How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts at Home

Red Lobster’s crispy brussels sprouts are a fan favorite side dish at the restaurant. With their sweet and salty glaze and crunchy texture, it’s easy to see why people love them so much! If you’ve ever wanted to recreate these addictive brussels sprouts at home you’re in luck. In this article I’ll walk you through an easy step-by-step guide on how to make copycat Red Lobster brussels sprouts right in your own kitchen.

Overview of Red Lobster’s Famous Brussels Sprouts

So what exactly makes Red Lobster’s brussels sprouts so good? Here’s a quick rundown:

• They use fresh brussels sprouts, cut in half to expose more surface area for crisping up in the oven

• The brussels sprouts are tossed in olive oil and butter before roasting which helps them get super crispy on the outside.

• After roasting, they are coated in a sweet and salty glaze made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

• Finally, crispy fried onion strips are sprinkled on top for an extra crunch factor.

It’s this perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes these brussels sprouts such an addictive side dish. Keep reading to learn how to replicate it at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making copycat Red Lobster brussels sprouts is simple because you likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the brussels sprouts:

• 1 pound fresh brussels sprouts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 minced garlic clove
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For serving:

• Crispy fried onions

And that’s it! Now let’s get into the easy step-by-step method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect copycat Red Lobster brussels sprouts every time:

Step 1: Make the Glaze

Start by making the sweet and salty glaze. Simply combine all the glaze ingredients (honey through garlic) in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool and thicken further.

Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

While the glaze cools, prep the brussels sprouts. Start by cutting off any discolored outer leaves and trimming the stem ends. Then cut each brussels sprout in half from top to bottom.

This exposes more surface area for caramelization and also helps them cook faster. Rinse the prepped sprouts under cool water and then pat them completely dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Toss Brussels Sprouts with Oil and Butter

Next, toss the brussels sprouts with the melted butter, olive oil, and desired amounts of salt and pepper.

Make sure each sprout is evenly coated. The fat helps them get extra crispy when roasted.

Step 4. Roast Brussels Sprouts

Transfer the coated brussels sprouts to a rimmed baking sheet and spread into an even layer.

Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway, until deeply golden brown and crispy looking on the outside.

Step 5: Toss with Glaze and Onions

Once roasted, immediately toss the hot brussels sprouts with the glaze and crispy fried onions.

The residual heat helps the glaze stick and coat each sprout. Serve right away for the best texture.

And that’s it – perfect copycat Red Lobster brussels sprouts ready in just over an hour! The roasting renders them crispy and caramelized while the sweet and salty glaze provides tons of flavor.

Tips for Making The Best Brussels Sprouts

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for brussels sprouts success:

• Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tight leaves. Avoid any with yellowing.

• Make sure sprouts are very dry before roasting for maximum crispness.

• Cutting sprouts in half helps them cook evenly. Leave whole for more chewiness.

• Roast at a high temp (400°F) to get them crispy on the outside.

• Toss sprouts in oil and seasonings to ensure even coating before roasting.

• For caramelization, spread sprouts out in a single layer on the baking sheet.

• For best texture, serve immediately after roasting and tossing with glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making these copycat brussels sprouts:

How do I make the crispy onions?

While you can buy crispy onions already made, it’s easy to make them yourself. Simply slice 1 large onion into thin strips and toss with flour to coat. Fry the onions in 1-2 inches of oil on medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! Just make sure frozen sprouts are completely thawed and patted very dry before using. The roasting process will still crisp them up nicely.

What if my glaze is too thick?

No worries, just thin it out with a tablespoon or two of water until you reach the desired consistency. Continue adding water as needed.

What do I serve these brussels sprouts with?

These addictive brussels sprouts pair perfectly with seafood, chicken, steak, or pork entrees. They also make a great veggie-focused appetizer on their own.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover brussels sprouts, glaze, and onions separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat sprouts in a 400°F oven or pan to restore crispness before serving again.

Make Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts at Home

Now there’s no need to spend money dining out when you’re craving Red Lobster’s famous crispy brussels sprouts. With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate them in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

Crisp roasted sprouts coated in sweet and salty glaze – what’s not to love? So give this recipe a try and let us know how they turn out in the comments below!