These Gochujang Brussels Sprouts are crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite. Oven-roasted until charred and golden, they’re tossed in a rich Korean-inspired sauce made with gochujang, garlic, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Quick and easy to prepare, this side or appetizer is perfect for spicing up your dinner table—ideal for holiday spreads or weeknight meals alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts:

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

Gochujang Sauce:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ⅓ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Garnish:

• 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prep the oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Roast Brussels sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on two baking sheets in a single layer. Roast for about 30 minutes, flipping and rotating halfway through, until deeply golden and charred.

3. Make the gochujang sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and golden. Stir in gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, and water. Mix until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.

4. Combine: In a large bowl, toss roasted Brussels sprouts with the sauce until evenly coated.

5. Garnish & serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Top with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot!

Nutrients

Per serving (6 servings total):

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 14g

• Sodium: 752mg

• Potassium: 731mg

• Vitamin C: 133mg

• Calcium: 103mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Gochujang Works So Well

At the heart of this dish is gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste with a uniquely complex flavor. Unlike simple hot sauces, gochujang balances heat with a subtle sweetness, fermented tang, and earthy depth. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, amplifying their natural charred flavors while adding layers of umami and spice. In this recipe, gochujang is blended with maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to create a sauce that clings perfectly to each sprout, making every bite a burst of bold flavor.

The Secret to Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The transformation from bitter to irresistible begins in the oven. High heat—450°F (230°C)—is key to coaxing out sweetness while developing crispy edges. Spacing the sprouts out on the pan ensures they roast instead of steam, while a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper sets the stage for golden, caramelized perfection. Flipping them halfway through promotes even browning, so no side is left untouched by that rich roasted flavor. When done properly, the sprouts emerge with a tender center, crispy leaves, and a flavor profile that can stand up to bold sauces.

The Sauce: Sweet, Spicy, and Savory Harmony

The gochujang sauce is where this dish truly shines. Butter is melted with garlic until fragrant, forming a luscious base. The gochujang adds bold heat and earthy umami, while maple syrup balances it with a natural sweetness. Soy sauce deepens the savory profile, water thins the mixture to a glossy consistency, and sesame oil adds a nutty finish. The sauce is thick enough to coat but not overwhelm, ensuring the Brussels sprouts remain the star of the dish. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors keeps the palate engaged from the first bite to the last.

Texture Meets Flavor

What makes this dish addictive is the interplay between texture and flavor. The sprouts are crispy on the outside yet tender inside, while the sauce adds stickiness and shine. Every bite carries a satisfying crunch, followed by a wave of sweet heat that lingers without overpowering. The garnishes—fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds—add brightness and crunch, lifting the dish with freshness and nuttiness. It’s a complete sensory experience that transforms a humble vegetable into a centerpiece-worthy dish.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Though bold in flavor, this dish is remarkably versatile. It’s elegant enough to appear at a holiday dinner, where it cuts through heavier dishes with its vibrant spice. At the same time, it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight side, ready in under an hour from start to finish. For game days or casual gatherings, it can even be served as a finger-food appetizer, with guests picking sprouts straight from the platter. It’s one of those rare recipes that adapts seamlessly to any setting, always leaving an impression.

Make-Ahead Tips and Shortcuts

One of the beauties of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. The gochujang sauce can be prepared hours in advance and kept at room temperature or chilled, ready to be tossed with freshly roasted sprouts. The Brussels sprouts themselves can be trimmed and halved ahead of time, saving precious minutes during dinner prep. For an even quicker version, an air fryer can be used to achieve the same crisp, charred effect in a shorter time. These shortcuts make the dish not only delicious but also stress-free.

Nutritional Benefits with a Kick

Beyond flavor, these Gochujang Brussels Sprouts deliver impressive nutrition. High in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, Brussels sprouts are a nutrient powerhouse that support immunity and digestion. Gochujang, while bold, is used sparingly enough to provide flavor without overwhelming the dish with sodium. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness rather than refined sugar, keeping the balance healthier. Each serving clocks in around 320 calories with 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

Pairing Ideas

These sprouts shine as a side dish to a variety of mains. They pair beautifully with grilled meats like Korean BBQ short ribs or simple roasted chicken, where their spice provides a dynamic contrast. They also work well alongside grain bowls, tofu, or seared salmon, bringing both heat and texture. For drinks, a crisp lager or light pilsner cools the palate, while a Riesling or sparkling wine complements the sweet-spicy balance. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lime or lightly sweetened iced tea makes a refreshing match.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish stand out isn’t just the flavor combination—it’s the way it respects and elevates the ingredients. Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts, while the sauce amplifies rather than masks their natural taste. The simplicity of preparation ensures it’s accessible for home cooks, yet the result feels like something you’d happily order at a trendy restaurant. It’s proof that with the right treatment, everyday vegetables can become extraordinary.

Conclusion

These Gochujang Brussels Sprouts are a celebration of contrasts—crispy and tender, spicy and sweet, rustic and refined. They transform a divisive vegetable into a crave-worthy dish that even skeptics will embrace. Whether served at a holiday feast, alongside a weeknight dinner, or as a bold appetizer, they bring vibrancy and excitement to the table. Easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and undeniably satisfying, this recipe is proof that sometimes all it takes is a touch of heat and creativity to turn the ordinary into something unforgettable.