We’ve always been huge fans of elevating everyday veggies, and the Uchi Brussels Sprouts recipe does just that with its irresistible twist on a humble favorite. Hailing from the acclaimed Uchi restaurant in Austin, this dish blends Japanese-inspired flavors with crispy sprouts for a mouthwatering result that keeps us coming back.
We’re excited to share how you can recreate this standout recipe at home, proving that simple ingredients can deliver big, bold tastes that’ll impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To recreate our flavorful Uchi Brussels Sprouts recipe at home, we start with fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Japanese-inspired cuisine. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they are used, with prep specifics noted for accuracy and ease.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise – These are the star of our dish, providing a crispy texture and nutty flavor when seared.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Used for high-heat cooking to achieve that signature golden crispiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Added early for aromatic depth, enhancing the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – Incorporated next to infuse a zesty, warming element.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Poured in during the sauce stage for umami balance.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – Follows soy sauce to amplify the bold, fermented flavors central to Uchi’s style.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Stirred in for a touch of sweetness that contrasts the sprouts’ bitterness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Added at the end to brighten the dish with acidity.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced – Reserved for garnishing to add a fresh, crunchy finish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for a nutty texture and visual appeal.
This selection ensures our Uchi Brussels Sprouts deliver a harmonious blend of crispy, savory, and tangy sensations, making it a standout side or appetizer.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh Brussels sprouts and flavorful ingredients, we guide you through the simple, step-by-step process to recreate the crispy, savory magic of Uchi Brussels Sprouts at home.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a seamless process. Begin by rinsing 1 pound of Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Next, trim the tough ends and halve each sprout lengthwise for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1-inch piece of ginger finely to release their pungent aromas, which will infuse the dish with depth. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice to create a tangy, umami-packed sauce that balances sweet and sour notes. Finally, slice 2 green onions thinly for garnish and measure out 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to add a nutty crunch—we recommend toasting them lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move on to cooking the Brussels sprouts to achieve that irresistible golden crispiness. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to smoke slightly. Add the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer, and sear them for 4-5 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a deep, caramelized char that evokes the restaurant’s signature texture.
Flip the sprouts and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender inside yet crispy outside, with a satisfying sizzle that fills the kitchen with an earthy, toasted aroma. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, ensuring the flavors meld without burning for that authentic Uchi-inspired savoriness.
Assemble
Now we bring it all together to finish our dish with vibrant flavors and visual appeal. Remove the skillet from heat and pour the prepared sauce over the hot sprouts, tossing everything gently for 1-2 minutes until the sprouts glisten with a glossy, tangy coating that highlights their natural sweetness.
Transfer the mixture to a serving platter, scatter the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh, crunchy finish, and serve immediately—the sprouts should offer a crisp bite paired with the sauce’s bold, harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and citrusy notes that make this appetizer unforgettable.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Uchi Brussels Sprouts recipe to life with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that streamline the preparation and cooking process. These items ensure that prepping ingredients, searing the sprouts, and assembling the dish goes smoothly, maintaining the crispy texture and bold flavors we’ve highlighted in the previous steps.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools, organized by their use in the recipe:
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts, as well as mincing garlic and ginger efficiently.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board to provide a safe surface for all chopping and prep work.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A large, non-stick or cast-iron skillet for searing the sprouts to achieve that golden, crispy exterior over high heat.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for whisking together the sauce ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice.
- Whisk: A wire whisk to blend the sauce components thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and even mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate sets for measuring ingredients such as oil, soy sauce, and honey, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors.
- Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs for flipping and tossing the sprouts in the skillet without damaging their texture.
- Spatula: A silicone or metal spatula for stirring garlic and ginger during sautéing, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
By having these tools ready, we make the transition from ingredient prep to the cooking steps seamless, allowing us to focus on creating that signature Uchi-inspired crunch and taste.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Uchi Brussels Sprouts recipe ahead of time can make mealtime effortless without sacrificing that signature crispy texture and bold Japanese-inspired flavors. By focusing on key components like the sprouts, sauce, and garnishes, we can streamline the process while ensuring the dish remains fresh and vibrant.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
To get a head start, begin by preparing the core ingredients up to 24 hours before cooking. Here’s how we recommend handling each step:
- Trim and wash the Brussels sprouts: Start with 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts. Rinse them under cold water, trim the stems, and halve them lengthwise. This ensures they crisp up perfectly when seared. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Mince garlic and ginger: Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. This aromatic duo adds depth to the dish, so prepare it fresh for the best flavor. Transfer to a small sealed bag or container and refrigerate to prevent oxidation.
- Whisk the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Whisk until fully blended for that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes. Pour the sauce into a sealed jar and refrigerate—it will keep for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld.
Storing and Reheating Tips
For optimal results, we suggest storing components separately to maintain texture and freshness. Use the tools mentioned earlier, like your mixing bowl and airtight containers, to keep everything organized.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared Brussels sprouts | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. |
| Miced garlic and ginger | Up to 24 hours | Sealed bag or container in fridge | Use directly; if needed, sauté briefly to refresh aroma. |
| Sauce mixture | Up to 48 hours | Sealed jar in fridge | Stir well before use; no reheating required, but bring to room temperature for even coating. |
| Garnishes (green onions and sesame seeds) | Up to 1 day | Separate containers in fridge or pantry | Toast sesame seeds just before serving for maximum crunch; slice green onions fresh for vibrancy. |
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we can assemble our Uchi Brussels Sprouts quickly, ensuring every bite delivers that irresistible golden crisp and harmonious flavor profile when you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
We’re excited you’ve explored this Uchi Brussels Sprouts recipe with us
It’s a fun way to elevate simple veggies into a standout dish
We know you’ll enjoy the flavors and ease
Make it yours and share your twists with us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uchi Brussels Sprouts?
Uchi Brussels Sprouts is a flavorful recipe inspired by the Uchi restaurant in Austin, featuring crispy Brussels sprouts with a blend of Japanese-inspired flavors. It transforms simple veggies into a delicious side or appetizer by combining savory, sweet, and tangy elements for a bold taste.
What ingredients are needed for Uchi Brussels Sprouts?
The key ingredients include fresh Brussels sprouts, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, green onions, and sesame seeds. These high-quality items create a crispy texture and harmonious flavors, making the dish easy to prepare at home.
How do I make Uchi Brussels Sprouts at home?
Start by prepping the sprouts: trim and rinse them, then mince garlic and ginger. Whisk together a sauce using soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Sear the sprouts in a hot skillet until crispy, sauté garlic and ginger, toss everything in the sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a tasty finish.
What tools are required for this recipe?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife, sturdy cutting board, large skillet or frying pan, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, heat-resistant tongs, and a spatula. These essentials help with prepping and cooking to achieve the perfect crispy texture and flavors.
Can I prepare Uchi Brussels Sprouts in advance?
Yes, you can prep the sprouts, sauce, and garnishes up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep flavors fresh. This makes it convenient for busy days while maintaining the dish’s crispy texture when you’re ready to cook.