This copycat recipe for Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts features a delicious soy-ginger glaze, crispy onions, and tender roasted brussels sprouts. Both oven and air fryer instructions are included, so you can have this crispy, savory side dish in your very own kitchen.
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If you love Red Lobster crispy brussels sprouts, you're going to be glad to know they are actually pretty simple to recreate at home.
While the restaurant version includes deep frying, I've left that step out since most of us don't have deep fryers (although you can definitely take the extra step if you have one!).
Instead we roast the sprouts in the oven (or air fryer), then drizzle them with a homemade soy-ginger glaze, and top with crispy fried onions. Talk about delish!
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Copycat of a restaurant favorite. Eating out can be pricey, but try and tell your cravings that! This recipe for Copycat Red Lobster brussels sprouts is so easy to make at home, and tastes like the real thing (minus the deep-frying).
- A great side dish. Whether you want to wow your guests at a holiday dinner or convince picky eaters to eat their veggies, this recipe is the perfect way to do so.
- Customizable. If you want to make it gluten-free, low carb, or in an air fryer, there are plenty of options for making it work for you.
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: This recipe works best with fresh sprouts that have been trimmed and halved.
- Olive oil: This help to crisp everything up nicely - feel free to swap out for your favorite neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, etc.
- Soy sauce: I recommend using a low sodium version and adjusting the salt to taste. Tamari can be used if for a gluten-free option.
- Ginger: In my opinion, this absolutely MUST be fresh ginger. You could use ground in a pinch, but fresh really is SO much better.
- Honey: The combination of honey, soy, and ginger is just magical!
- Brown sugar: This adds a complex sweetness to the sauce, which helps to balance the flavors.
- Crispy fried onions: Also known as french fried onions, this is a crucial element to the restaurant dish. They provide crunch and a savory flavor. Definitely don't skimp on these!
Equipment
- Baking sheet: I recommend using a rimmed sheet pan that is large enough to spread the sprouts into an even layer. I find a half-size baking sheet works perfect for this.
- OR Air Fryer: There are options for making this recipe in an air fryer, as they get a little extra crispy (no deep frying needed). I have the Cuisinart oven-style model and a Ninja 5.5-quart basket and I love them both.
Instructions
Step one: Prepare the brussels sprouts by washing (and drying), trimming, and slicing them in half*.
*Tip: Leave those that are under 1" whole, cut medium ones in half, and large ones into quarters.
Step two: Spread the prepared sprouts into a single layer on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Drizzle with oil and season with salt and black pepper to your taste (keep in mind that soy sauce is high in salt). Toss well to combine.
Step three: Roast in a 425ºF (218ºC) oven for 22-28 minutes, or until tender with browned edges.
Meanwhile, while the sprouts are roasting, prepare the sauce.
Step four: Add the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and ginger to a medium saucepan.
Simmer until the sauce is reduced by at least half (about 10-15 minutes).
Step five: Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts to a serving bowl or plate, and drizzle with the reduced sauce. Sprinkle on the crispy fried onions and serve immediately!
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Add the halved brussels sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Transfer to the preheated air fryer basket, and cook for 10-14 minutes, or until tender with browned edges. For the best results, shake the basket 1-2 times during cooking.
- While the sprouts are cooking, prepare the sauce (instructions in the recipe card).
- Remove from the air fryer and add to a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle with the reduced sauce and top with crispy fried onions.
- Serve and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat leftover sprouts in an air fryer set to 300ºF (149ºC), or in a 350ºF oven until heated through.
Brussels sprouts are best prepared the day of serving, but if you want to make them ahead of time you can roast the brussels sprouts and thicken the sauce, storing them separately. When it's time to prepare, reheat the sprouts in the oven or air fryer. Warm the sauce and drizzle it over the heated sprouts, and finally top with fried onions (if using).
Variations
- Deep fried: The original Red Lobster brussel sprouts are actually roasted and then deep fried to be extra crispy. If you wanted to do this step at home, deep fry them your favorite neutral oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Drizzle with the reduced sauce and top with crispy onion strips.
- Sesame: A little bit of sesame oil added to the sauce after reducing adds the perfect nutty flavor. Top with sesame seeds for an extra special touch.
- Spicy: If you'd like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced red chili peppers to the sauce.
- Orange glaze: Enhance the sauce with the zest of an orange or a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice for a yummy citrus, ginger, and soy glaze.
- Extra crispy: Increase the oven temperature or use an air fryer instead.
Substitutions
Gluten-free: Use tamari, gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce. Top with gluten-free fried onions, OR sautéed onions instead.
Low carb or Keto: Whether you're watching your carbs or on a keto diet, this recipe can be tweaked for you. Omit the honey and instead use 4 tablespoons of your favorite low carb brown sugar sweetener. Fried onions are actually pretty low in carbs, but you could make your own keto fried onions if preferred.
Frozen brussels sprouts: While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if you don't have access to fresh. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before roasting and note that they will not get crispy like fresh ones.
Tips for Preparing Brussels Sprouts
- Wash them well, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels.
- Trim off the very end.
- Leave those that are less than 1" long whole.
- Large sprouts (2 ½" or longer) should be be quartered.
- Regular (medium) sprouts should be sliced in half.
Tips for Thickening the Sauce
- The key to getting the sauce to thicken is to maintain a steady simmer.
- If your sauce is boiling and sputtering, reduce the heat. If it is barely moving - increase it.
- Increase or decrease the heat as needed until the sauce reduces by at least half (you should be able to see the original line on the side of your sauce pan.
- Stir often to prevent burning.
- Once thickened it should be able to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
If you loved this recipe for Red Lobster's Brussels Sprouts, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups brussels sprouts trimmed and halved*
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¾ cup soy sauce reduced sodium (tamari or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup crispy fried onions (I used French's)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Trim the stem end of each brussels sprout and cut them in half (or in quarters for larger ones). This will ensure even cooking.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer.
- Drizzle olive oil over the sprouts and season them with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 22-28 minutes, stirring once or twice during the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once the brussels sprouts are tender and browned they are ready. It's important to go by texture and color as depending on the size yours may be done sooner (or later) than others.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by adding the brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, and minced ginger to a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer until it is reduced by half (about 10-15 minutes). Reduce the heat if it is simmering too quickly, or increase the heat if you have trouble getting the sauce to thicken.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are done transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle them with the reduced sauce.
- Top with crispy fried onions and chopped fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC) for at least 3 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Add the halved brussels sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Transfer to the preheated air fryer basket, and cook for 10-14 minutes, or until tender with browned edges. For the best results, shake the basket 1-2 times during cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and drizzle with the reduced sauce (instructions above) and top with crispy fried onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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