Asian style Stir Fried Brussels Sprouts that are crisp outside yet tender inside and coated with a delicious garlic pepper sauce.
This recipe is made on the stove top and takes just 20 minutes. It is time to make the easiest and best Vegan appetizer ever!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Lee Kum Kee. All opinons are mine alone.

Fall and Winters are full of delicious produce. From persimmons and pumpkins to apples and butternut squash; we love them all. I love to make Apple Cider, Vegan pumpkin rolls, butternut squash red rice pilaf and pasta in pumpkin sauce.
They are perfectly comforting on any day and work so well even for the Holidays. From being perfect for Thanksgiving to finding a spot on the Christmas table; these recipes are favorites for a long time.
And when we talk of Fall and Winter produce; Brussels Sprouts has a special spot. From stir frying Brussels Sprouts with minimal spices and garlic to using it in this Indian style stir fry; Brussels Sprouts are perfect in so many ways.
Jump to:
What are Brussels Sprouts
A member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts are grown to consume the buds. They look like mini cabbages and are popular in many recipes for appetizers and mains.
From roasting, grilling, steaming or stir frying; all the cooking methods work really well for them and they can be seasoned with a variety of spices. However, the Brussels do not need a lot of seasoning. They are great with just some sprinkle of salt and pepper. Moreover, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces.
Why this recipe works
- It is a Vegetarian and Vegan friendly recipe.
- This stir fried Brussels Sprouts come together in just 20 minutes.
- The Brussels Sprouts are crisp outside and yet super tender inside.
- It also makes a perfect appetizer for any meal.
- We can also serve this as a delicious snack.
- The recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike.
- It is made from start to finish on the stove top and needs no other appliance.
- It is amazing to pair this with some steamed rice for a great side dish.
- Also, the recipe works brilliantly for the Holiday dinner table.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Brussels Sprouts: The first ingredient here is Brussels Sprouts. Get a bag of these and trim the edges and hardy outer coverings. Then they are ready to use. Simply halve the large ones and quarter the largest ones. Keep the tiny ones as is.
- Vegetarian Stir-fry sauce: I like to use a vegetarian stir fry sauce for the recipe. It is the vegetarian counterpart of Oyster sauce and makes the recipe umami. I strongly suggest using this for the recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Other than the vegetarian stir fry sauce I like to add some soy sauce. I use the Chinese sauce rather than the Indo-Chinese sauce for a more authentic taste. Use dark soy sauce for maximum flavor and color.
- Peanuts: Roasted peanuts give the recipe some crunch. Try not to skip these for the necessary texture in the recipe. Use salted and roasted peanuts for the recipe. To make these at home; simply dry roast the peanuts and sprinkle salt on them. Let them cool and use in the recipe.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic and peppers are great for the recipe. Use green or red peppers as you like. Some onion, ginger and green chili are great to add as well.
- Spices: As we use the sauces and other aromatics, the only spices we ned are salt and pepper. They are perfect to season the recipe.
- Sesame Oil: Like most Asian recipes, I like to use sesame oil in the recipe. While regular sesame oil works, chili oil helps bring in some spice. However, use toasted sesame oil if you want to make the recipe less spicy.
See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.
How to make this recipe
1- Wash and pat dry the brussels sprouts. Then trim the outer leaves and cut them into halves. Heat sesame oil in a wide pan on high heat.
2- Once the oil is smoking hot, add the Brussels sprouts and let them cook for a couple of minutes. Then turn them over and let them cook on the other side for a couple of minutes.

3- Move them to the side of the pan and add chili oil. Add in garlic and red pepper and sauté till the garlic is fragrant.
4- Next season with salt and pepper and mix well.

5- Add Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir Fry sauce and soy sauce.
6- Let the Brussels sprouts absorb the sauces and turn down the flame. Then serve topped with green onions, cilantro and roasted peanuts.

Expert Tips and Notes
- Picking a wide pan: Use a wide pan for this recipe. Only the brussels that touch the base or sides of the pan will char. Taking a deep or narrow pan will cook the brussels through without charring the edges.
- Picking the Brussels Sprouts: It is best to pick Brussels sprouts that are fresh, green and of even size as they will cook uniformly. Also halve the medium size ones, quarter the large ones and keep the tiny ones intact.
- Using the right pan: Using a steel or cast iron pan works best for this recipe. They give the Brussels a wonderful char compared to a non-stick pan.
- Cooking the Brussels Sprouts: The entire recipe is made on high flame. If after adding the sauces they start sticking to the pan, add a few spoons of water to deglaze the pan.
- Making it ahead of time: It is easy to prep the recipe in advance. To do so, simply clean and chop the Brussels Sprouts and store in a ziploc bag. Also mix in the sauces and seasonings and refrigerate. Also chop the garlic and onions. When ready to make, simply heat up oil and prepare the recipe. Serve immediately.

Making it in the Air Fryer
The same recipe is easy to make using the Air Fryer. Simply add some oil to the chopped Brussels Sprouts and mix well. Add them to a preheated air fryer at 380 F for 18-20 minutes, flipping once in between.
Then prepare the sauce and mix in with the roasted Brussels Sprouts and serve immediately.
Serving
This recipe makes a great appetizer, side dish or snack.
Given that it is packed with flavor from garlic, stir-fry sauce and soy sauce; this recipe is great over steamed rice or cooked quinoa too.
Alternatively, serve this with some Peanut Salad, Chinese Seaweed Salad or Asian style spring rolls. We also like it with a side of Manchow Soup for a light meal.
Recipe FAQs
While this is technically possible, it is not the best way to make Brussels. The frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be soggy even after cooking. So stick to fresh Brussels instead.
Yes for sure. The roasted peanuts are great for crunch. However, it is easy to replace with some toasted sunflower seeds as well.
If serving as a snack, simply serve the dish as is. It is great by itself as an appetizer too. Serve it with some soup for a light meal. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or cooked quinoa for a meal.
It is easy to prep the recipe in advance. To do so, simply clean and chop the Brussels Sprouts and store in a ziploc bag. Also mix in the sauces and seasonings and refrigerate. Also chop the garlic and onions. When ready to make, simply heat up oil and prepare the recipe. Serve immediately.

More Delicious Asian Recipes
Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

Stir Fried Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brussels Sprouts (outer leaves trimmed and halved)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ cup Red Pepper (julienned)
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper Powder
- 2 tablespoon Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Chili Oil
- Green onions and cilantro to top
- ¼ cup Roasted Salted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the brussels sprouts. Trim the outer leaves and cut them into halves.
- Heat sesame oil in a wide pan on high heat.
- Once the oil is smoking hot, add the brussels sprouts and let them cook for a couple of minutes.
- Turn them over and let them cook on the other side for a couple of minutes.
- Move them to the side of the pan and add chili oil.
- Add in garlic and red pepper and sauté till the garlic is fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Add Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir Fry sauce and soy sauce.
- Let the brussels sprouts absorb the sauces and turn down the flame. Serve topped with green onions, cilantro and roasted peanuts (optional).
Video
Notes
- Picking a wide pan: Use a wide pan for this recipe. Only the brussels that touch the base or sides of the pan will char. Taking a deep or narrow pan will cook the brussels through without charring the edges.
- Picking the Brussels Sprouts: It is best to pick Brussels sprouts that are fresh, green and of even size. They will cook uniformly. Also halve the medium size ones, quarter the large ones and keep the tiny ones intact.
- Using the right pan: Using a steel or cast iron pan works best for this recipe. They give the Brussels a wonderful char compared to a non-stick pan.
- Cooking the Brussels Sprouts: The entire recipe is made on high flame. If after adding the sauces they start sticking to the pan, add a few spoons of water to deglaze the pan.
- Making it ahead of time: It is easy to prep the recipe in advance. To do so, simply clean and chop the Brussels Sprouts and store in a ziploc bag. Also mix in the sauces and seasonings and refrigerate. Also chop the garlic and onions. When ready to make, simply heat up oil and prepare the recipe. Serve immediately.
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