Description
Crispy and flavorful General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts feature perfectly caramelized sprouts tossed in a vibrant, tangy, and spicy plant-based sauce. This gluten-free dish offers a delightful balance of crunch, sweetness, and heat, making it a versatile option as an appetizer, side, or main course that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds (natural) for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends and halve the fresh Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking and crisp edges. Pat them completely dry to help the cornstarch adhere better.
- Coat and Fry: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in cornstarch until lightly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the sprouts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 4-5 minutes each batch until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar (natural), soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sriracha, and natural gelling agent. Heat the mixture gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Sprouts in Sauce: Add the crispy Brussels sprouts into the thickened sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the rich General Tso’s glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Immediately garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer, side dish, or main.
Notes
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before coating to maximize crispiness.
- Use hot oil to fry to prevent sogginess and maintain crunch.
- Cook sprouts in small batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
- Fresh garlic and ginger significantly enhance flavor.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually to achieve desired sauce thickness without clumping.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, soy sauce (natural) can be replaced with tamari (natural).
- For a nutty aroma, add toasted sesame seeds or a small dash of toasted sesame oil.
- Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or cashews for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: General Tso's Brussels Sprouts, crispy Brussels sprouts, plant-based appetizer, gluten free appetizer, spicy vegetable dish