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Home » Recipes » Side

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

Mar 3, 2017 · by Kate Kasbee · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments · Modified: Sep 22, 2022

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Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

I have always been someone who puts hot sauce on everything, and vegetables are no exception. So when I saw Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts on the menu at Beatrix in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, I knew they would be right up my alley. As predicted, those spicy sprouts were the highlight of my meal. Obviously, I had to recreate them in my home kitchen, and I’m thrilled to say they were a success.

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts this recipe
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts


If you wrinkle your nose at the mention of Brussels sprouts, you’re definitely not alone. They have a pretty bad reputation, being the stinky mini cabbages that they are. But if you haven’t tried them since your mom forced you to choke them down at the dinner table, this recipe is a fantastic re-introduction. Likewise, if you’ve never had Brussels sprouts, roasting and tossing them with spicy kung pao sauce and crunchy peanuts is a great way to see if you like them.

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

The recipe below yields about three to four small servings as a side, or two servings if you’re eating the sprouts as an entrée over rice or quinoa. For extra protein, I recommend frying some tofu and tossing it in the sauce with the Brussels sprouts just before serving. By the way, the sauce is inspired by one of my all-time favorite meals by Minimalist Baker. Her General Tso’s Tofu Stir Fry is simply incredible. I turned up the heat in my iteration; so if you’re sensitive to spicy foods, cut the chili garlic sauce in half.

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Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

Spicy Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Well Vegan
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: Vegan
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Description

These tender roasted Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are tossed with spicy chili sauce and crunchy peanuts. They work great as a side or served over rice.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. chili garlic sauce (I used the Huy Fong brand)
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • ½ Tbsp. + 2 tsp. sesame oil, divided
  • ½ Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. water
  • 1 bundle green onions, sliced on the bias
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts
  • Cooked rice for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cut the hard ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. If you have any exceptionally large sprouts, quarter them. Transfer the sprouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to evenly coat. Roast for 20 – 25 minutes, flipping the sprouts halfway through to ensure even browning. When done, the Brussels sprouts should be tender and caramelized on the edges.
  2. Meanwhile, make your sauce. Combine the chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar and water in a mixing bowl. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Set sauce aside.
  3. Add ½ tablespoon of sesame oil to a large, deep skillet and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the green onion and sauté until bright green and slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and add them to the skillet. Toss with the green onion and sauté for a minute more. Then pour in the sauce. Continue to cook for 2 – 3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the sprouts are coated. Remove from heat and stir in the peanuts.
  4. Serve Brussels sprouts as a side dish or scoop over rice for a heartier meal.

Equipment

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baking sheets

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chili garlic sauce

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Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 121
  • Sugar: 6.4 g
  • Sodium: 347.4 mg
  • Fat: 6.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
  • Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 4.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: brussels sprouts recipe, roasted brussels sprouts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Coby

    January 07, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    These Brussels sprouts are incredible! I’ve made them three times in less than a month, and just bought more sprouts to make them for a fourth time. Such a delicious recipe!






  2. Ashley

    October 10, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    These are INSANELY good! Made these for a podcast I co-host called "Food Is Your Friend" - this one definitely makes the BFF list!






  3. Debbie

    April 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    I added red bell pepper and chickpeas to make it a hardier meal. My husband recently agreed to stop eating meat at my request and I need to fill him up with goodness! 🙂






  4. Carolyn

    November 19, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Made this tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. Made as directed, except for omission of green onions( didn’t have) and fresh ginger(used dried... ) . I served over baked tofu and it was delicious!

  5. Kanika

    August 01, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe. It’s our family’s new favourite and very easy to prepare.






  6. Joette

    July 12, 2020 at 10:52 am

    I have made this recipe a few times & always a big hit. Love it!!






  7. Nikki

    February 24, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Yum! I made these as-is with the exception of subbing 1 Tbsp. Sriracha instead of 2 Tbsp. chili garlic sauce (because I don't have any). I think I'll add in some tempeh and red pepper with the green onion next time for added color and protein. Loved the sauce... and, of course, roasted Brussels sprouts are *always* good. Thank you!






  8. Katie Koteen

    January 13, 2020 at 7:42 am

    Yes absolutely! Coconut aminos would work great.

  9. Allison

    January 12, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    These are so good! I’m thinking about taking these to a party tomorrow night but the host is gluten free. Would coconut aminos be a good substitute for the soy sauce in this recipe? I’ve never used it before.






  10. Gina

    May 20, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Very good. I added tofu and bell pepper.

  11. Jenn

    March 08, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    Sooooo good, easy to make and definitely is a favorite in my house






  12. Katie Koteen

    December 06, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    Bell pepper is such a great addition! Glad you liked it.

  13. Maria

    November 28, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    This was delicious! I made it as a main course with brown basmati rice. My husband could stop eating it. I just added a bell pepper for color. Thank you. Maria






  14. Kate Kasbee

    October 29, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Thrilled you liked the Brussels sprouts! They're one of my favorite recipes.

  15. Sue

    October 17, 2018 at 6:29 pm

    Wow! I made these first before the coconut tofu and I hope there will be some Brussels left for dinner. Thank for an amazing recipe!






  16. Heidi

    July 28, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    Love this recipe and I haven’t even made it with brussel sprouts yet! So far, I’ve swapped in cauliflower, broccoli, tofu, and even beef (sorry, vegans). It’s turned out great every time. This sauce is seriously good and should be used on all the things. Now, I just need to remember it when I have brussels in the fridge.






  17. Well Vegan

    April 05, 2017 at 11:56 am

    They're so good!!! Definitely on high rotation with my family too 🙂

  18. Georgia

    April 04, 2017 at 11:36 am

    This one was a hit with my family! Thanks!

  19. Kate Kasbee

    March 16, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    I totally agree. Brussels sprouts have been largely misunderstood, and I'm thrilled to see them getting the flavor makeovers they need to go mainstream! I hope you love the recipe!

  20. Karly

    March 16, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    I am seriously loving the Brussels sprouts craze going on at the moment. There are so many ways to make these little green guys taste SO good, and they're packed with so many good things for you! This recipe looks so flavorful and so amazing. Definitely pinning right this second.

  21. Kate Kasbee

    March 16, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Me too! These totally hit the spot. I hope you enjoy them!

  22. Bethany @ athletic avocado

    March 16, 2017 at 6:26 am

    These brussels look INSANELY delish! I've been all about the restaurant-style crispy brussels lately, and I cannot get enough!

  23. Well Vegan

    March 08, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Ohhhh, such a good idea. Maybe over some rice?? Let us know how it goes!!

  24. Georgia

    March 07, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    Making this tomorrow. I may add tempeh.

  25. Kate Kasbee

    March 07, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Thanks, John! Let us know what you think.

  26. Kate Kasbee

    March 07, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Hey Cara! Absolutely. You'll just want to let the frozen Brussels sprouts thaw before putting them in the oven. I like to pre-heat the oven with the baking sheet inside to warm it up. When you put the frozen sprouts on the hot sheet, they thaw really quickly.

  27. John

    March 07, 2017 at 10:45 am

    Always looking for a new brussels sprouts recipe. Sounds great!

  28. Cara

    March 07, 2017 at 9:51 am

    This looks amazing! Do you think you could use frozen Brussels sprouts?

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