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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

    Published: Nov 10, 2023 by Dorothy Bigelow · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    A serving bowl filled with brussels sprouts and topped with crispy onions.
    Roasted brussels sprouts drizzled with sauce and topped with crispy onions.
    A close up of roasted brussels with sauce and crispy onions.

    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.

    An overhead view of a serving bowl of cooked brussels sprouts with crispy onions and a glaze.
    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love This Recipe:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Air Fryer Instructions
    • Storing Leftovers
    • Variations
    • Substitutions
    • Tips for Preparing Brussels Sprouts
    • Tips for Thickening the Sauce
    • Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)

    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:

    1. 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).
    2. 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.
    3. 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

    An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make Red Lobster's brussel sprouts: sprouts, soy sauce, ginger, olive oil, crispy onions, brown sugar, and honey.
    • 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

    Brussel sprouts that have been cut in half laying on a cutting board.
    Sliced brussels sprouts laying on a foil-lined tray.

    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.

    A foil-lined pan with roasted brussels sprouts.
    A saucepan with a soy ginger sauce in it, ready to be simmered.

    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).

    An overhead view of a serving bowl with roasted brussels sprouts, drizzled with glaze and topped with fried onions.

    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!

    Top Tip

    If you want these to be like the original Red Lobster crispy brussels sprouts, you can deep fry the roasted brussels sprouts in a neutral oil after roasting. Then drain, add to a serving bowl, and top with the soy ginger glaze and crispy onions.

    A large platter filled with roasted brussels sprouts and topped with crispy fried onions.

    Air Fryer Instructions

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC).
    2. Add the halved brussels sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
    3. 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.
    4. While the sprouts are cooking, prepare the sauce (instructions in the recipe card).
    5. Remove from the air fryer and add to a large serving bowl.
    6. Drizzle with the reduced sauce and top with crispy fried onions.
    7. 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.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    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).

    Lifting a spoon full of crispy brussels sprouts from a platter.

    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.

    A close up of brussels sprouts that have been roasted and topped with crispy onions.

    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.
    A large serving platter filled with roasted brussels sprouts.

    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.

    A bowl of brussels sprouts topped with crispy onions.

    Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)

    This copycat recipe for Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts features a delicious soy-ginger glaze, crispy onions, and roasted brussels sprouts.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 26 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 41 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 173kcal
    Author: Dorothy Bigelow

    Equipment

    • Baking sheet

    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.
      Brussel sprouts that have been cut in half laying on a cutting board.
    • Add the brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer.
      Sliced brussels sprouts laying on a foil-lined tray.
    • 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.
      A foil-lined pan with roasted brussels sprouts.
    • 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.
      A saucepan with a soy ginger sauce in it, ready to be simmered.
    • 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.
      A large platter filled with roasted brussels sprouts and topped with crispy fried onions.

    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.
    Did you try this recipe?Tag me at @dashfordinner and share your photos!

    Notes

    If you want to add some extra nutty flavor, feel free to add 1-2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil to the sauce after it has reduced by half. 
    *Preparing: Smaller brussels sprouts (1” or smaller) can be left whole, medium brussels sprouts should be cut in half lengthwise, and large brussels sprouts (2 ½” or longer) should be cut in half both lengthwise and widthwise.
    Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain their original texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 2483mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

    Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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    Hi, I'm Dorothy!

    Dash for Dinner was started when I had my first child, as an effort to help other families who were struggling with cooking delicious meals while balancing it all. 

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