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Looking for a uniquely delicious and easy way to elevate roasted brussel sprouts? Try this Asian Brussels Sprouts recipe that blends savory, sweet, and rich flavors for a dish that’s oh-so-satisfying! With the ideal balance of crispy edges, tender interiors, fresh herbs, and a silky Asian style peanut sauce, these irresistible sprouts are perfect for your next party appetizer or side dish for dinner.

“I LOVE brussels sprouts and this is such an exciting and different flavor combination! I could have stood over the sheet pan and ate them all straight from the oven with that sauce! That’s normal though I think.”

– SOPHIA
Overhead photo of a bowl of roasted brussels sprouts drizzled with a silky Asian sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

Update: This recipe was originally published in March 2018. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making the best Asian brussels sprouts at home.

Hi, friends! I’ve got a question for you today: brussels sprouts – yay or nay? I am team yay all the way. But, truth be told, I didn’t grow up eating them. And, before I attended culinary school I was absolutely convinced I hated them.

So, if you are one of those people who thinks they hate brussels sprouts, let me just say these sprouts I’m sharing today WILL change your mind! Ready? Let’s go:

About these Asian brussel sprouts

These savory, slightly smoky and sweet Asian sprouts are tender on the inside with a beautifully crisp, caramelized exterior. Strewn with nutty sesame seeds, dusted with spicy red peppers and sprinkled with salty peanuts, herbaceous cilantro and fresh scallions, these sprouts are bursting with mouthwateringly delicious flavor! Finished with a generous drizzle of creamy, silky, umami-rich, peanut sauce, these crispy brussels sprouts are crazy addictive and utterly delicious!

While they make a fantastic appetizer or stellar side dish, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t eaten an enormous serving-size bowl full of these Asian Brussels Sprouts and called it dinner! Legit, these crispy sprouts are just that good!

Why you’ll love this recipe!

This Asian brussels sprout recipe isn’t just easy and delicious—it’s also practical and versatile. Here are five great reasons why you should make this flavorful dish over others you might find online:

  • Bold and Unique Flavor Profile: Unlike standard Brussels sprouts recipes that focus solely on roasting, this recipe incorporates a well-balanced Asian-style sauce with soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice and honey. The combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavors transforms the Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy dish that packs a delicious punch in every single bite.
  • Quick and Easy to Make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this Asian style brussels sprouts recipe comes together with about 15 minutes of prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crispy, Caramelized Texture. Roasting Brussels sprouts before tossing them with this savory, silky sauce allows them to crisp up beautifully on the edges while retaining a tender inside. The result? A satisfying crunchy texture paired with the deep, bold flavor of the Asian peanut sauce, making these sprouts far more exciting than other boiled or sautéed variations.
  • Customizable to Your Taste. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want a spicier kick with chili flakes, a touch of sweetness with more honey, or even a gluten-free version using tamari instead of soy sauce, it’s simple to adjust the ingredients to match your exact taste buds.
  • Versatile Side or Main Dish. These asian style brussels sprouts aren’t just a side—they make a fantastic appetizer and main dish too! serve ’em up with extra sauce, loads of toppings, and plenty of napkins or add your favorite protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this into a complete meal. Whether paired with rice, noodles, or served solo, these Asian sprouts are a flexible and satisfying option for any occasion.
Overhead photo of raw trimmed and halved Brussel sprouts on a baking sheet - before roasting.

Ingredients for asian style brussels sprouts

This sprout recipe is made with 7 simple ingredients, plus a few pantry staples, to create an easy and delicious vegetable dish you and your family will love. Here’s what to grab:

  • Brussels Sprouts: You need two pounds of fresh brussels sprouts. Make sure you select sprouts that are roughly the same size for even roasting! (See below for tips on selecting, storing and trimming your brussels!)
  • Oil: Use a good quality olive oil to lightly coat the brussels sprouts before roasting.
  • Spices: Kosher salt, ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes all provide a delicious balance of savory and slightly spicy flavor!
  • Onions: Fresh green onions (also known as scallions) provide a delicate touch of delicious onion flavor!
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a depth of warm, citrusy flavor. If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute fresh parsley, basil or a combination of the two!
  • Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add the perfect amount of salty crunch!
  • Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds provide a delicious nutty flavor. Be sure to toast your sesame seeds to really bring out their flavor!
  • Peanut Sauce: A pantry-friendly combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey and garlic creates an addictively delicious creamy peanut dressing! The sauce is extremely simple to prepare – all you need to do is whisk or process the ingredients together! However, you can use a store-bought peanut sauce if you would like.

Recipe variations

Want to make some changes to this brussels sprouts recipe? Fantastic! I encourage you to make this dish your own! Get creative and add or substitute whatever ingredients you and your family love. Below are a few ideas to help inspire:

  • Thai-Inspired Asian Brussels Sprouts. Give this recipe a Thai flair by swapping the peanut butter for Thai chili sauce. Use chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for an entirely new take on this Asian Brussels sprouts recipe. 
  • Sweet and Sour Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts. For those who enjoy the classic sweet and sour combination, swap the silky peanut sauce for sweet and sour sauce and garnish with pineapple salsa.
  • Asian Style Brussels Sprouts with Tofu. To make this dish a satisfying vegan main, pair the Brussels sprouts with crispy pan-fried tofu. Simply cube the tofu, toss it in cornstarch, and fry in a little oil until golden brown. After roasting the sprouts, mix in the crispy tofu for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s high in protein and full of flavor.
  • Spicy Sriracha Edamame and Brussels Sprouts. For those who love a little heat, toss in some edamame beans and add a generous drizzle of Sriracha sauce to the finished dish. The spicy kick perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey peanut sauce. 
Close-up photo of crispy roasted brussels sprouts.

How to make this asian brussel sprout recipe

These crispy brussels sprouts are so simple and foolproof to make! Plus, this recipe only requires 15 minutes of hands on preparation!

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or aluminum foil, for easy clean up.
  2. Season the brussels sprouts: Add the sprouts to the baking sheet and toss them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the sprouts in an even layer, with the flat sides down.
  3. Roast the brussels sprouts in the oven, tossing them halfway through cooking, for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
  4. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Add all the ingredients, except the water, to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add in 1 tablespoon of water at a time. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
  5. Serve: Transfer the brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and pour half of the sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, peanuts, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Serve with pickled ginger and the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Follow these expert chef tips to ensure the most success!

To take your Asian Brussels sprouts recipe to the next level, follow these professional tips for perfectly roasted sprouts that are full of flavor and crunch.

  • Trim and Halve Evenly for Uniform Roasting. Ne sure to trim the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. To help them crisp up beautifully, halve or quarter the sprouts (depending upon their size) to expose more surface area to the heat. But regardless, keep the sizes uniform to ensure even cooking.
  • Preheat Your Pan for Crispier Edges. For an extra crisp, preheat your baking pan in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes before adding the brussels. 
  • Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  • Flip and Toss Halfway Through Cooking. To achieve even roasting and avoid burnt spots, toss or flip the Brussels sprouts halfway through the roasting time (around 12-15 minutes). This ensures that every side gets golden and crispy.
  • Roast Until Just Tender and Crispy. Keep a close eye on your Brussels sprouts while they’re in the oven. They’re done when the edges are crispy and golden brown, and the inside is tender, but not mushy.
  • Toss with Sauce Just After Roasting. For maximum flavor absorption, toss the Brussels sprouts in the Asian-style sauce right after roasting. This prevents the sprouts from becoming soggy and ensures they crisp up perfectly in the oven.
  • Garnish for Extra Flavor. Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, sprinkle them with fresh green onions, cilantro, peanuts, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color, freshness, flavor and texture. 

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

Step-by-step photo collage illustrating how to make Asian Brussel sprout recipe with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What do Asian sprouts taste like?

In one word: heaven!! Most people either love or loath brussels sprouts. However, truth be told, if you are one of the unfortunate people who hate them, it’s probably because you have been the victim of poorly prepared brussels sprouts.

While steaming, boiling or microwaving brussels sprouts can cause them to taste like bitter mush (and smell like a dirty gym clothes), roasting brussels sprouts produces tons of rich, caramelized flavor. Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven takes advantage of their natural sugar content. It caramelizes the sugars within the sprouts and brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, the high heat creates sprouts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Properly roasted brussels sprouts have a deeply savory and slightly nutty flavor that is to die for delicious!

Asian roasted brussel sprouts take the humble veggie to the next level with the addition of a silky peanut sauce, fresh herbs and crunchy nuts.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for roasting due to their ability to crisp up and caramelize beautifully in the oven, but you can try using frozen sprouts in a pinch. However, please note that frozen sprouts release more moisture when cooked, which will affect the texture – making them less crispy. If you want to try using frozen, be sure to thaw them and pat them completely dry before roasting to reduce try and combat the excess moisture.

How to trim Brussels sprouts before roasting?

Trimming brussels sprouts shouldn’t be intimidating! The entire process is super simple as long as you follow the tips below!

  • Wash: When ready to use, wash Brussels sprouts in cold running water. Drain well and pat them dry.
  • Trim: Use a sharp pairing knife to slice off and discard the stem (woody bottom) end of the sprouts.
  • Remove loose or discolored leaves: Peel off, remove and discard any loose, yellowing, discolored or shriveled leaves.
  • Cut: Halve or quarter any larger brussels sprouts (any about 1-inch around or larger). You want to cut the sprouts so they are all roughly around the same size for even cooking.

How do I make the brussels sprouts extra crispy?

You can create sweet, crispy restaurant-worthy brussels sprouts with a beautifully caramelized outside and tender, toothsome inside in your very own kitchen! Make soggy, sad sprouts a thing of the past with these easy, fool-proof tricks:

Secret #1: Use enough oil

Brussels sprouts need a good coating of oil to brown and tenderize in the oven. If you don’t use enough oil the sprouts will dry out (dehydrate) and become chewy. I recommend using a good quality olive oil or avocado oil. You need approximately 2 tablespoons of oil per pound. Remember, the sprouts should be well coated and appear shiny!

Secret #2: Roast right on the pan

Listen, I’m all for easy cleanup and I love using non-stick aluminum foil or silicone baking mats. However, easy clean up has its time and place – and this ain’t it. Using baking mats or non-stick foil prevents the sprouts from becoming supremely crispy. For the crispiest texture, roast the sprouts right on the baking sheet. Or, if you must, use parchment paper and still get easy cleanup.

Secret #3: Don’t overcrowd the pan

Never ever overcrowd your roasting pan or baking sheet!! In order to properly roast and caramelize there needs to be enough space around each sprout for air to circulate. If you overload and crowd the sprouts on the pan they will steam instead of roast. Steamed brussels sprouts taste like sulphur while roasted sprouts taste delicious! If you are roasting a few pounds of sprouts use two baking sheets and make sure you rotate the sheets from top to bottom half way through roasting.

Secret #4: Roast cut-side down

If your brussels sprouts are larger in size you will need to halve or quarter them before roasting. If you have cut your sprouts, make sure you place them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roasting them flat-side down allows for the perfect surface area for beautiful browning.

Secret #5: Use enough heat

You need to roast brussels sprouts at high heat in order for the outside to caramelize. If you use too low heat they will turn out soggy. However, if your heat is too high, they will burn before the inside turns toothsome. The best roasted vegetables are roasted between 400° to 450°F. If you have a convection oven I highly recommend using it. To convert the temperature to convection, simply reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and keep the time the same.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you want to amp up the heat in your Asian brussel sprouts, there are a few options:

  • Add red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce before tossing the sprouts. Start with a pinch and adjust to your desired spice level.
  • Use fresh chili peppers like Thai bird’s eye chilies or jalapeños, either chopped or sliced, as a garnish.
  • Incorporate spicy Sriracha sauce: Simply stir a tablespoon (or more, depending on how much heat you want) into the sauce mixture for a bold, spicy kick.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the Asian style peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on busy days.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

While you can prepare any recipe ahead of time – this Asian Brussels sprout recipe included – I will always recommend eating them fresh for the best flavor. While you can roast the brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the fridge, they’ll most definitely lose their crispness, but they’ll still taste delicious.

If you’re looking to save time, I recommend prepping the brussel sprouts and making the peanut sauce ahead of time. That way, you just need to pop them in the oven to roast.

Angled photo of asian style brussels sprouts with peanut soy sauce, fresh herbs, and sesame seeds.

Serving asian roasted brussel sprouts

Common serving suggestions

Unique serving ideas

  • With Sushi. Serve Asian sprouts as a side dish with sushi rolls, sashimi, spicy tuna, or seared sesame tuna. The combination of the crispy, savory sprouts and delicate sushi creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
  • Top with a Fried Egg. For a hearty breakfast or brunch, top the Asian style Brussels sprouts with a fried egg or two. The runny yolk mixes perfectly with the savory Brussels sprouts and sauce, creating a rich, satisfying dish.
  • As a Topping for Grain Bowls. Add Asian Brussels sprouts to a nourishing grain bowl with quinoa, farro, or rice. Serve with cucumber and avocado salad, asian cucumber salad or Chinese cabbage, and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a drizzle of soy sauce for a healthy, balanced lunch or dinner.
  • On an Asian Salad. For a fresh and crisp twist, toss roasted Asian Brussels sprouts on top of a salad. Pair with mixed greens, avocado, and a sesame dressing for a crunchy, flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and nutrient-packed.

Storing leftovers

Storage instructions

  • Refrigeration: After cooking, allow the Asian Brussel sprout recipe to cool completely to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Sauce Storage: I recommend storing the sprouts separate from Asian style sauce to avoid sogginess. Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. (Tip: you can use for other dishes like stir-fries!)
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezing instructions 

  • Please Note: While it’s possible to freeze this recipe for Asian roasted Brussels sprouts, keep in mind that the texture may soften upon thawing, and they will probably lose some of their crispness.
  • To Freeze: Place the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe storage bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Overhead photo of crispy roasted brussel sprouts drizzled with an Asian peanut sauce.

Easy to make and even easier to devour, these Roasted Asian Brussels Sprouts belong on your table! Trust me, your life absolutely needs these stellar sprouts!!

Until next week, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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More brussels sprouts side dishes!

If you love this Asian vegetable side dish, try one of these delicious family favorites next:

Close-up photo of asian brussel sprouts drizzled with a soy sauce and peanut sauce.

Asian Brussel Sprouts

5 from 2 votes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Looking for a uniquely delicious and easy way to elevate roasted brussel sprouts? Try this Asian Brussels Sprouts recipe that blends savory, sweet, and rich flavors for a dish that's oh-so-satisfying! With the ideal balance of crispy edges, tender interiors, fresh herbs, and a silky Asian style peanut sauce, these irresistible sprouts are perfect for your next party appetizer or side dish for dinner.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Rimmed Baking Sheet – for roasting the brussels sprouts
  • 1 Food Processor or Mixing Bowl – for making the Asian peanut sauce

Ingredients 

Peanut Sauce:

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Arrange oven rack to the center position and then preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean up.
  • Season Brussels Sprouts:  Add the brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with the olive oil. Use your hands to toss the sprouts until they're fully coated in the oil.
    Next, season the brussels sprouts generously with salt and pepper and toss again to coat.
    Then, use your fingers to arrange the sprouts in a single, even layer on the pan, with the flat sides of the sprouts down – touching the pan.
  • Roast Brussel Sprouts in Oven: Transfer the brussels sprouts to the preheated oven and roast, tossing them at the halfway point, for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
  • Meanwhile, Make the Asian Style Peanut Sauce: Add all the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
    Cover the bowl and process the ingredients until completely smooth.
    Taste and adjust the peanut sauce. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add a little water with the machine running until desired consistency is achieved. (SEE NOTES)
  • Toss Sprouts with Sauce: Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl or serving bowl. Drizzle a little (less than half) of the peanut sauce over the sprouts and toss well to coat.
  • Serve Asian Style Brussels Sprouts: Garnish the Asian sprouts with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, roasted peanuts, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds, if using. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce over the top or serve on the side. Enjoy immediately!
    Overhead, landscape shot of crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts drizzled with peanut sauce in a white serving bowl with a pale blue linen, ramekin of peanuts, lime wedges, and forks surrounding the bowl.

Video

Notes

  1. Purchasing Brussels Sprouts: When purchasing your brussels sprouts, look for sprouts that are close in size.  If you have to purchase brussels sprouts that greatly vary in size, make sure you halve or quarter them depending on how large they are.  You want to prep them to be roughly the same size for even roasting.
  2. Peanut Sauce: If you don’t have a small food processor, you can easily make the peanut sauce by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl.  Just make sure to mince the garlic and whisk everything together well!  If you are having a tough time whisking it by hand, microwave the sauce for 15-20 seconds to make it easier to mix together. To make the sauce in advance: Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  The cold temperature will cause the sauce to thicken, so simply whisk in a bit of water to loosen it up when ready to use.
  3. Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust recipes to your own liking!  This definitely applies to the peanut sauce.  Make sure you taste it and adjust it for seasoning and consistency.  Add more honey for sweetness, more lime juice for sourness, and more sriracha for spice!  If you want a thinner sauce, add in more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
  4. Crispy Sprouts: If you like your brussels sprouts crispy, do no toss them with the peanut sauce! Either serve the sauce on the side, or lightly drizzle the sauce over the sprouts right before serving. 
  5. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal    Carbohydrates: 34g    Protein: 12g    Fat: 20g    Saturated Fat: 3g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g    Monounsaturated Fat: 13g    Sodium: 361mg    Potassium: 1028mg    Fiber: 10g    Sugar: 13g    Vitamin A: 1734IU    Vitamin C: 195mg    Calcium: 106mg    Iron: 4mg

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