These Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts are a restaurant-style side dish that brings big flavor and satisfying texture right to your home kitchen. Roasted until perfectly caramelized, these sprouts are then drizzled with a sticky-sweet soy ginger glaze and topped with crispy fried onions for crunch. The result? A sweet, savory, umami-packed vegetable dish that’s so good, even Brussels sprout skeptics will go back for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
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½ cup brown sugar
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1¼ cups low-sodium soy sauce
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3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
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½ teaspoon minced garlic
For the Brussels Sprouts:
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2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
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4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
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½ cup crispy fried onions (e.g., French’s)
Directions
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until sugars dissolve.
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Add ginger and garlic. Continue cooking and reduce the glaze by about ⅓ to ½. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts.
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Toss sprouts in olive oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Roast for 35–40 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crispy and golden.
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Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with glaze, and top with crispy fried onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per serving, approx. based on 6 servings)
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Calories: ~220 kcal
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Carbohydrates: ~24 g
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Protein: ~4 g
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Fat: ~12 g
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Saturated Fat: ~2 g
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Fiber: ~4 g
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Sugar: ~18 g
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Sodium: ~750 mg
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Vitamin C: High
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Iron: Moderate
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Calcium: ~40 mg
Why These Brussels Sprouts Are So Addictive
The brilliance of this dish lies in its contrast of flavors and textures. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until the outer leaves are crisp and caramelized, giving them a subtle nuttiness and a pleasant crunch. Then comes the glaze—a sticky-sweet soy ginger sauce that clings to each sprout with just the right amount of richness and depth. Finally, the entire dish is topped with crispy fried onions, which add a salty, crunchy finishing touch that makes every bite satisfying.
It’s this layering of flavor that turns even Brussels sprout skeptics into full-on fans. The sweet glaze mellows out the natural bitterness of the sprouts, while the umami-forward soy sauce and aromatic ginger and garlic add complexity. It’s the kind of balance that’s often hard to find in vegetable dishes—but this one nails it.
Perfect Texture Through Roasting
Roasting is the secret to getting the perfect texture on Brussels sprouts. While boiling or steaming can leave them soggy and bland, roasting unlocks their true potential. High heat encourages the natural sugars in the sprouts to caramelize, which enhances their flavor and creates crispy edges that contrast beautifully with their tender interiors.
A generous coating of olive oil helps them roast evenly and promotes browning, giving you golden-brown perfection every time. Roasting also reduces any bitterness that might be present, leaving behind a richer, more savory taste.
A Glaze That Ties It All Together
The soy ginger glaze is the star of the show here. It combines brown sugar and granulated sugar for sweetness, balanced by salty low-sodium soy sauce and the bright, zingy notes of fresh ginger and garlic. As the glaze reduces, it thickens into a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the roasted sprouts.
What makes this glaze particularly special is its versatility. It brings together elements of Asian cuisine—like soy, ginger, and garlic—into a familiar, approachable form that complements the Brussels sprouts rather than overpowering them. And once you taste it, you’ll probably want to drizzle it on everything from rice bowls to grilled chicken.
Fried Onions for the Ultimate Finish
Just when you think the dish couldn’t get better, in come the crispy fried onions. These golden bits of crunchy perfection are typically associated with green bean casserole, but they shine here as well. Their deep, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the glaze and the richness of the roasted sprouts.
The best part? No frying required. A handful of store-bought crispy onions adds just the right crunch without the need for extra effort. It’s an easy upgrade that makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy with almost no extra work.
An Unexpected Crowd-Pleaser
Brussels sprouts have long had a reputation as a “love it or hate it” vegetable, but this dish has a way of changing minds. The sweet glaze and savory crunch appeal to even the pickiest eaters, while fans of Brussels sprouts will appreciate the elevated flavor profile. This makes it a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals—any occasion where you want to impress with something a little different.
Even better, the dish can be served as a side for just about anything. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled seafood, or vegetarian mains. It’s also hearty enough to be the star of a vegetarian plate when served over a grain like farro or quinoa.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it fits into a busy schedule. You can make the glaze in advance—up to a day before—and let it cool until you’re ready to roast. The sprouts can also be trimmed and halved ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and tossed in oil right before roasting.
If you’re planning to serve this for guests, consider roasting the sprouts and reducing the glaze in advance. Then, just reheat both and toss them together before topping with fried onions for a dish that tastes fresh and looks impressive.
A Nutrient-Rich, Flavor-Packed Side
Beyond its irresistible flavor, this dish delivers plenty of nutritional value. Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Roasting helps retain their nutrients, and the glaze, while sweet, doesn’t overwhelm the overall healthfulness of the dish. Plus, with heart-healthy olive oil and a low-sodium soy sauce option, you can feel good about what you’re serving.
Of course, moderation is key when it comes to indulgent toppings like crispy onions, but even they provide more crunch and texture than excessive calories. Altogether, this dish strikes a satisfying balance between delicious and wholesome.
Creative Variations to Try
While this recipe is a fantastic copycat of the Red Lobster version, it’s also a great foundation for other flavor profiles. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a touch of hot honey if you like your vegetables with extra zing. Swap out the soy glaze for a miso-maple or hoisin-based sauce to explore different Asian-inspired flavors.
You can also introduce texture by adding chopped nuts like toasted almonds or cashews. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes will add even more dimension. The versatility of Brussels sprouts means you can take this recipe in almost any direction without losing its core appeal.
Conclusion
Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts are proof that vegetables don’t have to be boring. With crispy roasted edges, a sticky-sweet soy ginger glaze, and a finishing touch of crunchy fried onions, this side dish delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. It’s easy to make at home, incredibly versatile, and sure to impress whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a special dinner.
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a statement. One that says vegetables can be craveable, comforting, and absolutely delicious. So next time you’re planning a meal and want to include something that will wow your guests or win over a Brussels sprout skeptic, look no further. This copycat recipe brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your table—and it just might become your new favorite way to eat your greens.