If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and vibrant textures, look no further than the Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe. This delightful meal perfectly balances the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts with the savory richness of sausage, all elevated by the warm, aromatic notes of five-spice powder. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something special, this stir-fry brings together the freshest ingredients and a harmonious blend of sauces for a dish that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a delicious medley of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so satisfying.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Adds a crisp texture and earthy base flavor that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (Italian, chicken, or pork): Provides hearty, savory richness to complement the veggies.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Necessary for sautéing everything evenly without sticking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings a burst of color and sweetness to brighten the dish.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic pungency, boosting overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Gives a zesty kick and fresh warmth.
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder: Imparts that signature blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns for an irresistible aroma.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty umami to tie all the components together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Delivers subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Used at the end for a fragrant, nutty finish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish adding mild onion flavor and color.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional): Adds crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking and that lovely caramelization. Slice the sausage of your choice, whether it’s Italian, chicken, or pork, along with the red bell pepper and onion. Don’t forget to mince the garlic and ginger finely—these little flavor bombs will really bring the dish to life.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops depth and richness. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, making room for the vegetables.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the Brussels sprouts first, allowing them to cook and start to brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This browning is where the flavor starts to get interesting. Then, add the red bell pepper and onion, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is tender-crisp and vibrant.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices
Time to build layers of flavor! Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring for about a minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible. Then stir in the five-spice powder, cooking for another minute so those warm spices evenly coat the vegetables and release their magic.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Bring the sausage back to the pan and pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything together so that the sauce clings to every morsel. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a luscious coating.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss it all together for a final hit of nutty aroma. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like, for that added crunch and color pop. Serve it piping hot, ideally over steaming rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
How to Serve Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped green onions and sesame seeds are more than just pretty toppings. They add fresh, bright notes and a gentle crunch that contrast perfectly with the tender Brussels sprouts and sausage, elevating the entire experience.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is a wonderful centerpiece, but you can make it a full feast by pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed basmati, or even stir-fried noodles for a delicious mix of textures. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can also refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for easy handheld bites. You could also use colorful bowls or rustic cast-iron skillets to keep the dish warm and visually inviting right at the table. Adding a few lime wedges on the side can offer guests a zesty option to brighten the flavors further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this savory stir-fry longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the Brussels sprouts might soften slightly when thawed, but the flavors will still be spot-on.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to maintain that lovely texture and avoid sogginess. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but try to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help refresh the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in the Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Italian, chicken, or pork sausage with chorizo, bratwurst, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. The key is to choose sausages with bold flavors that complement the five-spice seasoning.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy unless you add your own heat. The five-spice powder provides warm aromatic flavors without heat. If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce when cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the sausage with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly so your protein gets crispy but doesn’t dry out. The five-spice and sauce combination still shines with plant-based options.
What can I use instead of five-spice powder?
If you don’t have five-spice powder on hand, you can make a quick blend yourself using ground cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and ground peppercorns. Or, substitute with a pinch of Chinese five-spice or a milder spice mix, but keep in mind the unique flavor will change.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This stir-fry holds up well in the fridge and tastes fantastic reheated. Just store components together or separately and pack with rice or noodles for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. With its vibrant colors, layered flavors, and straightforward cooking process, it’s perfect for busy cooks who want a tasty, wholesome meal. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your weeknight favorites!
Print
Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender-crisp Brussels sprouts with savory sausage and a fragrant blend of five-spice powder and Asian-inspired sauces. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this stir-fry offers a delicious balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, enhanced with fresh aromatics and toasted sesame oil.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Protein
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (Italian, chicken, or pork)
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Spices and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts carefully to ensure even cooking. Slice the sausage, red bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and fresh ginger finely to release their flavors.
- Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften slightly. Then add the red bell pepper and sliced onion, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain a slight crispness.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn them. Stir in the five-spice powder and cook for another minute to toast the spices and blend the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss gently to combine and enhance the aroma. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- The type of sausage can be varied; Italian, chicken, or pork all work well, adjust cooking time to sausage type.
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and ginger.
- Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming rather than stir-frying.
- Leftover stir-fry can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
