If you think Brussels sprouts are boring, this easy Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe is about to change your mind. Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a bold homemade kung pao sauce that’s sweet, savory, spicy, and packed with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of heat. Finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions, this flavorful side dish tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant.
These roasted kung pao Brussels sprouts are perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday side dishes, meal prep, or even as a vegetarian main dish served over rice. Plus, they come together with simple ingredients and big flavor in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re trying to get more vegetables on the table or you’re just obsessed with takeout-inspired recipes, this one is a must-make.
More Side Dishes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts
- Sweet, spicy, and savory kung pao sauce
- Better than takeout flavor at home
- Easy side dish for chicken, steak, or rice bowls
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize
- Great for holidays or weeknight dinners
What Are Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts?
Kung pao Brussels sprouts are roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sauce inspired by traditional kung pao flavors. The sauce combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, brown sugar, and chili for the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
The crispy sprouts soak up all that sticky sauce while crunchy peanuts and green onions add texture and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Kung Pao Sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Topping
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Place the halved Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and deeply caramelized around the edges.
Step 2: Make the Kung Pao Sauce
While the Brussels sprouts roast, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small saucepan.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together. Add it to the sauce mixture.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl or skillet.
Pour the warm kung pao sauce over the sprouts and gently toss until coated.
Top with roasted peanuts, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
- Roast the Brussels sprouts cut-side down for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or the sprouts will steam instead of roast.
- Add extra sriracha if you love spicy food.
- Use air fryer Brussels sprouts for an even crispier texture.
- Toss the sprouts in sauce right before serving so they stay crisp.
Variations
Add Protein
Turn this into a full meal by adding:
- Crispy tofu
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Steak
Make It Vegan
Simply use vegan hoisin sauce and maple syrup instead of honey if needed.
Add More Vegetables
Try adding:
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Snap peas
- Mushrooms
More Asian Inspired Recipes
The Best Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
These crispy roasted Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are tossed in a sweet, savory, and spicy homemade sauce, then topped with crunchy peanuts and green onions. An easy side dish packed with bold takeout-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Kung Pao Sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Topping
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
- While the Brussels sprouts roast, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a saucepan.
- Stir together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk into the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat until slightly thickened.
- Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the warm sauce until coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with peanuts, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Roast Brussels sprouts cut-side down for extra crispiness.
- Add more sriracha for additional heat.
- Best served immediately while crispy.
- Great alongside rice, chicken, steak, or noodle dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: ASIAN INSPIRED
What to Serve with Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
These spicy Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with:
- Fried rice
- Jasmine rice
- Grilled chicken
- Teriyaki salmon
- Asian noodle bowls
- Lettuce wraps
They also make an incredible holiday side dish when you want something unique and flavorful on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are kung pao Brussels sprouts spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best served fresh. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Can I air fry Brussels sprouts instead?
Absolutely. Air fry at 390 degrees for about 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
These Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy, sticky, sweet, spicy, and completely addictive. They’re the perfect way to turn simple Brussels sprouts into a restaurant-worthy side dish packed with bold flavor.
Whether you serve them alongside your favorite dinner or enjoy them straight from the pan, this easy recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to all year long.
