Sweet and Spicy Delight: Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but with the right preparation, they can be transformed from a dreaded side dish into a culinary star. This Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts recipe is proof! The combination of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts creates an addictive flavor profile that will convert even the most ardent sprout skeptic. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is perfect as a side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a tasty appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Perfect as a side dish for meat, poultry, fish, or even vegetarian meals.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Even those who claim to hate Brussels sprouts will be asking for seconds.
* **Healthy(ish):** Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and the honey-sriracha glaze adds a touch of indulgence without being overly unhealthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts are a must for this recipe. Look for firm, bright green sprouts that are roughly the same size.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for roasting the Brussels sprouts and helps them to get nice and crispy.
* **Sriracha:** The star of the show! Adds a fiery kick to the glaze. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
* **Honey:** Provides sweetness and helps to balance the spiciness of the sriracha. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds a savory umami flavor to the glaze.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity that helps to balance the sweetness and spiciness.
* **Sesame Oil:** A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the glaze.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the soy sauce when seasoning.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes (for extra heat).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Baking Sheet:** To roast the Brussels sprouts evenly.
* **Large Bowl:** To toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings.
* **Small Bowl or Jar:** To whisk or shake the sriracha honey glaze.
* **Whisk or Fork:** To mix the glaze ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** To trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making these delectable Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts:

**Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Wash the Brussels Sprouts:** Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. **Trim the Ends:** Using a sharp knife, trim off the very bottom of each Brussels sprout where the stem was attached. This area can be tough and bitter.
3. **Remove Outer Leaves (If Necessary):** If any of the outer leaves are yellowed, wilted, or damaged, peel them off and discard them. Sometimes, the outer leaves are perfectly fine and can be left on.
4. **Halve or Quarter the Sprouts:** For small to medium-sized Brussels sprouts, simply halve them by cutting them in half through the stem. For larger sprouts, you may want to quarter them to ensure they cook evenly. Cutting them also helps to create more surface area for caramelization and glaze absorption.

**Step 2: Season and Toss**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the baking sheet in.
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the Brussels sprouts from sticking and make cleanup easier. Parchment paper is generally preferred for healthier cooking.
3. **Toss with Olive Oil:** In a large bowl, combine the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss them thoroughly to ensure that each sprout is evenly coated with oil. This is essential for achieving proper browning and crispiness.
4. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the soy sauce that will be added later in the glaze. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Make sure the cut sides of the Brussels sprouts are facing down for maximum caramelization.

**Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Roast:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and nicely browned. The exact roasting time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your oven.
2. **Flip (Optional):** About halfway through the roasting time (around 10-12 minutes), you can flip the Brussels sprouts to ensure even browning on all sides. This is not strictly necessary, but it can help to achieve a more uniform color and texture.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To check if the Brussels sprouts are done, pierce one with a fork. It should be tender but still slightly firm. They should also have a nice golden-brown color with some slightly charred edges.

**Step 4: Prepare the Sriracha Honey Glaze**

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the sriracha honey glaze.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl or jar, combine the following ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
2. **Whisk or Shake:** Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the honey is fully dissolved. Alternatively, you can put the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the glaze and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

**Step 5: Glaze and Finish**

1. **Remove Brussels Sprouts from Oven:** Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven.
2. **Toss with Glaze:** Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Pour the sriracha honey glaze over the sprouts and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure every sprout is coated with the delicious glaze.
3. **Return to Baking Sheet (Optional):** For a stickier glaze, you can return the glazed Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Broiling will caramelize the glaze even further and create a beautiful, glossy finish. However, this step is optional, and the Brussels sprouts will still be delicious without it.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle the Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts with your favorite garnishes, such as sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. These garnishes add visual appeal and extra flavor.

**Step 6: Serve Immediately**

Serve the Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet to restore some of their crispiness.

Tips for Perfect Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. This will result in soggy, less flavorful sprouts. If necessary, use two baking sheets or roast them in batches.
* **Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts are a must for this recipe. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be mushy and won’t roast as well.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become bitter and mushy. Roast them until they are tender but still slightly firm.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of sriracha in the glaze can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
* **Broil for Extra Caramelization:** Broiling the glazed Brussels sprouts for a minute or two will create a stickier, more caramelized glaze.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time accordingly.
* **Use a High-Quality Honey:** The quality of the honey will affect the flavor of the glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best results.
* **Experiment with Garnishes:** Get creative with your garnishes. Some other options include toasted nuts, chopped bacon, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan option or a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Agave Nectar:** Agave nectar is another vegan substitute for honey.
* **Gluten-Free:** Ensure the soy sauce you are using is gluten-free. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
* **Different Spices:** Experiment with other spices in the glaze, such as ginger, garlic powder, or onion powder.
* **Add Protein:** Toss cooked bacon or crumbled sausage with the Brussels sprouts for a heartier dish.
* **Use Different Vinegar:** Try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
* **Nut-Free:** If you have a nut allergy, omit the sesame oil or substitute it with another oil, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil.

Serving Suggestions

These Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** A classic pairing! The sweetness and spiciness of the Brussels sprouts complement the savory flavor of roasted chicken.
* **Pork Tenderloin:** Another great match! The Brussels sprouts add a pop of flavor and texture to pork tenderloin.
* **Salmon:** The Sriracha Honey glaze pairs beautifully with the richness of salmon.
* **Steak:** A delicious and satisfying meal! The Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast to the savory flavor of steak.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Serve alongside vegetarian dishes such as tofu stir-fries, lentil soup, or quinoa bowls.
* **Holiday Gatherings:** These Brussels sprouts are a festive and flavorful addition to any holiday meal.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare some of the components of this recipe ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.

* **Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts:** The Brussels sprouts can be trimmed, halved, or quartered up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Glaze:** The sriracha honey glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
* **Roast Ahead (Partially):** You can roast the Brussels sprouts for about 15 minutes, then cool and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, toss them with the glaze and finish roasting until tender and caramelized. This will help to reduce the overall cooking time.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Brussels sprouts in the oven or a skillet to restore some of their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they will be less crispy.

Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This recipe will serve 4-6 people.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
5. While Brussels sprouts are roasting, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
6. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and transfer to a large bowl.
7. Pour glaze over Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
8. Optional: Return glazed Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
10. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these sweet and spicy Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts! They are sure to become a new favorite side dish.