful balance of crunch and umami, perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. If you love dishes that surprise and satisfy, this one deserves a place on your table.
What Are Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts?
Crispy Asian Brussels sprouts are tender little green wonders, roasted to perfection with a delightful Asian-inspired twist. With a tantalizing glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of maple syrup, these sprouts become addictive.
They’re crispy on the outside, yet tender within, and the flavors dance on your tastebuds. Each bite offers a combination of savory and slightly sweet notes, rounded out by a subtle heat from the chili garlic paste. Trust me, once you try these, you might find yourself dreaming of them!
What Does It Taste Like?
If you’ve never tried these Brussels sprouts before, get ready for a treat. The blend of flavors is nothing short of remarkable. First, they have a nutty flavor from the toasted sesame oil, which adds depth.
The soy sauce brings in savory richness, while the maple syrup provides a natural sweetness, creating a delightful contrast of tastes. The garlic paste adds a kick that makes these sprouts stand out.
You might even find yourself savoring the crispy caramelized edges that are oh-so-addictive.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Ideal Texture Combination
The balance between crispy and tender is crucial in this dish. Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature brings out their natural sweetness, while the outer leaves get beautifully crispy. This textural harmony makes every bite enjoyable.
2. Umami Flavor Explosion
The mix of ingredients creates an umami bomb. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic work in tandem to elevate the dish. Each flavor layer enhances the others, leading to a full-bodied taste experience that makes you want more.
3. Quick and Easy Preparation
With just a few steps, you can whip these up for any occasion. This recipe doesn’t require any advanced culinary skills. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a sizzling, delightful side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
4. Versatile Serving Options
Crispy Asian Brussels sprouts shine as a side but also complement numerous mains. From grilled meats to vegan options, you can easily tailor the meal to fit any dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients for Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts
Let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we start cooking.
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Asian chili garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat is essential for crispiness.
Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the tough ends and remove any outer leaves that look questionable. Cut the sprouts in half, and set them aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. This mixture is the magic glue that’ll make your Brussels sprouts absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the glaze over the halved Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together until each sprout is evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; give them space to roast properly. If your sprouts are stacked on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Step 6: Roast in the Oven
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Keep an eye on them toward the end – you want that golden-brown perfection.
Step 7: Serve
Once done, pull them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Trust me, they will be too hot after roasting! Serve them straight away for the best texture, or at room temperature if you’re prepping for a gathering.
Notes
Here are some quick tips to ensure your crispy Asian Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time:
- Select Freshness: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green; avoid yellowing or wilting ones.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: This mixture contributes to flavor and helps achieve that desirable crispiness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili paste based on your heat preference.
- Use a Large Baking Sheet: To avoid steam, ensure the sprouts aren’t crowded on the sheet.
- Garnish Smartly: Adding sesame seeds or sliced green onions as a garnish offers a nice crunch and beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Crispy asian brussel sprouts recipe nutrition facts
How to Store Leftovers?
We all know that leftovers can be a game-changer during busy weeks. If you have any remaining crispy Asian Brussels sprouts, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
- Freezing: While freezing isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sides for Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts
Serving crispy Asian Brussels sprouts is an adventure of flavors. Here are some side dish ideas that pair well:
1. Sticky Rice
A simple bowl of sticky rice isn’t just a carb; it enhances the dish. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making every bite a delight.
2. Miso-Glazed Salmon
The rich flavors of a miso-glazed salmon highlight the sprouts’ crunch. It’s a duo that feels refreshing yet satisfying, perfect for any dinner table.
3. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
This dish caters to the veggie lovers! The crispy tofu adds protein while a mix of colorful veggies complements the Brussels sprouts’ taste.
4. Cucumber Salad
Crunchy cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds offer a fresh contrast. The slight acidity balances the richness of the roasted sprouts.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
Perhaps you don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are alternative ingredients you can swap in:
1. Brussels Sprout Alternatives
If Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing, you might substitute with cauliflower or broccoli florets. They’ll both roast to a lovely texture.
2. Maple Syrup Swaps
In a pinch? Honey or agave syrup works as a sweetener alternative. It’ll still keep that sweet-savory vibe you crave.
3. Soy Sauce Alternatives
Need a gluten-free option? Tamari sauce is perfect. Coconut aminos can serve as a milder substitute, too.
4. Chili Garlic Paste Replacement
If you can’t find chili garlic paste, sriracha or even crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick. Just gauge to your taste preference.
Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Asian chili garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat is essential for crispiness.
Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the tough ends and remove any outer leaves that look questionable. Cut the sprouts in half, and set them aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together the toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. This mixture is the magic glue that’ll make your Brussels sprouts absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
- Pour the glaze over the halved Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together until each sprout is evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
- Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; give them space to roast properly. If your sprouts are stacked on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Step 6: Roast in the Oven
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Keep an eye on them toward the end – you want that golden-brown perfection.
Step 7: Serve
- Once done, pull them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Trust me, they will be too hot after roasting! Serve them straight away for the best texture, or at room temperature if you’re prepping for a gathering.
Notes
- Select Freshness: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green; avoid yellowing or wilting ones.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: This mixture contributes to flavor and helps achieve that desirable crispiness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili paste based on your heat preference.
- Use a Large Baking Sheet: To avoid steam, ensure the sprouts aren’t crowded on the sheet.
- Garnish Smartly: Adding sesame seeds or sliced green onions as a garnish offers a nice crunch and beautiful presentation.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely, but fresh sprouts yield the best texture. If frozen, you can roast them directly; just add an extra 5 minutes to cook time.
2. How do I make these sprouts vegan?
Great news! This recipe is inherently vegan as it is. No adaptations needed; just follow along!
3. Can I air fry these Brussels sprouts?
Of course! Toss them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll turn out crispy and delicious.
4. What’s the best way to dress these before serving?
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra soy sauce can layer even more flavor on top. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish beautifully.
Conclusion
Crispy Asian Brussels sprouts are more than just a side; they’re a flavor journey waiting to happen. Easy to prepare yet rich in flavor, they can elevate any meal. Whether you enjoy them with sticky rice or grilled chicken, their versatility will impress.
Plus, with a host of alternative ingredients and sides, you’re set for success, no matter your pantry situation.
Give this recipe a shot and see if it becomes a staple in your home. Your taste buds will thank you! Remember, cooking should be fun, easy, and a little bit adventurous. Enjoy those crispy sprouts!
