Maple Bacon Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
You’re in for a treat with this Maple Bacon Gochujang Brussels Sprouts recipe! They’re the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy for a side dish that will steal the show. This crowd-pleasing dish is easy to make yet bold enough to impress!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper!
Crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with maple syrup’s earthy richness, bacon’s smoky crunch, and gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds just the right amount of heat and umami depth to this bold vegetable side dish.
With only a few ingredients that each bring their own bold flavor yet complement each other, this dish comes together effortlessly. They’re quick to make for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side for a holiday gathering.
Once you try them, these Brussels sprouts will become your new favorite way to enjoy this hearty, nutritious vegetable!
This gochujang Brussels sprouts recipe is:
- So easy! Halve the Brussels sprouts, top with diced bacon and roast. Mix up the luscious glaze, pour it on, and toss! Pop them back into the oven for another minute or two and serve!
- So delicious! This easy recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering dish that sings with layers of smoky, sweet, spicy, and savory goodness.
How to Make Maple Bacon Gochujang Brussels Sprouts:
Recipe Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this gochujang Brussels sprouts recipe, along with instructions for preparing the ingredients. The recipe card below has the exact quantities.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Brussels Sprouts: When selecting Brussels sprouts, choose vibrant green heads with tightly packed leaves. They should feel firm and dense for their size. Steer clear of any with yellowing leaves or dark spots. Smaller sprouts tend to have a sweeter flavor than larger ones. Use them within three to four days of purchase because they develop a more potent “cabbage” flavor as they age.
- Bacon: If you don’t consume pork, use turkey or beef bacon.
- Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup, not maple-flavored syrup.
- Gochujang: Gochujang is a traditional, fermented condiment common in Korean cuisine. “Gochu” in Korean means chili pepper, and “-jang” refers to it being a paste. Gochujang is made with gochugaru (Korean chili powder), rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sweeteners. These ingredients give this condiment an intense flavor with spice, sweetness, umami, and saltiness.
- Soy Sauce: Because the gochujang has plenty of salt, I prefer low-sodium soy sauce in this Brussels sprouts recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Gather and prep all the ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the Brussels sprouts on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with canola oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Turn the Brussels sprouts so that the cut side is down.
- Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over the sprouts.
- Place in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, gochujang, and soy sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce over the sprouts and stir.
- Return to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and serve immediately.
- Delish and done!!
Chef Tips and Tricks:
- I’m right-handed, and when trimming and halving Brussels sprouts, I often nick my thumb with the paring knife. It doesn’t break the skin, but my thumb does become sensitive. To prevent that, I always wear a disposable glove. Alternatively, you could wear a fingertip protector or place a bandage over your thumb for added protection.
- Two teaspoons of oil may not seem like a lot, but the bacon will render fat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While these Brussels sprouts reheat well, the reheated version might not be ideal for serving guests. Instead, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts in advance, then roast them fresh following the recipe instructions.
This flavor combination is also delicious with broccoli, broccolini, and green beans!
Storage:
- Refrigerate and consume all leftovers for the best flavor within four to five days.
Serve with:
- Gochujang Chicken Thighs
- Korean Braised Short Ribs Recipe
- Sweet Potato Latkes with Gochujang Mayo
- Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps
More great Brussels sprout recipes you’ll love!
- Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- 30 Best Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Get all my vegetable side dish recipes at Vegetable Side Dishes – From A Chef’s Kitchen.
Maple Bacon Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
Click to Rate!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts - trimmed and halved
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
- 4 slices bacon - (1/4 pound), thinly sliced widthwise
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the Brussels sprouts on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with canola oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Turn the Brussels sprouts so that the cut side is down. Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over the sprouts.
- Place in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, gochujang, and soy sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce over the sprouts, stir, and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes just to heat through.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- This flavor combination is also delicious with broccoli, broccolini, and green beans!
- When trimming and halving Brussels sprouts, wear a disposable glove, fingertip cot, or band-aid to prevent your thumb from getting nicked.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts in advance, then roast them fresh following the recipe instructions.
Nutrition
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Wow. Made these for a weekend pre-Thanksgiving get-together and the whole platter got cleaned up! These are definitely going on the list to make for Christmas.
Hi, Pat, Yay! Thanks so very much and so happy everyone enjoyed! Appreciate your taking the time to come back and comment and rate.