Keto Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are a spicy and robust take on a popular Chinese takeout dish. The emphasis is on tender roasted Brussels sprouts rather than chicken, which absorb a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that is completely keto-friendly. The dish retains all of its distinct flavors, including the irresistible umami of soy sauce, the crunchy peanuts, and the smoky chili heat, but is carb-free. Every bite of keto Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts provides a satisfying crunch and a flavor explosion, making this a decadent but guilt-free way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Diet: Ketogenic, Free from gluten
- Course: Appetizer or side dish
- Cuisine: Chinese-American style
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Prep time: Ten minutes
- Working time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Single portion size: One cup per serving
- Cooking method: Stovetop saute + roasting
- Calories: ~165 kcal
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium
TOOLS:
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment liner
- Measuring cups
- Baking tray or sheet
- Skillet or wok
- Measuring spoon
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- One pound of Brussels sprouts
- 2 green onions
- Oil, two tbsp.
- 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum
- Soy sauce, three tbsp.
- 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts
- To taste of black pepper and salt
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- Dried red chilies or chili flakes, one to two tsp.
- 2 tablespoons of keto sweetener
- Ginger, one tsp.
- 2 cloves of garlic
INGREDIENT NOTES
SOY SAUCE
- The addition of soy sauce provides a savory depth to the dish. Coconut aminos are an alternative if you have a soy allergy.
PEANUTS
- You will need unsalted peanuts that are roughly chopped, as they provide the authentic crunch. You can swap the peanuts with cashews or almonds.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
- You will need the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts as the dish’s main ingredient. You can use cauliflower or broccoli florets as a substitute. All three of them can resemble the bite-sized chicken of traditional Kung Pao.
XANTHAN GUM
- This is not an essential ingredient. It will thicken the glaze to coat the Brussels sprouts well. You can also skip it.
SWEETENER
- We will need the keto sweetener here to sweeten without the addition of carbs. You may use Monk fruit, erythritol, etc.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS
ROASTING SPROUTS
- Warm up the oven(empty) at 200 degrees C.
- Line the baking tray or sheet using the parchment liner.
- Then, add the halved Brussels sprouts to a bowl.
- Add a little black pepper, salt, and olive oil.
- Mix well to season the entire Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Then, spread them on a lined tray in a single layer.
- Bake them for around twenty-five minutes.
SAUCE PREP
- Mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and sweetener in a bowl.
- Warm up the skillet over a normal flame.
- Add the mixed sauce to it and cook for around three minutes.
- If you prefer the thicker consistency, then include the xanthan gum and stir to smooth.
- Once your sauce gets thicker, add the roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Mix thoroughly until the sauce coats them completely.
- Add peanuts and green onions and mix well.
- Cook for a few more minutes.
- Move into your serving bowl and add sesame seeds as a garnish.
- Your keto Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are ready to serve!
TIPS
- You can adjust the chili flakes or fresh red chilies as per your heat tolerance capacity.
- To get the most genuine stir-fry texture possible, you should cook in the wok.
- Roast Brussels sprouts well for the best flavor.
- Use smoked paprika for the smoky flavor.
HOW TO STORE THE LEFTOVER
CHILLING
- Save the remaining sprouts in a sealed container. Refrigerate them for three days.
FREEZING
- We never recommend freezing them as their texture will be ruined after defrosting them.
So, they can be best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can we use this as a main dish?
- Yes, pair it with the shirataki noodles or zoodles, or cauliflower rice, to serve it as a full keto meal.
Will the frozen Brussels sprouts work?
- Sure! you have to roast them for a longer time to achieve the crispness and full removal of moisture.
Is it possible to go nut-free in this dish?
- Yes! Swap the peanuts with roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for that ultimate crunch.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING
Single serving size: One cup
Calories: ~165 kcal
Carbs(total): Nine grams
Fiber: 4 g
Net carbs: Five grams
Fats: 12 g
Sugar: Two grams
Proteins: 5 g
Sodium: 620 milligrams