Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, vibrant textures, and a little kick of heat, you are going to love this Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe. It perfectly balances the natural earthiness of caramelized Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of sausage, all tied together by a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce. This recipe is quick to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and so satisfying that it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding contrast in texture, or bringing eye-catching colors to your plate. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this sensational stir-fry:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved): Fresh sprouts add a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor once caramelized.
- 12 oz smoked sausage or chicken sausage (sliced): Provides a hearty, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the sprouts.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the sausage, adding fruity undertones and a smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a rich, toasty aroma that infuses the stir-fry with Asian-inspired warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a sharp, fragrant hit that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Contributes savory umami and saltiness to balance the spicy elements.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Adds a zesty, spicy kick; feel free to tweak the heat level to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness that harmonizes the spicy and salty flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle warmth and slight peppery touch that complements the sausage.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For extra heat and a visual pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds freshness, crunch, and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your sliced sausage and let it cook for 4–5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This step locks in those smoky flavors and gives the sausage an irresistible texture. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside—don’t discard those flavorful drippings just yet!
Step 2: Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts
In the same skillet, toss in your halved Brussels sprouts. The sausage drippings mixed with the oils create the perfect base to get the sprouts golden and tender. Stir-fry them for 6–8 minutes, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their caramelization. This step transforms the sprouts from bitter and raw to irresistibly sweet and crisp-tender.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Next, introduce the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in with the Brussels sprouts and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and soft. This quick step ensures the garlic infuses its savory aroma into the dish without burning, creating a beautiful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Final Cooking
Whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, honey, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this vibrant sauce over the Brussels sprouts and sausage once you add the sausage back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and every bite is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of serving this dish is adding those finishing touches that make it look and taste even more incredible. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion bite and a pop of green freshness. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of nuttiness and delightful crunch that complements the sesame oil in the recipe.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also pairs wonderfully with simple steamed noodles or even quinoa if you prefer a protein boost and more texture.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe really special, try serving it in colorful bowls or shallow plates so the colors shine. Add a wedge of lime to squeeze on top for a zesty brightness that cuts the richness. You can even toss in some crushed peanuts or chopped fresh cilantro for an added flair that brings extra texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir-fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it tastes even better after the flavors meld together, leftovers are a win for busy days or meal prepping. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering and refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe, let it cool thoroughly, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the sprouts and sausage. Stir frequently to warm evenly and prevent sticking. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring between each to maintain moisture and heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a wonderful depth, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo can bring different but equally delicious flavors to the dish. Just choose your favorite, and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
How spicy is the Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe?
The heat level is quite flexible since you control how much sriracha and red pepper flakes you add. If you prefer mild, start with less or omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For those who love it fiery, add a bit more of both.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for an umami punch. Use tamari or soy sauce suitable for vegans, and double-check the honey—substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for those avoiding gluten, and check the sausage label to ensure no gluten-containing fillers are included.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Whisking the sauce ahead allows the flavors to meld more deeply. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days and pour it over the stir-fry in the final cooking step for a quick, flavorful finish.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe enough for anyone looking for a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and full of vibrant flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
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Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main dish featuring caramelized Brussels sprouts and smoky sausage coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a low-carb, easy weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Protein
- 12 oz smoked sausage or chicken sausage, sliced
Sauces and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oils and cook sausage: Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Brussels sprouts: In the same skillet, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until they become tender and caramelized, seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sprouts and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, honey, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes, creating a spicy and sweet glaze.
- Combine sausage and sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, pour the sauce over the sausage and Brussels sprouts, and stir well to thoroughly coat all ingredients.
- Heat through and glaze: Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes on medium heat until everything is heated through and the sauce evenly glazes the sausage and vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice Brussels sprouts thinly if you prefer faster cooking or a shredded texture.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice to make it a fulfilling meal.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
