• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Well Vegan
  • Recipes
  • Our Cookbook
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Frugal Vegan Cookbook
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Most Popular

    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    Oct 18, 2023 · by Kate Kasbee · Modified: Aug 6, 2024

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 16 reviews

    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.

    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts this recipe

    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.


    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.

    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    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 in a skillet overhead view.

    How to pick good sprouts

    Picking good Brussels sprouts involves a few key tips. You'll often see precut Brussels sprouts at the store, but I prefer the whole ones. It's a little extra work, but they're always fresher.

    1. Look for Bright Green Color: Choose Brussels sprouts that are a vibrant green. Dull or yellowing sprouts might be past their prime.
    2. Check for Firmness: They should feel firm and compact when you squeeze them lightly. Avoid any that are soft or have dark spots.
    3. Size Matters: Opt for smaller to medium-sized sprouts. They tend to be more tender and flavorful. Larger ones can be tougher and more bitter.
    4. Leaves Condition: The outer leaves should be tightly packed and not wilted or loose. A few outer leaves may be damaged, but they should be easily removable.
    5. Smell: Fresh Brussels sprouts should have a mild, slightly sweet smell. If they smell overly pungent or sulfurous, they might be overripe.
    6. Check for Moisture: They should look dry and not slimy or damp.

    When you get them home, store Brussels sprouts in the fridge in a perforated bag or container to keep them fresh for longer.

    Nutritional value of Brussels sprouts

    I use to think these little sprouts were void of any dense nutritional value. Like the iceberg lettuce of the roasted vegetables.

    But Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse with a myriad of health benefits—packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These mini-cabbages are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health, while their high vitamin K content contributes to bone strength.

    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.

    The recipe below makes 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.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    Spicy Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 16 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
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    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. Prep your sprouts. 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.
    2. Bake your sprouts. 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.
    3. Make the sauce. 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.
    4. Bring it all together. 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.
    5. Serve. Serve Brussels sprouts as a side dish or scoop over rice for a heartier meal.

    Equipment

    chili garlic sauce, two jars.

    chili garlic sauce

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    If you're not a big fan of spice, cut back on the chili garlic sauce. 

    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

    More spicy recipes you'll love

    Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach

    Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach

    Spicy Miso Soba Noodle Soup

    Spicy Miso Soba Noodle Soup

    Spicy Peanut Soup with Coconut and Kale

    Spicy Peanut Soup with Coconut and Kale

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Allen Dowdy

      March 18, 2025 at 1:55 pm

      This recipe is fire. I sub hot honey for the maple syrup.

      Reply
    2. mayte

      February 13, 2025 at 12:50 pm

      delicious!!!!!

      Reply
    3. Jason King

      May 30, 2024 at 7:20 pm

      Best brussel sprouts recipe I have ever made, just heavenly - I used chilli oil instead of the chilli and garlic oil, and OMG, it had a kick lol. I also used 1.5 of the maple syrup. I can't rave enough about this!!

      Reply
      • Katie Koteen

        August 19, 2024 at 6:39 pm

        Really glad you LOVED them! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Alex

      February 14, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      It's ok. Way too salty for my taste. I'll try again with half the soy sauce.

      Reply
    5. Jean Ferris

      January 16, 2024 at 3:05 pm

      Delish! Didn’t have Brussels sprouts (they had died in the bottom of the fridge) but used cauliflower, broccoli, red pepper and onion. Threw in some garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds and served over basmati rice. YUM YUM!

      Reply
    6. 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!

      Reply
    7. 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!

      Reply
    8. 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! 🙂

      Reply
    9. 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!

      Reply
    10. 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.

      Reply
    11. Joette

      July 12, 2020 at 10:52 am

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

      Reply
    12. 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!

      Reply
    13. 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.

      Reply
      • Katie Koteen

        January 13, 2020 at 7:42 am

        Yes absolutely! Coconut aminos would work great.

        Reply
    14. Gina

      May 20, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      Very good. I added tofu and bell pepper.

      Reply
    15. Jenn

      March 08, 2019 at 2:23 pm

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

      Reply
    16. 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

      Reply
      • Katie Koteen

        December 06, 2018 at 4:58 pm

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

        Reply
    17. 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!

      Reply
      • Kate Kasbee

        October 29, 2018 at 12:15 pm

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

        Reply
    18. 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.

      Reply
    19. Georgia

      April 04, 2017 at 11:36 am

      This one was a hit with my family! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Well Vegan

        April 05, 2017 at 11:56 am

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

        Reply
    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.

      Reply
      • 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!

        Reply
    21. 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!

      Reply
      • Kate Kasbee

        March 16, 2017 at 9:12 am

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

        Reply
    22. Georgia

      March 07, 2017 at 1:19 pm

      Making this tomorrow. I may add tempeh.

      Reply
      • Well Vegan

        March 08, 2017 at 5:59 pm

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

        Reply
    23. John

      March 07, 2017 at 10:45 am

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

      Reply
      • Kate Kasbee

        March 07, 2017 at 11:58 am

        Thanks, John! Let us know what you think.

        Reply
    24. Cara

      March 07, 2017 at 9:51 am

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

      Reply
      • 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.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Our Cookbooks

    cookbook

    IndieBound / Powells / Amazon

    cookbook

    IndieBound / Barnes and Noble / Powells / Amazon

    About Well Vegan

    katie and kate

    Katie and Kate are two vegans maintaining a cross-country friendship swapping recipes and writing cookbooks. About Us...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS

    Our Favorite Recipes

    Herbed Butternut Squash Wellington

    mini vegan pumpkin pies

    28 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

    Sweet Potato, Fig, and Rosemary Stuffing.

    Sweet Potato, Fig, and Rosemary Stuffing

    Fall Panzanella

    Fall Panzanella Salad

    hearty vegetable chili

    Hearty Vegetable Chili

    roasted carrot soup with curry.

    Roasted Carrot Curry Soup

    More Recipes

    Footer


    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Budget Recipes
    • Desserts Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Easy Recipes
    • Vegan + GF Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups

    More

    • About
    • The Frugal Vegan Cookbook
    • Vegan Starter Guide
    • Vegan Batch Cooking Guide
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 Well Vegan · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Affiliate terms · Legal

    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts