If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, texture, and a bit of smoky warmth, you’ve come to the right place. This Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe brings together tender, charred Brussels sprouts and savory sausage slices in a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The mix of garlic, soy sauce, and five-spice powder adds an irresistible depth, while a touch of honey gives a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances every bite. Trust me, once you try this stir-fry, it’ll become one of your favorites to whip up when you want something both wholesome and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, making this dish both a delight to prepare and to enjoy. From the crisp Brussels sprouts to the smoky sausage and the aromatic spices, every item contributes to a flavor-packed experience that’s as vibrant as it is simple.
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb / 450 g): Fresh and halved to ensure even cooking and a perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Smoked or chicken sausage (2–3 links / 8 oz / 225 g): Adds smoky richness and protein to the dish.
- Vegetable or sesame oil (2 tbsp): For stir-frying, sesame oil can add a wonderful nuttiness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the stir-fry with aromatic depth.
- Small onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and soft texture.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced, optional): Brightens the dish with color and a mild crunch.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a savory umami punch to every bite.
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 tsp): Gives a warm, complex flavor profile.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances savory flavors with natural sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle kick to lift the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Chopped green onions (2 tbsp, for garnish): Fresh herbaceous notes to finish off the dish beautifully.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional, for garnish): For a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slicing each one in half. If you have larger sprouts, quarter them for quicker, more even cooking. This prep ensures each piece will char nicely while retaining a pleasant bite.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until each piece develops a beautiful browned crust. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside. This step builds a flavorful base with those caramelized edges.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the Brussels sprouts, sliced onion, and red bell pepper if you’re using it. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until the sprouts are tender and slightly charred. You’ll notice a satisfying mix of softness and that subtle smoky crunch here.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until the aromas bloom and the sauce slightly thickens, coating the veggies beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return the sausage to the skillet and give everything a good toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. This dish shines on its own or over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal.
How to Serve Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions add a vibrant pop of color and a mild, crisp bite that brightens the richness of the sausage and Brussels sprouts. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma, transforming the stir-fry into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or even a fragrant noodle dish. If you want to keep things low-carb, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple leafy green salad for contrasting textures and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry in warmed lettuce cups for a handheld delight. Or make it part of a vibrant Buddha bowl with grains, shredded carrots, and avocado slices. The colorful veggies and protein-rich sausage make it flexible and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe freezes well. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the Brussels sprouts may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help maintain moisture. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep that nice texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out smoked or chicken sausage for any variety you prefer, such as turkey, spicy Italian, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times if needed.
What if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?
If five-spice isn’t handy, a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise mixed together can mimic the flavor. Or simply omit it—you’ll still have a delicious stir-fry but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the sausage with firm tofu or tempeh and make sure to use a vegan soy sauce or tamari. The honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but they’re optional. You can easily leave them out or increase the amount if you like more heat. This flexibility makes it great for all spice levels.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just add vegetables according to their cooking times to keep everything perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe inspires you to get creative and enjoy something deliciously wholesome and quick. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, full of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and hearty Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry, combining crispy sautéed Brussels sprouts with savory smoked sausage, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness. This quick and easy skillet dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
- 2–3 links (8 oz / 225 g) smoked or chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stem ends and removing any yellow or damaged leaves. Halve them for even cooking; quarter them if they are very large. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage links and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are nicely browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Introduce the Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced onion, and optional red bell pepper. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and have developed a light char.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the minced garlic along with soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, honey (or brown sugar), and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the dish is fragrant and the seasonings are well combined.
- Combine Sausage and Adjust Seasoning: Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet, toss everything together thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal.
Notes
- Brussels sprouts can be quartered if particularly large to ensure even cooking.
- Use smoked sausage for a stronger, smokier flavor or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Sesame oil adds a nutty depth but can be substituted with vegetable oil if preferred.
- This dish can be customized by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may soften slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
