Name: Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts: 1 pound, halved; Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons; Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon; Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons; Salt: ½ teaspoon; Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon

These Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts are a total game-changer. The Brussels sprouts come out perfectly caramelized, with crisp edges and a tender interior. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory depth of the fish sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped garlic gives it that irresistible punch. Trust me, you’re going to love this combination of flavors that is simple, elegant, and so satisfying.

Behind the Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly autumn evening. I wanted a side dish that could stand out on its own without needing a protein to shine. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out a natural sweetness, and when you add a touch of maple and fish sauce, it creates this magical umami twist that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Every bite feels cozy and indulgent, like a warm hug on a plate.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Brussels sprouts have a long history in European cuisine, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, where they were first cultivated. Roasting them became popular in modern cooking because it transforms their flavor from slightly bitter to nutty and sweet. Adding maple syrup is a modern twist often used in North American kitchens, while fish sauce, a staple in Southeast Asian cooking, gives this dish its unique savory depth. The combination might surprise you at first, but it’s a match made in flavor heaven.

Why You’ll Love Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Versatile: Can be served as a side dish for dinner, a holiday spread, or even tossed into a grain bowl for lunch.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver big flavor.

Quick and Easy: Roasts in about 20–25 minutes with minimal prep work.

Customizable: Add toasted nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes to adjust the texture or heat.

Crowd-Pleasing: Even people who claim they dislike Brussels sprouts often love this version.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead and roasted right before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully in a skillet or oven without losing its caramelized crispness.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use medium-sized Brussels sprouts for even roasting.
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the sprouts to ensure caramelization.
Stir halfway through roasting for even browning.
Use fresh garlic to get the most aroma and punch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Baking Sheet: For roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly.
Mixing Bowl: To toss the Brussels sprouts with maple syrup, fish sauce, and oil.
Knife: To halve the Brussels sprouts and chop the garlic.
Spatula: For tossing and turning the sprouts during roasting.

Ingredients in Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Bringing these ingredients together creates a harmony of sweet, savory, and umami.

Brussels Sprouts: 1 pound, halved. The main star that roasts beautifully.
Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons, adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sprouts.
Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon, provides savory depth and umami punch.
Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped, brings aromatic flavor and a gentle heat.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, ensures even roasting and crisp edges.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances all the natural flavors.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adds a subtle background spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup.
Fish Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil or any neutral oil.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brussels Sprouts: Packed with vitamins C and K, and roasting them intensifies their natural sweetness.
Fish Sauce: A tiny amount goes a long way to add depth and umami flavor.

Instructions for Making Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Let’s get roasting! Follow these steps to achieve perfect caramelized Brussels sprouts.

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, fish sauce, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Assemble the Dish: Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down.
Cook to Perfection: Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until edges are golden and crisp.
Finishing Touches: Check seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra chopped nuts if desired, and serve hot.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The outer leaves crisp up and turn golden brown, creating a slightly crunchy texture. The interior remains tender and slightly sweet. The maple syrup balances the savory fish sauce while garlic adds a gentle bite, creating layers of flavor in every mouthful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Preheat the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the sprouts.
Use a light hand when tossing to prevent bruising.

What to Avoid

Overcooking can make sprouts mushy.
Using too much fish sauce can overpower the sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 110

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can halve the Brussels sprouts and prep the garlic ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to bring back crispiness.

How to Serve Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts

Serve as a side for roasted meats, alongside grains like quinoa or rice, or toss into a warm salad for extra flavor.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Chop and toss into pasta with olive oil and Parmesan.
Add to fried rice with a scrambled egg.
Mix into a grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and nuts.

Additional Tips

Use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant flavor.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds or cashews for extra crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve on a decorative plate and sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs for color contrast. The golden-brown edges will catch the eye instantly.

Variations to Try

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Mix in roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Swap maple syrup with honey or agave for a slightly different sweetness.

FAQ’s

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
Q: How much fish sauce is too much?
A: Stick to 1 tablespoon per pound of sprouts to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
Q: Can I roast with the lid on?
A: No, roasting uncovered allows caramelization.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, carrots or parsnips work well but may need different cooking times.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers without losing crispiness?
A: Reheat in a hot skillet or oven for a few minutes.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, if using gluten-free fish sauce or tamari.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Prep ingredients in advance, roast right before serving.
Q: Can I freeze roasted Brussels sprouts?
A: Freezing is not recommended as texture may become mushy.
Q: What nuts pair best with this dish?
A: Chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans add a nice crunch.

Conclusion

These Maple Fish Sauce Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough for any meal. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.