Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe

You know when you go back to a restaurant over and over again just for a side dish? Well, that's our relationship with the Brussels sprouts at Red Lobster. Sweet, salty, and crunchy, this copycat Red Lobster Brussels sprouts recipe is absolutely incredible. This recipe was born out of the acute need to replicate this man-made wonder, without emptying our wallets at the altar of Red Lobster week after week.

With a list of simple ingredients, and even simpler preparation, this recipe couldn't be easier to make. But according to food Blogger Ksenia Prints of At the Immigrant's Table, the secret to perfect Brussels sprouts is making them in the air fryer. Our air fryer Brussels sprouts are ready in 15 minutes, and taste just as good as the real thing. However, if you don't have an air fryer, you can make roasted Brussels sprouts in the oven. You'll never have to go to Red Lobster again, thanks to this recipe, unless you actually want to eat questionable lobster and cheddar biscuits.

Gather the ingredients for copycat Red Lobster Brussels sprouts

The preparation for this recipe is very easy, and we recommend getting all your ingredients set up in advance. For the dish itself, you will also need Brussels sprouts, and crispy fried onions or fried shallots. To make the sauce that coats the Brussels sprouts, you will need brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and a garlic clove. 

Make the sauce

In a small saucepan set to medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved, and the sauce has reduced by about half. Add the minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Because we want our sauce to thicken slightly, it needs to be fully cooled before it's combined with the Brussels sprouts. Therefore, making the sauce a day, or a couple hours, in advance is best.

Air fry the Brussels sprouts

Meanwhile, air fry the Brussels sprouts. Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. If desired, halve the Brussels sprouts, or leave them whole for a chewier consistency.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, transfer at least half the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer, and cook at 375 F for 15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Repeat with the remaining Brussels sprouts, if applicable. If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven at 375 F for 15 minutes, or until crispy.

Serve copycat Red Lobster Brussels sprouts

Top the Brussels sprouts with at least half the sauce, and sprinkle with the crispy fried onions. Serve immediately. If you have leftovers, or are making this dish ahead of time, it is best to store the cooked Brussels sprouts, fried onions, and sauce in separate containers.

Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe
5 from 43 ratings
You never have to live without this classic Red Lobster side dish, thanks to this easy copycat Brussels sprouts recipe.
Prep Time
2.17
hours
Cook Time
35
minutes
Servings
4
servings
close up of brussels sprouts
Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup soy sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1-inch ginger piece, grated
  • Cooking spray
  • 32 ounces Brussels sprouts, optionally cut in half
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions, or fried shallots
Directions
  1. In a small saucepan set to medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce. Stir constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, and the sauce has reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
  2. Then, add the garlic and ginger. Let the sauce cool completely, at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. If desired, halve the Brussels sprouts. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer, and cook at 375 F for 15 minutes, until the sprouts are browned in parts. Cook in batches, if applicable.
  4. Top the Brussels sprouts with at least half the sauce, and sprinkle with crispy fried onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 336
Total Fat 8.5 g
Saturated Fat 1.7 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Total Carbohydrates 59.6 g
Dietary Fiber 9.6 g
Total Sugars 31.6 g
Sodium 2,472.0 mg
Protein 12.2 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Rate this recipe