If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible textures, then you absolutely have to try this Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that takes humble Brussels sprouts and turns them into something truly special, thanks to a perfect balance of fragrant five-spice powder, savory sausage, and a medley of fresh veggies. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a hungry crowd, this stir-fry packs so much flavor and personality into every bite that it’s bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet masterfully combined to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each element plays an essential role—from the hearty sausage providing richness, to the crisp Brussels sprouts adding freshness, and the aromatic five-spice powder delivering that unique warm depth.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: The star vegetable, offering a slightly nutty crunch when sautéed.
- 1 lb sausage, sliced: Choose Italian, chicken, or pork sausages depending on your preference for smokiness and spice level.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying all the delicious ingredients evenly without sticking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punch of aromatic flavor that tickles the senses.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Offers a zesty, warming tone that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder: The key flavor component that infuses the dish with its signature sweet-spicy complexity.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami throughout the stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Used at the end for a nutty, fragrant finish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds crisp texture and color.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional): Adds delightful 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 your Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce. Slice up your sausage, red bell pepper, and onion, then mince the garlic and ginger. Proper prep sets you up for smooth cooking and amazing flavor integration.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside—don’t skip this step as browning adds crucial depth to the dish.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Throw in the Brussels sprouts and give them about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they get those lovely caramelized edges. Then, add the red bell pepper and onion and cook everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, so the veggies stay tender yet retain a satisfying crispness.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices
Into the sizzling pan, add your minced garlic and ginger; cook for about a minute until the kitchen fills with incredible aroma. Stir in the five-spice powder next, letting it toast just enough to release those fragrant notes that define this recipe’s unique character.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Bring back the sausage to the pan with all your cooked veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce, stirring well to coat everything in a luscious, flavorful glaze. Let it cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, creating that perfect stir-fry harmony.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle the sesame oil over your stir-fry and give it a final toss to infuse that delicate nutty aroma. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with garnishes! Fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are classic choices that highlight the dish’s Asian-inspired roots. For an extra touch, try a few cilantro leaves or a drizzle of chili oil if you like heat.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines when served over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or alongside noodles, soaking up all the flavorful sauce. It pairs nicely with simple sides like cucumber salad or lightly steamed bok choy for a refreshing green balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this into a show-stopping meal by serving it in individual shallow bowls topped with a fried egg or a dollop of creamy Asian-style slaw. For parties, offer it as a filling for lettuce wraps or even stuff it inside steamed buns for an innovative handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This stir-fry freezes well, so feel free to portion and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the vegetables vibrant and the sausage succulent.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick. Avoid the microwave if possible—it helps maintain the crisp texture of the Brussels sprouts and keeps the sausage juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe is very versatile. You can use Italian, chicken, pork, or even plant-based sausages depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
Is five-spice powder essential for this dish?
While five-spice powder gives the dish its signature flavor, you can experiment with substitutes like Chinese five-spice blends or even a mix of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and pepper if you like to customize your spice profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap out the sausage for tofu or tempeh, and consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas. The five-spice powder and sauces will still bring amazing flavor.
How do I get the Brussels sprouts tender but still crisp?
Cooking them over medium-high heat and stirring occasionally allows the Brussels sprouts to brown lightly while retaining their crunch. Avoid overcooking to keep that delightful texture contrast.
What can I serve this stir-fry with for a complete meal?
Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a filling meal. Adding a simple side salad or miso soup can round out the dining experience beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and excitement to the dinner table every single time. The way the spices, veggies, and sausage come together is pure magic, and it’s surprisingly easy to make on a busy night. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A flavorful and quick stir-fry featuring crispy Brussels sprouts and savory sausage, enhanced with aromatic five-spice powder and a tangy soy-based sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Protein
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (Italian, chicken, or pork)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Slice the sausage, red bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic and fresh ginger. Chop the green onions for garnish.
- Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown. Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the five-spice powder and cook for an additional 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything well to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve this delicious stir-fry hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with chicken, pork, or a plant-based alternative to adjust the recipe to dietary preferences.
- Adjust five-spice powder quantity to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger spice profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives.
- To add extra heat, consider tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes during the aromatics step.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
