Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts transformed with a vibrant honey-lime-sriracha glaze are a culinary revelation. Forget everything you thought you knew about this often-misunderstood vegetable; this recipe promises perfectly crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy Brussels sprouts that are incredibly simple to prepare and addictively delicious. Even the most skeptical eaters will find themselves reaching for seconds, making this dish an instant favorite and a brilliant addition to any meal, from everyday dinners to festive holiday spreads like Thanksgiving.
For many, Brussels sprouts conjure up images of soggy, bland, or even bitter childhood nightmares. But it’s time to rewrite that narrative. Roasting, particularly at a high temperature, is the secret to unlocking their true potential. This method not only tames any bitterness but also brings out a delightful nutty sweetness, creating an irresistible crispy exterior and a tender interior. When paired with our signature honey-lime-sriracha sauce, these aren’t just a side dish; they’re an experience.
The magic happens when the robust flavors of the roasted sprouts meet the dynamic trio of honey’s sweetness, lime’s zesty tang, and sriracha’s fiery kick. This sweet and spicy combination creates a symphony of tastes that coats each crispy sprout, elevating it from a simple vegetable to a crave-worthy culinary delight. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these disappear from the pan, becoming a go-to healthy side that’s both effortless and impressively flavorful. Whether you’re a longtime Brussels sprout devotee or a hesitant newcomer, this recipe is designed to convert you into an ardent fan, proving that healthy eating can be utterly scrumptious.
Embracing Wellness: The Impressive Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are more than just a delicious side; they are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute significantly to a healthy diet. Incorporating them into your meals is an easy and tasty way to boost your overall well-being. Here’s a closer look at the fantastic health benefits these miniature cabbages offer:
- Nutrient-Dense and Low in Calories: Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice for a healthy diet, offering a high concentration of essential nutrients with very few calories. This makes them a satisfying and guilt-free addition to any meal, perfect for managing weight and boosting nutrient intake.
- Rich in Vitamins K and C: These sprouts are an outstanding source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
- Excellent Source of Fiber: High in dietary fiber, Brussels sprouts aid in digestive health, promote satiety, and can help regulate blood sugar levels. A diet rich in fiber is essential for gut health and preventing constipation.
- Loaded with Antioxidants: They contain various antioxidants, including kaempferol, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar and Reduce Inflammation: As cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts are known for their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to prevent it. Their anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to overall health and can help combat chronic inflammation.
- Plant-Based Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While typically associated with fish, Brussels sprouts surprisingly offer a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid vital for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Delicious When Prepared Properly: Beyond their health benefits, when prepared with care and creativity, such as in this sweet and spicy recipe, Brussels sprouts are incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
- An Easy and Flavorful Way to Get Your Veggies: This recipe makes it simple and enjoyable to meet your daily vegetable intake goals. Its appealing taste ensures that incorporating more greens into your diet feels like a treat, not a chore.
Mastering the Roast: How to Make Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is straightforward, especially when you follow a few key steps. The goal is a beautiful caramelization on the outside and a tender, yielding interior. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preparation is Key. Start by thoroughly washing your Brussels sprouts in cool water. This helps remove any dirt or debris. To ensure even cooking and to encourage crispiness, trim off the tough, woody ends of each sprout. Then, halve each sprout lengthwise through its core. This exposes more surface area for caramelization and allows the flavors to penetrate better.
Step 2: Season and Arrange. Once trimmed and halved, place the Brussels sprouts on a large, rimmed baking tray. The key here is to arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. Drizzle generously with a good quality olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Use your hands or tongs to toss them well, ensuring every sprout is evenly coated. Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soft, rather than crispy, sprouts.
Step 3: High-Heat Roasting. Preheat your oven to a blazing 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232°C). High heat is essential for achieving that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender interior. Roast the sprouts for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and their edges have caramelized and crisped up. A slight char on the outside is a sign of ultimate flavor. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
The Irresistible Honey Sriracha Lime Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
While oven-roasted Brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, it’s the honey-sriracha-lime sauce that truly elevates this dish to an extraordinary level. This sweet, spicy, and tangy glaze transforms the humble sprout into a gourmet side dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up using common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook.
The magic of this sauce lies in its perfect balance. The natural sweetness of honey beautifully complements the fiery kick of sriracha, while fresh lime juice adds a bright, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors. To create this dynamic glaze, simply whisk together a small amount of olive oil (which helps to emulsify the sauce and provides a silky texture), fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative), and sriracha. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your personal preference. If you enjoy a bolder heat, don’t hesitate to add an extra squirt of sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, a touch more honey will do the trick. The sauce comes together in minutes, allowing you to focus on getting those sprouts perfectly roasted.
Once your Brussels sprouts emerge from the oven, golden and crisp, transfer them to a serving bowl. Then, generously pour the prepared honey-sriracha-lime sauce over the hot sprouts. The warmth of the sprouts will slightly thin the sauce, ensuring it coats every crevice and caramelized edge. The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering, and the first bite will confirm you’ve entered a little side dish heaven. This sauce isn’t just an addition; it’s the finishing touch that transforms great roasted vegetables into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Debra’s Pro Tips: Achieving Brussels Sprout Perfection
Turning Brussels sprouts into a crispy, flavorful delight is easy with these expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts are always a hit, even before they’re coated in our amazing sauce!
- The Single Layer Rule is Sacred: For truly crispy Brussels sprouts, it is absolutely crucial that they are arranged in a single layer on your baking tray. If the sprouts are piled on top of each other or too close together, they will release moisture and essentially steam rather than roast, resulting in a soft, soggy texture instead of that coveted crispiness. Don’t be shy; use more than one tray if needed to give them ample space.
- Embrace Your Oldest Baking Tray: Believe it or not, your well-seasoned, slightly stained rimmed baking tray is often the best for roasting. Those baked-on stains (that you can’t seem to scrub off anyway!) create a non-stick surface and transfer heat more effectively, promoting better caramelization and crisping. Save your shiny, new trays for other tasks!
- Anticipate the “Snack Tax”: Be warned: the irresistible aroma and crispy bits that form during roasting often lead to preemptive snacking directly from the baking tray! Plan ahead and consider making a little extra, as some of those perfectly charred edges are destined to be “stolen” before they even make it to the serving bowl.
- The Sauce is Non-Negotiable: While roasted Brussels sprouts on their own are undeniably tasty, please, for the sake of your taste buds, do not skip the honey-sriracha-lime sauce. This tangy, spicy, and sweet glaze takes the dish to an entirely new dimension. It’s the ultimate topping that transforms a simple roasted vegetable into a truly gourmet and unforgettable side. You’ll thank yourself for adding that extra layer of flavor!
Smart Eating: Meal Prep and Storage Solutions
This sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and convenient for meal planning. Knowing how to properly prepare, store, and reheat them ensures you can enjoy this healthy side dish whenever hunger strikes.
- How to Serve: These crispy, flavorful sprouts are a fantastic, healthy side dish to virtually any main course – think grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty lentil stew. But don’t stop there! Get creative:
- Add them to taco shells with some black beans, fresh guacamole, and zesty salsa for a vibrant vegetarian taco night.
- They are a delightful addition to a savory tofu scramble, adding texture and a punch of flavor to your breakfast or brunch.
- For a wholesome and satisfying meal, mix them with cooked lentils or beans, add some sautéed greens, and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a protein-packed and nutrient-rich bowl.
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Save time on busy weeknights by preparing elements of this dish in advance. Wash and trim your Brussels sprouts, then store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also whisk together the honey-sriracha-lime sauce and store it in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, when it’s time to cook, you’re just a quick roast and drizzle away from a fantastic meal.
- Storing Leftovers: Should you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with these delicious sprouts!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their flavor.
- Reheating for Optimal Crispness: The best way to revive leftover Brussels sprouts and bring back their crisp texture is by reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread the leftover sprouts in a single layer on a rimmed baking tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and have re-crisped to your liking. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Explore More Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with Brussels sprouts through this recipe, there’s a world of other delicious ways to enjoy them. Here are a few more healthy and flavorful recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Crispy Quinoa Salad with Creamy Vegan Dressing
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Crispy Baked Brussels Sprouts Latkes
- Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
Your feedback means the world! If you enjoyed making and tasting this recipe, please consider leaving a five-star rating and a comment below to share your experience. Your support helps other food enthusiasts discover and enjoy these delicious creations. Don’t forget to capture your culinary masterpiece and share your photos on Instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein. I love seeing your wonderful dishes!
📖 Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Sweet & Spicy
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Sweet & Spicy
Authored by Debra Klein
Crispy oven-roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with a mouthwatering honey-lime-sriracha sauce. This incredibly easy-to-make side dish is both delicious and packed with nutrition, guaranteed to be a hit even with sprout skeptics.
Rated 4.93 out of 5 stars by 64 readers.
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Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 148 kcal
Equipment
- Stainless Steel Baking Sheets
- Balloon whisk
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon sriracha
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Roasting: Place sprouts in a bowl of cool water. Any debris will float down to the bottom, so lift the Brussels sprouts out and into a colander. Trim off the tough bottom ends, then cut each sprout in half vertically through its core.
- Place the halved sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the coarse sea salt until evenly coated. Use a second baking sheet if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are beautifully browned with caramelized, crispy edges.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, fresh lime juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until well combined.
- Once roasted, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl using a spatula. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over them, tossing gently to coat to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
LEFTOVERS: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with this crowd-pleasing dish!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat and re-crisp, spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking tray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy once more. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 277mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g
Note
The nutrition calculations provided were performed using online tools and are estimates. For the most accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to calculate based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. You are ultimately responsible for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any nutritional information provided.
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