Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts

These Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts are roasted until crispy and topped with a sticky chili garlic Asian glaze. A great vegan side dish!

If prepared correctly, Brussels sprouts are one of the tastiest vegetables out there. These Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts are among my favorite ways to enjoy them.

Brussels sprouts have risen to enormous popularity in recent years. The days of boiling or steaming them have gone out the window and given way to cooking methods that are more conducive to bringing out their optimal taste and texture.

Nowadays, Brussels sprouts are often roasted or grilled and there's a good reason for it. Roasting helps to bring out their natural sweetness and makes for a crispy texture.

I love to roast Brussels sprouts, because the process is super easy and lends itself to adding any number of sauces to these once underappreciated veggies.

This version is topped with a sweet and spicy Asian sauce near the end of the roasting process and results in crispy sprouts coated in a sticky chili garlic glaze.

It's the dish I volunteer to make anyone who is still convinced they don't like Brussels sprouts.

Jump to:

• Do Brussels Sprouts Need To Be Blanched Before Roasting?
• How To Cut Brussels Sprouts
• Ingredients For Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts
• How To Roast Brussels Sprouts
• How To Make Sweet and Spicy Asian Glaze
• How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Take To Roast?
• What To Serve With Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last In The Fridge?
• Can They Be Frozen?
• Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Do Brussels Sprouts Need To Be Blanched Before Roasting?

Blanching (also known as parboiling) the Brussels sprouts involves cooking them in boiling water for a few minutes and then shocking them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process before they are roasted in the oven.

Technically, blanching them first will likely result in optimal texture, but I do not find the step to be necessary when making these Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts.

To keep this recipe simple, I opted not to blanch (or parboil) them before roasting and was perfectly satisfied with the crispy edges and tender insides of the Brussels sprouts.

How To Cut Brussels Sprouts

Chopping the Brussels sprouts for roasting is simple and only takes a few minutes.

• It's important to make sure the Brussels sprouts are all relatively even in size to ensure that they cook evenly. I find that chopping mid-size Brussels sprouts in half and large ones into quarters helps to accomplish this task.
• Make sure to trim the bottom of the Brussels sprouts, but do not remove it entirely. The bottom portion of the sprouts is what holds them together.
• Feel free to remove and discard any dirty, damaged outer leaves. Otherwise, the undamaged leaves can be added to the baking sheet and roasted along with the sprouts. Those outer leaves become nice and crispy in the oven!

Ingredients For Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Here's what you'll need to make them.

• 1 lb. Brussels Sprouts
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• ¼ tsp. each Kosher Salt and Pepper
• 1 Tbsp. Chili Garlic Sauce
• 1 Tbsp. Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce (or regular hoisin sauce if not gluten free)
• 1 tsp. Low Sodium Tamari (or low sodium soy sauce if not gluten free)
• ½ tsp. Agave Nectar (can sub maple syrup of honey)
• 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Broth (can sub chicken broth)
• Sesame Seeds for garnish (optional)

How To Roast Brussels Sprouts

Roasting is a great way to cook any vegetable, but it works especially well with this one.

There are a few steps that can be take to help to ensure the Brussels sprouts roast properly.

• Make sure that the oven temperature is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature ensures that the inside of the Brussels sprouts are tender and the outsides crispy.
• Make sure that the Brussels sprouts are completely coated in olive oil. Without enough olive oil, the sprouts will dry out as they cook.
• Do not overcrowd the pan. Make sure that there is enough room between the Brussels sprouts so that they roast and do not steam. Overcrowded veggies result in a rubbery texture.

1. Start by heating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Trim (but do not remove entirely) the bottom of the sprouts (if they are dry and brown) and remove any of the damaged or wilted outer leaves and discard. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise.
3. Cut the mid-sized Brussels sprouts in half and larger ones into quarters, so that they are relatively even in size to ensure even cooking.
4. Arrange the chopped Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet and drizzle them with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
5. Sprinkle ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper over the Brussels sprouts.
6. Toss until completely coated in the oil and spices, place the baking sheet in the oven, and roast for 15 minutes.

How To Make Sweet and Spicy Asian Glaze

I love Brussels sprouts, because they can be enjoyed on their own, or dressed up with any variety of sauces and glazes.

I find that they pair particularly well with Asian flavors. The sweet, savory, salty, and slightly spicy flavor of this glaze helps to send these sprouts over the top.

This sauce is easy to make and can be prepared while the Brussels sprouts are roasting in the oven.

1. To make the sauce, combine 1 Tbsp. chili garlic sauce, 1 Tbsp. gluten free hoisin sauce (or regular hoisin sauce if not gluten free), 1 tsp. low sodium Tamari (or low sodium soy sauce if not gluten free), ½ tsp. agave nectar (can sub maple syrup or honey), and 2 Tbsp. vegetable broth in a small bowl.
2. Stir together until completely combined.

To keep this recipe gluten free, I prepared the Asian sauce using gluten free hoisin sauce and Tamari instead of soy sauce. Feel free to use regular hoisin sauce and soy sauce if gluten is not an issue for you.

To make the recipe vegan, I opted for agave nectar, but maple syrup or brown sugar are other vegan alternatives. Feel free to use honey if preferred.

Chicken stock may also be used in place of vegetable stock.

Hoisin sauce and Tamari or soy sauce may be found in the Asian aisle of your local grocery store or purchased online.

How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Take To Roast?

To make these sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts, they are first roasted for 15 minutes in the oven, removed and tossed in the Asian glaze, and then returned to the oven for another 5 minutes.

During this time, the glaze thickens up and the Brussels sprouts become coated in it.

1. After roasting for 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
2. Pour the Asian glaze over the sprouts and toss them in it until completely coated.
3. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
5. Garnish the roasted Brussels sprouts with sesame seeds (optional).

The total cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.

What To Serve With Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This is a great easy and flavorful side dish to serve alongside any of your favorite main dishes for a weeknight dinner.

It's perfect served with roasted or grilled chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. I love Asian Brussels sprouts on top of rice, quinoa, or any type of grain.

Roasted Brussels sprouts are delicious with these Korean turkey rice bowls, teriyaki turkey bowls, ground chicken rice bowls, and teriyaki turkey meatballs.

Love Asian flavors? Check out these recipes!

• Asian Cabbage Slaw
• Asian Grilled Chicken Wings
• Thai Chicken Rice Bowls
• Thai Basil Pesto Sauce
• Vietnamese Shrimp Noodle Salad
• Smoked Salmon Rice Bowl
• Thai Potato Corn Chowder

How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last In The Fridge?

Any leftover Brussels sprouts last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Make sure to allow them to cool completely before transferring to the fridge for storage.

Can They Be Frozen?

For optimal taste and texture, I do not recommend freezing these Brussels sprouts.

Love Brussels Sprouts? Don't miss these recipes!

• Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts
• Maple Sesame Brussels Sprouts

Love roasted vegetables? Check out these recipes!

• Ranch Roasted Potatoes
• Roasted Green Beans
• Italian Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
• Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower

Looking For More Roasted Vegetables? Don't Miss These!

Roasted Ginger Garlic Bok Choy

Roasted Soy Garlic Mushrooms

Cauliflower Steaks