Five-Spice Brussels Sprouts Sausage

There’s a certain allure in the cooking of Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet—their edges become golden and crispy, while the centers remain soft, and the flavor is elongated to reach this nutty, slightly sweet perfection. Now picture mixing that in with smoked sausage and a pang of warm, fragrant Chinese five-spice. That’s the kind of dinner for which you will slow down for a second bite even before finishing the first.

This recipe showcases the trio of crispy Brussels sprouts, tasty sausage, and a glaze that is sweet, salty, and umami all at once. It is a very easy skillet dish that tastes like it comes from a tiny bistro that has mastered the art of flavor balancing.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Balance is the outstanding feature of this dish. The five-spice mixture gives a faintly warm flavor, the sausage provides fullness, and the Brussels sprouts offer that crunchy, earthy flavor. The whole process takes place in a single pan, and in less than 30 minutes you have a dish that is as visually appealing as it is aromatic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great Taste with Simple Ingredients: You will experience gourmet taste with everyday pantry supplies.
• One-Pan Meal: Less dirty dishes means less cleaning (and more time for resting).
• Balanced Nutrition: You get protein, fiber, and healthy fats in one skillet.
• Flexible: Good with pork, chicken, or even veggie sausage.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Dinner, meal prep, or even brunch—it fits anywhere.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what I use every time, and why it matters:

• Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: For that perfect caramelization on Brussels sprouts. (About 12 inches / 30 cm wide.)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps you stir and scrape without scratching your pan.
• Sharp Knife: You’ll want clean cuts on those Brussels sprouts for even cooking.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy one keeps things neat and safe.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Because that little bit of spice really does make a difference.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

• 12 oz (340 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 10 oz (280 g) smoked sausage (pork or chicken), sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp (2 g) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic like I do)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

The first thing you need to do is get the vegetables ready for cooking. Trim the ends, peel off any wilted leaves, and cut them in half. Just don’t worry if they are not perfect—some uneven bits turn out to be nice and crispy.

2. Brown the Sausage

Next, place a skillet on the stove and heat it up to medium. When the surface is hot, add the sausages and let them fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are golden with slightly crisp edges. This is an essential step for flavor development, so don’t do it in a hurry. When done, take out the sausage and keep aside but leave the fat in the skillet.

3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Then, pour in some olive oil or butter and put the cut Brussels sprouts in the pan with the cut side facing down. It should give that pleasant sizzling sound—what you hear is caramelization taking place. Allow them to get deep brown on the edges and this would take about 5-7 minutes. Now, turn them over and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.

4. Build the Glaze

Now it’s time to add minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), and five-spice powder in the pan altogether. Quick stirring should be done so that the sugar gets melted and the garlic doesn’t get burned. You will get the scent of the five-spice blooming—it’s wonderful.

5. Combine Everything

Now the sausages can be tossed back in the pan along with a splash of vinegar. The next step is to mix all the ingredients well until every piece is coated with the glaze. Check and adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Then, take the mixture out into a serving bowl and if you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds. The dish is ready to be served hot. The aroma of the sausage mixed with the glaze is really alluring and makes the dish irresistible.

Serving Ideas

• This can be served over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a full meal.
• Can be served as a side with roast chicken or grilled salmon.
• This can also be piled on toast with a fried egg for a hearty brunch.
• Lime juice or Sriracha can be added for an extra kick.

Variations & Customizations

• Vegan Option: The sausage can be replaced with smoked tofu or tempeh, and maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
• Add Veggies: Throw in bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: The glaze can be made hotter by adding crushed chili or gochujang.
• Make It Creamy: Drizzle with a little tahini or sesame dressing before serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the glaze.
• Freeze: You can freeze it, but the Brussels may lose their crisp texture. I recommend eating fresh if possible.
• Meal Prep Tip: Slice everything ahead of time and keep it in containers. Cook fresh when ready—it only takes 20 minutes.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brussels sprouts need space to brown, not steam.
• Use Medium Heat: Too high and you’ll burn the sugar in the glaze; too low and nothing crisps.
• Taste Before Serving: Five-spice intensity varies by brand, so adjust to your liking.
• Let It Sit for 1 Minute Before Serving: The glaze thickens slightly as it cools—worth the wait.

Recipe Details

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: ~320 | Protein: 16g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the fence about Brussels sprouts, this is the recipe that’ll convert you. The five-spice adds just enough intrigue without being overwhelming, and the sausage makes it deeply satisfying. It’s one of those quick meals that feels both comforting and special—like something you’d cook for yourself after a long day.