These Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sesame and Soy Sauce are a side dish that quietly steals the show. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts roast up with golden, crispy edges, then get finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
This recipe is proof that Brussels sprouts don't need much to be good. As a weeknight recipe cookbook author, I know that simple sides are so important! A handful of pantry staples, a little heat from cayenne and the balance of sweet honey and salty soy sauce turn them into something you'll actually look forward to eating.
If you are looking for more side dish recipes, check out our: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and a pinch of cayenne gives these Brussels sprouts a bold, savory and sweet flavor with just enough heat.
- Crispy: The thinly sliced Brussels sprouts roast up with golden edges and plenty of texture.
- Simple: Everything gets tossed together in one bowl and roasted on one sheet pan. This is an easy side dish with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this spicy brussels sprouts recipe:
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are best here since they roast and crisp better than frozen. Look for firm, bright green sprouts and plan to slice them thinly at home.
- Honey
- Olive oil: Regular olive oil works well for roasting and helps the sprouts brown nicely.
- Soy sauce
- Salt & black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil has a deeper flavor and is drizzled on at the end rather than used for roasting.
- Sesame seeds: White or black sesame seeds both work and are used for finishing the dish.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat the oven to 400F. In a large bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts, warmed honey, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss well to evenly coat.
Roast
Transfer Brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
Serve
Drizzle with sesame oil and top with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Tina's Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this simple recipe:
- Slice the sprouts thinly. This helps them roast evenly and creates more crispy edges.
- Spread them out. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting so spreading them out in a single layer is very important.
- Finish with sesame oil at the end. Adding it after roasting keeps the flavor bold and aromatic.
- Extra crispy. Roast the Brussels sprouts a few extra minutes, keeping an eye on the edges so they don't burn.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this perfect side dish. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy, good-quality baking sheet helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and develop golden, crispy edges.
- Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy after roasting.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this flavorful side dish.
- Honey: Maple syrup works well if that's what you have on hand and keeps the sweet and savory balance.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos if that's already in your pantry.
- Cayenne pepper: Red pepper flakes or chili crisp can be used for a different style of heat.
- Additions: Add a clove of finely minced garlic to the bowl before roasting.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for these leftover brussels sprouts:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freezing isn't recommended, as the texture of the Brussels sprouts will soften.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven or a skillet until warmed through to help restore some crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe because they roast and crisp more evenly. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture, which can make them softer rather than crispy.
Slice the Brussels sprouts fairly thin, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and creates more surface area for crispy, golden edges.
The cayenne adds a mild, noticeable heat but doesn't overpower the dish. It's more of a warm kick than a fiery spice. You can always adjust it to your preference.
Pairing
Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sesame and Soy Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey warmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts: In a large bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts, warmed honey, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Roast: Transfer Brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with sesame oil and top with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Michael says
Delishious! Added tofu blocks and cubed potatoes (5 mins pre-cooked) to the sprouts, tossed them all together and had them sit for a few minutes before I put them in the oven. After the 25mins and applying sesame oil & sesame seeds I tossed again on the baking sheet and applied the grill for 5mins. This way it was the whole meal, not just a side dish.
Christina Musgrave says
Love that! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!