The other day I drove past Panda Express, which my kids love, but I only like. Panda got me thinking about Pei Wei — my all time favorite Chinese food restaurant near our home that closed several years ago. That then got me thinking about making something with those same flavors at home, but healthier because we’re wrapping up our second round of Whole30.
By the time I got home I decided that those brussels sprouts sitting in the refrigerator were going to get an Asian treatment for dinner. More specifically, a ginger garlic treatment, but spicier because as we have progressed in our Whole30 journey, I’ve began to crave spicier foods.
Making Spicy Ginger Garlic Brussels Sprouts
I first cut off the stems/ends of the brussels sprouts and sliced each one in half vertically. I then added some olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and let the oil heat up for a few minutes.
Next I added the brussels sprouts, turned the heat up to medium-high, and sauteed the vegetables for about three minutes. I then added the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sea salt, and mixed all of the ingredients together well, sauteing the brussels sprouts for another eight minutes. To finish the brussels sprouts off, I turned the heat up to high and tossed them for another two minutes to let the garlic brown.
Once the Spicy Ginger Garlic Brussels Sprouts were done cooking, I removed them from heat, transferred them to a bowl, sprinkle on a tiny bit of fresh red pepper flakes, and served them up immediately.
The red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper really gives this Asian inspired Whole30 side dish some serious kick. These aren’t something I mess around with in the kitchen because a little goes a REALLY long way. If you like your food a little spicy but not a lot spicy, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
Along with the Spicy Ginger Garlic Brussels Sprouts, our dinner consisted of Spicy Turkey and Vegetable Meatballs and Garlic Smash Potatoes. The potatoes were the perfect complimentary side dish to accompany the Spicy Ginger Garlic Brussels Sprouts because they helped cut the spiciness of the vegetables… plus, they’re just so freaking delicious you really can’t go wrong with Smash Potatoes.
Spicy Ginger Garlic Brussels Sprouts
With ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this spicy side dish will turn even the biggest brussels sprouts haters into brussels sprouts lovers.
Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cut off the stem, then slice each brussels sprout in half vertically.
- Add some olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add brussels sprouts, turn heat to medium-high and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Mix all ingredients together well and saute for another 5 minutes. Turn the heat up to high and toss for about 2 more minutes to let the garlic begin to brown.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with a tiny bit of fresh red pepper flakes, and serve immediately.
