Red Lobster Crispy Brussels Sprouts with soy-ginger glaze and fried onions are a tasty side dish. These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Fried onions add a little crunch and the ginger-soy glaze gives this dish a touch of sweetness.
Many folks claim they can’t stand Brussels sprouts, but that probably stems from some food-related trauma during childhood. Yep, when cooked poorly, Brussels sprouts can be nasty soggy balls of bitterness.
On the other hand, when made right, they are absolutely delicious. This Red Lobster recipe for crispy Brussels sprouts is sure to convert even the pickiest veggie eater. The earthiness of the Brussels sprouts is balanced by the sweet soy-ginger glaze. The fried onions add a crispy texture and another layer of flavor.
Red Lobster’s crispy brussels sprouts have become an iconic menu item, beloved by seafood lovers across the country. But what really gives these brussels sprouts their craveworthy flavor? The secret lies in the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce drizzled over the top
As a longtime fan of Red Lobster’s take on brussels sprouts, I decided to do some investigating to uncover the components of their top-secret sauce recipe. Through research and testing in my own kitchen, I believe I’ve cracked the code on how to recreate the irresistible sauce at home.
Demystifying Red Lobster’s Addicting Brussels Sprouts Sauce
After poring over blogs and foodie sites, I found several homemade copycat recipes that come close to the real thing. By cross-referencing the most common ingredients, I pieced together the fundamentals of the restaurant’s sauce.
Here’s what I deduced about the key components
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Soy sauce – This provides deep, savory umami flavor Red Lobster likely uses a good quality soy sauce for maximum flavor impact.
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Brown sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance out the soy sauce’s saltiness. The brown sugar also gives the sauce a slight molasses-like taste.
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Ginger – This adds a subtle kick of spice and warmth. Ground ginger seems to be the choice for even distribution.
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Garlic – A must for rounding out the flavor profile with its aromatic quality. Minced garlic delivers texture and bite.
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Sesame oil – Its nutty essence gives another layer of flavor. A small amount goes a long way.
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Rice vinegar – A splash of acidity to brighten up the sauce. Rice vinegar adds mild tang without overpowering.
My Homemade Version of the Signature Sauce
Armed with the knowledge of the estimated building blocks, it was time for me to test out sauce recipes in my own kitchen to match the Red Lobster taste as closely as possible. After several rounds of tweaking and tasting, I landed on my ideal reproduction of the brussels sprout sauce.
The measurements I found to work best are:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 tablespoons rice vinegar
I mix everything together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once combined, I let it cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and the brown sugar dissolves. Then I turn off the heat and let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
When ready to use, I’ll reheat the sauce for about 1 minute over low heat. A quick simmer makes the sauce thick and glossy for ideal coating ability.
Putting the Sauce to the Test
To complete my investigation, I had to try my homemade sauce on crispy brussels sprouts to see if I succeeded in imitating the Red Lobster experience.
I cut brussels sprouts in half and roasted them in the oven with oil, salt, and pepper until browned and crispy on the edges. Once out of the oven, I tossed the crisped sprouts with the sauce until fully coated.
After that final test, I can definitively say my sauce recipe comes extremely close to Red Lobster’s actual sauce. The complex sweet yet savory flavor was spot on. My family and I devoured these saucy brussels sprouts, and I know this recipe will become a regular on our dinner table.
While their exact recipe remains under wraps, I’m confident I’ve captured the essence of the irresistible sauce that makes Red Lobster’s crispy brussels sprouts so craveable. This homemade version lets me satisfy my cravings anytime without leaving the house. Give it a try in your kitchen and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor for a fraction of the price. Just beware – once you start, it’ll be hard to stop snacking on these saucy crispy sprouts!
Red Lobster Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need to prepare this Red Lobster Brussel sprouts recipe:
- Brown sugar
- White granulated sugar
- Reduced sodium soy sauce
- Minced fresh ginger
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- French’s original crispy fried onions
Why We Love The Red Lobster Crispy Brussel Sprouts
The Brussels sprouts are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The soy-ginger glaze, which has both sweet and savory notes, takes them to a whole new level.
This recipe for brussel sprouts that tastes just like the popular side dish at Red Lobster uses reduced-sodium soy sauce, so the glaze has just the right amount of flavor without being too salty and hiding the other ingredients. It tastes so much like the Red Lobster dish!
This recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts is so good that your kids will beg you to make it again.
Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Do Red Lobster Brussels sprouts get crispy?
The crispy brussels sprouts from red lobster are made with deep-fried brussels sprouts tossed in a sweetened soy-ginger glaze (like this recipe) OR a browned butter sauce. Both options are topped with crispy fried onion. Why won’t my brussels sprouts get crispy? If they aren’t crisping, it’s most likely because they’re overcrowded.
Are Red Lobster brussel sprouts a good side dish?
These Red Lobster copycat brussel sprouts are a delicious, flavourful way to include vegetables as a side dish! The air fryer crisps up these brussel sprouts perfectly. Topped with a sweet and sticky soy glaze, and savoury crispy fried onions, these sprouts are packed with flavour and crunch! The sauce is made with pantry staples!
Can you cook Red Lobster Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
This copycat recipe for Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts features a delicious soy-ginger glaze, crispy onions, and tender roasted brussels sprouts. Both oven and air fryer instructions are included, so you can have this crispy, savory side dish in your very own kitchen.
Do Red Lobster brussel sprouts need to be deep fried?
Deep fried: The original Red Lobster brussel sprouts are actually roasted and then deep fried to be extra crispy. If you wanted to do this step at home, deep fry them your favorite neutral oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Drizzle with the reduced sauce and top with crispy onion strips.