Thai-Inspired Brussels Sprouts with Peanuts & Chili
These Asian-inspired Brussels sprouts deliver serious texture and flavor. Pan-seared until crisp, then tossed in a soy-sesame glaze and finished with fresh toppings, they make a standout side for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Vegan and easily gluten-free.
Prep15 minutes mins
Cook15 minutes mins
Total30 minutes mins
Cuisine: American, Asian
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: asian marinade, brussels sprouts side dish, chef-tested side dish, crispy brussel sprouts, restaurant-worthy side dish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 225kcal
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, reduced-sodium (use Tamari if gluten-free)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar, seasoned or unseasoned is fine
- 2 medium limes, juiced, plus more for serving
- 1-2 Thai chili peppers, also called Birds Eye chili, very thinly sliced
- 2 tsp ginger paste, optional
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp granulated sugar, optional
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
Preheat the skillet. Pour 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil and 1 Tbsp sesame oil into a large skillet over high heat. When very hot, add the halved sprouts to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes undisturbed. While not necessary, I try to get most of the sprouts cut side down in the pan.
Make the marinade. While the sprouts cook, make the marinade. In a large measuring cup, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, the juice of 2 limes, 2 tsp ginger paste (if using), 2 cloves chopped garlic, and 2 tsp sugar (if using), then whisk well.
Toss to coat. Check brussels sprouts for doneness. If you'd like them to cook further, lower the heat to medium high heat, stir well, then cook an additional 3-5 minutes. Cook time varies based on the size and thickness of the brussels sprouts. When ready, pour in the marinade. Allow the sauce to thicken and reduce for 1-2 minutes, tossing the sprouts to evenly coat.
Garnish, then serve. Transfer to a large bowl or serving platter, then top with crushed peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced Thai chili. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.
- Sweet & savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.
- Thai chili swap: If unavailable, add 2 tsp Sriracha to the marinade.
- Gluten-free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Brussels sprouts: Use fresh, not frozen—frozen sprouts won’t crisp properly.
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 889mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 941IU | Vitamin C: 110mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg