If you’re looking to transform humble Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping star on your dinner table, this Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish where crispy sausage meets caramelized Brussels sprouts, all lovingly brought together with a tantalizing blend of Chinese five-spice, ginger, and garlic. The result is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that makes every bite feel like a warm hug, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one infuses the dish with unique texture, flavor, and aroma, making the Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe unforgettable and easy to put together.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved): The star vegetable delivering a satisfying crunch and slight sweetness when browned.
- 12 oz fully cooked sausage (sliced into coins): Adds rich, savory depth; choose chicken, pork, or plant-based to suit your preference.
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking and locking in flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings warm, pungent aroma and a punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds a bright, zesty kick that lifts the entire stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides essential umami salty notes.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces sweetness and complexity to the sauce blend.
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder: The secret ingredient that infuses the dish with a unique aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance the overall flavors perfectly.
- Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish: Adds freshness and a delightful crunch when serving.
How to Make Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and let it cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until it gets beautifully browned and slightly crispy around the edges. This step not only seals in the flavors but also provides that irresistible texture contrast. Once ready, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
With the sausage out of the way, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down and let them cook without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows them to develop a deep, caramelized crust, which is pure magic. After this, stir and continue to sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still retain a slight bite — a perfect balance of softness and crunch.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté everything together for about 30 seconds, just until those heavenly scents fill your kitchen, but be careful not to burn the garlic. This quick step layers in flavor that brings the stir-fry alive.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce It Up
Return the browned sausage to the pan and give everything a good stir. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this luscious mixture over the sausage and Brussels sprouts, stirring well to ensure every bite is coated in that delicious sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to fully heat through and meld those flavours.
How to Serve Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a satisfying crunch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines best served atop fluffy steamed rice, velvety cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even your favorite noodles to soak up the rich sauce. Simple sides like steamed bok choy or a light cucumber salad complement the robust flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe into a lettuce wrap filling or pile it into warm tortillas for a fusion taco experience. You could also serve it over roasted sweet potato slices to blend sweet, spicy, and savory in one bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir-fry stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so it tastes just as good the next day!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, allow the stir-fry to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Note that Brussels sprouts may soften slightly upon thawing, but the dish remains delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving works too, but reheating on the stove helps maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use raw sausage instead of fully cooked sausage?
It’s best to use fully cooked sausage for this recipe since the cooking time isn’t long enough to thoroughly cook raw sausage. If you only have raw sausage, cook it separately until fully done before adding it to the stir-fry.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Just swap the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even smoked tofu for a delicious vegetarian version without losing any of the flavor punch.
What if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?
While five-spice powder is a highlight, you can improvise by mixing cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns if available. Otherwise, a pinch of cinnamon and ground ginger can add some warmth in a pinch.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing for extra heat that excites the palate.
How do I get the Brussels sprouts to brown nicely?
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the sprouts and avoid stirring too soon. Letting them cook undisturbed on their cut side allows the natural sugars to caramelize beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about this Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors that turn ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple—happy cooking!
Print
Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and quick Asian-inspired stir-fry combining crispy Brussels sprouts with savory sausage, enhanced by aromatic five-spice powder and a tangy hoisin-soy sauce mixture. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal and can be served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Protein
- 12 oz fully cooked sausage (chicken, pork, or plant-based), sliced into coins
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Brussels Sprouts: Add the remaining oil to the pan, then place the Brussels sprouts cut side down. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to allow a deep brown sear. Stir the sprouts and continue sautéing for an additional 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce mixture over the Brussels sprouts and sausage, stirring well to evenly coat the ingredients.
- Finish Cooking and Garnish: Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Use hot Italian sausage for additional spice or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure sausage is gluten-free.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
