Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad with Sweet Chili Sauce (Vegan)

A super simple Asian-inspired Brussels Sprouts Salad with a Sweet Chili Sauce. Makes for a perfect salad or side dish.

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• Why You'll Love This Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad with Sweet Chili Sauce
• What You'll Need To Make This Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Making Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad With Sweet Chili Sauce
• Tips, Tricks + Frequently Asked Questions
• More Brussels Sprouts Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

It was a crisp night. The clicking of our boots and laughter nearly drowning out the city noise. The energy and roar of the night was palpable. Philadelphia, people, life. Maybe it had to do with the few glasses of wine we'd had beforehand but I was dizzyingly giddy. A strange reunion with myself.  

I have children...small ones. Life is usually pretty chaotic. Not necessarily in a bad way but in a "day is filled with crying, laughter, tantrums, messy and beautiful moments" way. It's how life with kids is. I wouldn't change any part of it. 

But every now and again, I get the opportunity to jump ship for a night, and reconnect with the person I used to be prior to kids. That one generally wants to have a few drinks and dance until her legs give out. I'm completely unapologetic for wanting the mom in me and the me in me to coexist. There's room for both and I don't want to neglect the me self at the expense of my mom self.

We arrived at the restaurant, the host lining up flutes shortly after noticing our champagne bottle. BYO is wonderful. It was late. I couldn't recall the last time I had dinner at 10 o'clock but it didn't matter. Hungry, excited and appreciative of every moment of the evening, I took it all in. Sushi chefs assiduously preparing rolls; fluidly laying out rice, fish and vegetables. People walking in and out, and my group discussing various topics.

Our table was ready. Going out to eat is not challenging but it requires a bit of inquiry about the way food is prepared. A Brussels sprout salad with sweet chili sauce and sushi were going to do it for me. 

The provocative conversation and luscious champagne temporarily faded in the background once I took the first bite of the Brussels sprouts. My friend looked at me all smiles, knowing that I'd love it. While everyone was eating and chatting, I took it upon myself to disect the salad. Notes were in order. I couldn't stop thinking or talking about how insanely delicious this Brussels sprouts salad was. Everyone agreed...it was spectacular. 

We stayed up late, danced until we couldn't anymore and at close to 3am I found myself thinking about how potentially awful I would feel the next day/the Brussels sprout salad. 

When you're into food, you sort of really geek out on that kind of thing. I own it...

So it had to be recreated. I took shortcuts. I didn't make my own sweet chili sauce from scratch but it is on my to do list.  For now a bottle of the deliciously pre-made stuff did the job. 

From what I was able to pick apart at the restaurant, there were red onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots, purple cabbage, shallots and scallions. And of course that delicious sticky sauce. I made it, I swooned and now I want to share it with you. 

Why You'll Love This Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad with Sweet Chili Sauce

• It's vegan
• Gluten, Grain, and Dairy-Free
• Asian inspired flavors
• Creamy + crunchy taste
• Requires just a few ingredients
• Can be made as a salad or a side dish

What You'll Need To Make This Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad

• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Purple (red cabbage)
• Shallot
• Red onion
• Coconut oil or sesame oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sweet chili sauce

Making Asian Brussels Sprouts Salad With Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1. Preheat cast iron pan. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil, shallot, a pinch of salt, and cook on medium until shallots are crispy but not burned – about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2. Add remaining oil along with the red onion. Cook for 5 minutes until onion is soft, stirring regularly. Add Brussels sprouts, carrots, salt, and pepper and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Add purple cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 3. Next turn off heat and add sweet chili sauce. Combine well. Top with crispy shallots. 

Tips, Tricks + Frequently Asked Questions

Finding The Best Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are easy to come by and available at most markets. Look for the freshest possible ones and preferably organic.

Where Can You Find Sweet Chili Sauce?

You can find sweet chili sauce in nearly any grocery store in the international isle or of course in your local Asian market as well.

Are Asian Brussels Sprouts Spicy?

If you're worried about spice, don't be. This salad is sweet and salty and there is no spice at all in the sweet chili sauce. Now, if you wanted to make it spicy, feel free to toss in some red chili flakes or cayenne to spice things up.

What's The Difference Between Purple And Red Cabbage?

There is none, they are basically the same thing and are interchangeably used.

More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Crispy Chickpeas
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts And Bacon Salad With Dried Cherries
• Maple Roasted Root Vegetables With Dijon And Thyme