Looking for a side dish that's crispy, savory, and impossible to stop eating? These Gochujang Brussels Sprouts are it. Roasted to a golden brown and tossed in a spicy-sweet Korean-inspired gochujang sauce, they deliver bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner, meal prep, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these sprouts bring the heat (and the crunch).
Why You’ll Love Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
These aren't your average brussels sprouts. The combination of roast, char, and a buttery, garlicky gochujang glaze transforms this humble veggie into the perfect side dish. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sauce that's the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet.
What Is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste made with red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It's rich, slightly sweet, spicy, and deeply umami. Gochujang adds complexity and heat to sauces, soups, marinades, and more. For these roasted brussels sprouts, it's the MVP that takes things from basic to bold.
Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
Here are the stars of this recipe and what they bring to the table:
- Brussels Sprouts - Cut in half for even cooking, these roast beautifully, getting crispy edges and a tender center.
- Gochujang - The heart of the sauce. Adds spicy, savory, slightly sweet heat.
- Butter - Browned for a rich, nutty base that deepens flavor.
- Brown Sugar - A touch of sweetness that balances the spice.
- Sesame Oil - Adds a toasty aroma and pairs perfectly with gochujang.
- Soy Sauce - Brings saltiness and umami to the sauce.
- Garlic - Always a good idea. Minced garlic brings depth and aroma.
- Oil - Helps crisp the brussels sprouts in the air fryer or oven.
How to Make Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
This easy recipe uses the air fryer for speed and crispiness, but you can roast them on a sheet pan too. Here’s how to make brussels sprouts taste amazing:
1. Prep and Boil the Brussels Sprouts
- Trim the ends and slice the brussels sprouts in half.
- Boil for 6-8 minutes to soften slightly, then drain. This step ensures they roast up crispy on the outside without being undercooked inside.
2. Make the Gochujang Butter Sauce
- In a medium skillet, brown the butter until it has a rich amber color and smells nutty.
- Remove from heat and stir in gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix into a smooth, aromatic butter mixture.
3. Coat the Brussels Sprouts
- Toss the drained brussels sprouts in the prepared sauce to coat evenly. Don't hold back-every sprout should be glossy and loaded with flavor.
4. Roast the Brussels Sprouts
- Air fry at 390°F for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Alternatively, spread the brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, until browned and crispy.
Tips for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang
- Use sesame oil sparingly-it's potent but adds a beautiful toasted note.
- Don't skip the boiling step-it ensures even roasting and a tender interior.
- For extra crunch, finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Substitutions and Add-Ons
- Vegan-friendly: Use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a touch of zest (like lime or lemon) to brighten the sauce.
What to Serve with Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
This dish is the perfect side to roasted meats, tofu, or grain bowls. It's bold enough to stand alone as a delicious side dish or appetizer too.
Can I Reheat Gochujang Brussels Sprouts?
Yes! To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving-they'll lose their signature texture.
Where to Find Gochujang
You can find gochujang at most grocery stores (in the international aisle), Korean markets, or online. Look for varieties labeled spicy gochujang or korean gochujang for the most authentic flavor.
📋 Recipe
Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
Would you like to save this?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts halved
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon oil for air frying
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and boil for 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic until well combined.
- Toss the drained Brussels sprouts in the sauce until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and caramelized.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
