Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

This kung pao Brussel sprouts recipe allows you to get a taste of Asian cuisine without ordering take-out. It combines the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors of kung pao sauce with the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts.

What Are Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts?

This kung pao Brussel sprouts recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish made with Brussel sprouts and spicy kung pao sauce. Kung pao sauce is often made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, vinegar or chili paste, and a sweetener, such as brown sugar or honey.

Brussel sprouts are cruciferous vegetables. Eating Brussel sprouts can help you meet your daily recommendations for vegetables. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and K, and fiber.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Recipe

For the veggies:

• Brussel sprouts (fresh or frozen; thaw if frozen)
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh ginger root
• Green onions
• Toasted peanuts
• Cooking oil

For the sauce:

• Sriracha sauce
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Chili flakes
• Corn flour
• Water

How to Make Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

1. Grate the garlic and ginger. Chop the fresh green onions and reserve the green parts for garnish. Chop the peanuts into large pieces.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cleaned Brussels sprouts and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the sprouts from the pan and set aside.
3. Heat the remaining cooking oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until golden and fragrant.
4. Add the browned Brussels sprouts back to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes with the garlic and ginger.
5. Mix the corn flour with the water in a separate bowl until it dissolves. Set aside
6. In a different bowl, mix the sriracha sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
7. Add the sauce and the chopped white parts of the onion to the pan. Cook for 1 minute.
8. Add the corn flour-water mixture to the pan and cook until it thickens to your preference.
9. Garnish with the chopped green parts of the onion and the chopped peanuts.

How to Serve Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

You can serve kung pao Brussel sprouts as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or quinoa. These Brussel sprouts are also great in wraps and tacos. Serve your kung pao Brussel sprouts with extra chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Tips and Variations for this Dish

You can adapt kung pao Brussel sprouts to different tastes and diets. Here are some tips for making the best kung pao Brussel sprouts:

• Use the freshest Brussel sprouts you can find for the best results.
• If you use frozen Brussel sprouts, thaw them and dry them before cooking.
• Be careful not to overcook the sprouts because this can cause them to become bitter.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water to the pan to thin it.
• Use ground ginger in a jar in a pinch, but it may not offer the same depth of flavor as fresh grated ginger.
• If you like your food spicy, add more sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the kung pao sauce.
• Substitute cauliflower or broccoli for the Brussel sprouts.
• To add an extra layer of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the finished dish.
• Serve your Brussel sprouts with crispy wonton strips or sesame seeds for added texture and crunch.

How to Store Leftovers

It is best to eat these kung pao Brussel sprouts right after you finish cooking them. But if there are any leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Other Brussels Sprouts Recipes

• Brussels Sprouts and Farro Salad
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
• Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Fig Glaze
• Homemade Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Brussels Sprouts