Irresistible Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Fried Shiitake Mushrooms: A Flavorful Side Dish Recipe
Experience a symphony of textures and flavors with these exquisitely prepared roasted Brussels sprouts, generously coated in a simple yet profound soy-miso sauce, and crowned with an abundance of addictive, crispy fried shiitake mushrooms. This dish transforms a humble vegetable into an unforgettable culinary delight.

As we conclude a delightful week dedicated to the versatile Brussels sprout, we’re thrilled to present a recipe that truly stands out: our Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Fried Shiitake Mushrooms. This dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration of robust flavors and satisfying textures, bringing an exciting twist to a classic vegetable.
Throughout our culinary journey this week, we’ve explored various ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts, showcasing their incredible adaptability. From light and zesty fried Brussels sprout leaves with chili flakes and lemon, to a comforting hearty roasted Brussels sprouts and squash blend perfect for Thanksgiving, we’ve covered a wide spectrum. We even ventured into fresh salads with a vibrant shaved Brussels sprout salad and a rich savory Brussels sprouts and sage sausage pasta. Each recipe aimed to highlight a different facet of this much-loved, sometimes misunderstood, vegetable. Today’s offering, however, introduces an unparalleled layer of umami and crispiness that will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience.
At the heart of today’s recipe, we take tender roasted Brussels sprouts and toss them in a rich, umami-packed soy-miso sauce, generously sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. This incredible sauce has a depth of flavor that is reminiscent of our beloved Asian pear salad dressing, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The roasting process itself is key, transforming the sprouts into sweet, caramelized bites with a slightly crisp exterior, making them irresistible even to those who claim not to love them.

But the true “wow” factor, the element that truly makes this dish sing, lies in the addition of incredibly **crispy fried shiitake mushrooms**! This idea struck us at the eleventh hour, a flash of inspiration that we decided to fully commit to. And oh, are we glad we did! These delicate, crunchy mushroom ribbons add an unexpected layer of texture and an intense burst of earthy, savory umami that complements the roasted sprouts and the rich soy-miso sauce beautifully.
Think of them as a gourmet, healthier alternative to crispy fried onions, but with a far more profound flavor profile. While we’re keen to rave about their perfect pairing with Brussels sprouts, it’s worth noting that these crispy shiitake mushrooms are so good, you might find yourself swapping them into other dishes. Imagine them as a spectacular topping for your next green bean casserole, adding an elegant twist and a depth of flavor that ordinary fried onions can only dream of achieving. Hello, indeed, to a whole new level of “wow factor.”

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms
These crispy fried shiitake mushrooms are more than just a garnish; they’re a textural marvel that elevates the entire dish. Their satisfying crunch provides a delightful contrast to the tender roasted Brussels sprouts, making every bite an adventure. Beyond this recipe, they would be an outstanding addition to our Asian noodle salad, or truly any soba noodle dish, imparting an irresistible depth and crunch.
The secret to achieving truly crunchy fried shiitake mushrooms lies in how thinly they are sliced. We’re talking paper-thin here, almost translucent. When you gently drop them into the hot oil, you want them to resemble delicate ribbons, ready to crisp up. This requires a sharp chef’s knife, a steady hand, and a bit of concentration. While it might seem like a small detail, we promise you, the effort is unequivocally worth it for that unparalleled crispiness and rich umami flavor. Don’t rush this step; precision here pays off immensely in the final product.
If the mushroom slices are too thick, they won’t fry properly, resulting in a chewier, more traditional mushroom texture rather than the desired light, shatteringly crisp bite. They’ll still be delicious, but they won’t deliver that signature “crispy” experience that makes this dish so special. Of course, if you’re short on time or prefer not to break out the frying oil, don’t worry. This dish is robust enough to hold its own without the shiitake topping. However, for the ultimate experience, we highly recommend taking that extra step!

Why This Asian Brussels Sprout Recipe is a Must-Try
After a week immersed in Brussels sprouts, it’s fair to say we’ve explored every angle! But even with a mental vocabulary exhausted by describing these cruciferous wonders, this recipe stands out as a true highlight. We absolutely adored these Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and we’re confident you will too. They strike a perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, offering a vibrant side dish that can easily become the star of your meal.
The combination of naturally sweet, caramelized Brussels sprouts, the savory and aromatic miso-soy dressing, and the textural crunch of the fried shiitake mushrooms creates a complex and harmonious flavor profile. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with a little care and creativity, can produce extraordinary results. This dish is fantastic as a side for grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even as a light vegetarian main course served alongside rice. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining.
So, as we bid farewell to Brussels Sprout Week, we do so with this incredibly satisfying recipe. It’s been a truly flavorful journey.
Peace out, Brussels sprout. It’s been real, and utterly delicious.


Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fried Shiitake Mushrooms
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved (or cut in quarters, depending on size for even roasting)
- ¼ cup (60 mL) toasted sesame oil divided
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root
- ½ teaspoon white miso paste
- Pinch dried red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Crispy Fried Shiitake Mushrooms (Optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2-3 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms stems removed
- vegetable or avocado oil for frying (enough to fill a small saucepan halfway)
- kosher salt for seasoning
- freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to a robust 450°F (230°C) with an oven rack positioned in the center. On a large baking sheet, spread the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of the toasted sesame oil, using your hands to ensure each sprout is evenly coated. Season lightly but thoroughly with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. For optimal caramelization and a beautifully browned finish, arrange the Brussels sprout halves with their cut side facing down on the baking sheet. This direct contact with the hot surface creates those coveted crispy edges.
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2. Roast to Perfection: Roast the seasoned sprouts for approximately 15 to 25 minutes. About halfway through the roasting time, give them a gentle flip to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The exact roasting time will depend on the size of your Brussels sprouts and your oven’s efficiency; look for tenderness inside and a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. Once roasted, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the flavorful dressing.
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3. Craft the Umami Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, finely grated fresh ginger, white miso paste, and a pinch of dried red pepper flakes (if using, for a touch of heat). Whisk these ingredients vigorously to ensure they are well combined. Then, slowly drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, continuously whisking with your other hand. This continuous whisking will help to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, cohesive, and perfectly balanced sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional pepper if desired.
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4. Prepare the Shiitake Mushroom Topping: Carefully remove the tough stems from the fresh shiitake mushrooms. Using a very sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline (with extreme caution), slice the mushroom caps lengthwise into paper-thin strips. The thinner the slices, the crispier your fried mushrooms will be. Line a small baking sheet or a large plate with several layers of paper towels and set it aside; this will be used to drain the excess oil from the fried mushrooms.
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5. Fry the Shiitake Mushrooms: Pour vegetable or avocado oil into a small to medium saucepan until it reaches about halfway up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a good test is to drop a tiny piece of mushroom into the oil; if it sizzles vigorously, the oil is ready.
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6. Fry in Batches: Carefully add a small handful of the thinly sliced mushroom strips to the hot oil. Be cautious, as the oil can spit when the mushrooms are added. The oil will bubble strongly at first as moisture escapes; continue frying, gently flipping the mushrooms continuously with a slotted stainless steel spoon or spider skimmer. As they fry, the bubbling will subside, and the mushrooms will begin to curl slightly and turn a beautiful golden brown. This indicates they are nearly done and are reaching peak crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and prevent even crisping.
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7. Drain and Season: Once golden and crispy, quickly scoop the mushroom pieces from the oil using your slotted spoon or skimmer. Immediately transfer them to the paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, lightly season them with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Repeat the frying process with the remaining sliced mushrooms in batches until all are perfectly crispy.
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8. Assemble and Serve: Gently transfer the still-warm roasted Brussels sprouts into a large serving bowl or platter. Pour the prepared soy-miso sauce over the sprouts and gently toss to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finally, generously garnish the dish with your freshly fried, crispy shiitake mushrooms. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful contrast of warm, tender sprouts and crunchy, savory mushrooms. Enjoy this exquisite Asian-inspired side dish!