Chef Mitchell preparing Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with Brussels sprouts in my kitchen. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors intrigued me, and after tweaking the sauce, I found a perfect balance. Now, it's a staple in my home and a favorite among friends and family. I love sharing this unique twist on a classic dish with everyone who visits."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade mastering Asian cuisine, focusing on bold flavors and healthy ingredients. His dedication to creating approachable yet exciting dishes is evident in every recipe. With numerous accolades, he continues to inspire home cooks to explore the world of flavors.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautifully plated dish of Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why This Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works

This recipe uniquely combines the classic flavors of General Tso's chicken with the nutritious benefits of Brussels sprouts. The crispy texture of the sautéed sprouts perfectly balances the spicy sauce, creating an irresistible dish. The use of fresh ingredients ensures vibrant flavors that make this dish a standout.

The flavor profile includes a delightful mix of heat from chili garlic sauce and a hint of sweetness from sugar. This combination, along with the umami from soy sauce, creates a taste experience that is both exciting and satisfying. The quick cooking method keeps the sprouts tender yet crispy, enhancing their natural flavor.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with corn starch before sautéing. This will help achieve a crispy texture. Additionally, adjust the level of chili garlic sauce to suit your spice preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and sauce separately ahead of time. Store the components in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the sprouts' crispness.

You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.

Sautéing provides the ideal method for achieving both tenderness and crispiness. This method allows the sprouts to caramelize slightly while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Make sure to dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before coating with corn starch. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. A little caramelization adds to their flavor and texture.

These flavorful Brussels sprouts pair well with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. They also complement grilled meats or tofu for a well-rounded meal.

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust to your spice tolerance for the perfect balance.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet to maintain their crispness rather than microwaving.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Brussels Sprouts Too Soft

Problem: If the Brussels sprouts are mushy, they may have been overcooked.

Solution: Sauté them just until golden brown and tender; avoid prolonged cooking to retain their texture.

✅

Sauce Too Thick

Problem: If the sauce becomes too thick, it may stick to the sprouts.

Solution: Add a splash of water or broth to thin it out while cooking, ensuring it coats the sprouts evenly without being clumpy.

✅

Lack of Flavor

Problem: If the dish lacks flavor, it may need more seasoning.

Prevention: Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, salt, or a splash of vinegar to enhance the overall flavor profile.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: If the sprouts are unevenly cooked, some may be burnt while others are undercooked.

Recovery: Cut Brussels sprouts into similar sizes and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

✅

Burnt Sprouts

Problem: Burnt Brussels sprouts can occur if the heat is too high.

Prevention: Reduce the heat slightly and stir frequently to allow for even cooking without burning.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or soy sauce to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, incorporate a bit of sugar to counterbalance the saltiness.

Bland: If bland, consider adding garlic or extra spices to enhance the flavor.

A vibrant setup of fresh Brussels sprouts alongside sauces and spices for Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts

Selecting fresh Brussels sprouts is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green, firm sprouts without blemishes. The sauce ingredients should be high-quality for a balanced and robust flavor.

Properly preparing your ingredients also enhances the dish. Halving the sprouts ensures even cooking, while measuring sauces precisely helps achieve the desired flavor balance. Always taste and adjust as needed.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are key to this dish's success. Choose firm, tightly packed sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Avoid those with yellowing leaves.
  • Chili Garlic Sauce: This sauce adds the signature spicy kick and depth of flavor. Look for a brand with a good balance of heat and garlic to enhance the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: A high-quality soy sauce is essential for authentic flavor. Opt for low-sodium options if you're watching your salt intake without sacrificing taste.
Chef Mitchell skillfully sautéing Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet for Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Sautéing at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the Brussels sprouts, as this will create that desirable crispiness.

Timing is also essential; too long in the pan will lead to sogginess. Keep an eye on the color, looking for a golden brown as an indicator they're ready to be tossed with the sauce.

The Secret to Perfect Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts

The key to success with this recipe is the balance of heat and sweetness in the sauce. Adjusting the spice level and ensuring even cooking will elevate your Brussels sprouts to a restaurant-quality dish.

Spicy General Tso's Brussels Sprouts

Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
    Provides umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    Adds tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
    Brings the heat
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    Enhances flavor with nuttiness
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
    Balances the spice

Main

  • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts
    Trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
    For crispiness
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    For sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    For garnish
  • 1 green onion
    Sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

    Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking.

  2. Make the Sauce

    In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.

  3. Coat the Brussels Sprouts

    Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in corn starch until evenly coated.

  4. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  5. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

    Add the coated Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden and tender.

  6. Add the Sauce

    Pour the sauce over the sautéed Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

  7. Garnish

    Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onion over the top.

  8. Serve Hot

    Serve the spicy Brussels sprouts immediately as a delicious side dish.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and sauce separately ahead of time. Store the components in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the sprouts' crispness.

Serving Suggestions

These flavorful Brussels sprouts pair well with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. They also complement grilled meats or tofu for a well-rounded meal.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding peanuts or cashews for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different vegetables like broccoli or green beans.