Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy your veggies, let me introduce you to my favorite dish: Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts! This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a flavorful explosion that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. The spicy kick from the red chili peppers combined with the savory tamari sauce makes this dish truly special. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts will be a hit on any table!

Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this recipe is both simple and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a tasty side that brightens up any meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up quickly.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors!
• Make-ahead convenience: These sprouts can be roasted ahead of time and tossed in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavorful and fun: The combination of textures from crispy sprouts and crunchy peanuts is delightful.
• Versatile dish: Serve them as a side or toss them on top of your favorite grain bowl for added flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

For the Roasted Brussel Sprouts

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-5 red chili peppers (small and dried)

For the Sauce

• 2 green onions (sliced; separate the green tops from the white bottoms)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly minced)
• ¼ cup tamari sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon keto brown sugar substitute
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional)

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

• Add some protein: Toss in cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
• Change up the nuts: Swap roasted peanuts for cashews or almonds for a different crunch.
• Make it spicier: If you love heat, add more chili peppers or try fresh ones instead of dried.
• Add veggies: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

Step 1: Roast the Brussel Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss those lovely halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spreading them cut-side down on your baking sheet allows them to roast beautifully. In about 20-25 minutes, they’ll become golden brown and crispy – just what we want!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While those sprouts are roasting away, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the red chili peppers along with minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sautéing these ingredients together helps release their fragrant oils, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Make It Saucy

Now it’s time to stir in our flavorful ingredients! Add tamari sauce, rice vinegar, keto brown sugar substitute, and sesame oil to your skillet. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together. If you’re using xanthan gum, whisk it in now for that perfect glaze.

Step 4: Combine It All Together

Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, add them directly into the skillet with that tempting sauce. Toss everything together until each sprout gets coated evenly. This step is crucial because we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer your Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts to a serving dish. Garnish with those vibrant green onion tops and sprinkle some roasted peanuts on top if you’d like! Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

Making the perfect Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks!

• Choose fresh Brussels sprouts – Fresh sprouts are key for a crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Look for firm, tightly closed buds without any blemishes.
• Control the spice level – Adjust the number of red chili peppers based on your heat preference. If you love spice, add more; for a milder version, use fewer or remove the seeds from the peppers.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – Spreading the Brussels sprouts in a single layer allows them to roast evenly and get that delicious crispy texture. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
• Add texture with peanuts – Roasting peanuts enhances their flavor and crunch, making them a delightful contrast to the tender Brussels sprouts. Feel free to substitute with another nut if you prefer!
• Make it ahead – This dish holds well in the fridge for meal prep! You can roast the Brussels sprouts in advance and toss them in the sauce right before serving for an easy weeknight dinner.

How to Serve Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts

Serving Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts can be both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Sesame seeds – Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice – Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic pairing that soaks up all that flavorful sauce, balancing out the spicy notes beautifully.
• Quinoa salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the savory Brussels sprouts.
• Stir-fried greens – Quick stir-fried bok choy or spinach dressed lightly with soy sauce makes for a nutritious side that complements the main dish perfectly.
• Cucumber salad – A crisp cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar adds a cooling effect that balances out the heat from the Kung Pao sauce.

Enjoy preparing and serving this delightful dish! Whether it’s part of a quick weeknight meal or served at your next gathering, these Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts are sure to impress everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, try to remove as much air as possible from the bag.

Reheating

• To reheat, you can either microwave for 1-2 minutes or place them in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking and help steam them back to life.
• Heat until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes on the stove.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts.

Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of dried ones?

Yes! You can substitute fresh chili peppers for dried ones. Just adjust the quantity according to your spice preference. Fresh peppers will provide a different texture and flavor profile.

How can I make Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts spicier?

To increase the heat in your Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, add more dried red chili peppers or even some crushed red pepper flakes when making the sauce. Adjust it based on your taste!

Are Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts healthy?

Absolutely! They are low in calories and high in fiber while providing essential nutrients from Brussels sprouts. It’s a tasty way to enjoy your veggies without sacrificing flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts as I am! This recipe is not only packed with delicious flavors but also offers a fantastic way to enjoy healthy vegetables. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to brighten your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creation with family and friends!