Craving California Fish Grill’s famous Brussel sprouts? This copycat recipe delivers the crispy, flavorful goodness you love, with pro tips and variations for your kitchen.

California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts: A Flavorful Feast
Get ready to recreate the magic of California Fish Grill’s beloved Brussel sprouts in the comfort of your own kitchen! This easy recipe captures the perfect balance of crispy texture, savory flavors, and irresistible aroma that make them a fan favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons (30g) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- In a large bowl, toss Brussel sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the Brussel sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe Card
This recipe card provides a quick reference for ingredients and instructions to make delicious California Fish Grill Brussel sprouts.
Ingredients:
- 450 g / 1 lb fresh Brussel sprouts, trimmed
- 60 ml / 1/4 cup olive oil
- 15 g / 1 tbsp salt
- 7 g / 1 tsp black pepper
- 15 g / 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 15 g / 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Toss Brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Gather Your Flavorful Arsenal
Ready to recreate those irresistible California Fish Grill Brussel sprouts at home? Here’s everything you’ll need to assemble your flavorful arsenal:
- 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 60 ml / ¼ cup olive oil
- 30 g / 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 15 ml / 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 15 ml / 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spice.
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of chopped bacon or pancetta to the sprouts during cooking.
Step-by-Step to Crispy Perfection: California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Transform humble Brussel sprouts into a crispy, golden delight with our easy-to-follow instructions.
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Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to 220°C (425°F) with the heat diffuser on. This will ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
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Prepare Your Brussel Sprouts
Trim the ends of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of Brussel sprouts, cutting any damaged or discolored leaves. Rinse the sprouts under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
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Marinate the Brussel Sprouts
In a large bowl, whisk together 60 ml (1/4 cup) of olive oil, 30 ml (2 tbsp) of lemon juice, 15 g (1 tbsp) of honey, and 10 g (2 tsp) of smoked paprika. Add the Brussel sprouts and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Grill the Brussel Sprouts
Remove the Brussel sprouts from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the sprouts for 5 minutes per side, or until they develop a rich, caramelized color and tender, slightly charred texture.
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Finish with a Crispy Glaze
Mix 60 g (1/4 cup) of brown sugar, 30 g (2 tbsp) of soy sauce, and 15 g (1 tbsp) of rice vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the grilled Brussel sprouts during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing the glaze to set and create a sticky, caramelized crust.
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Season to Perfection
Remove the Brussel sprouts from the grill and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Brussel Sprout Game
To achieve the perfect California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts, it’s essential to master a few key techniques. These insider tips will help ensure delicious results every time.
Brussel Sprouts Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook: Brussel sprouts are best when tender but still crisp. Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Halve or quarter the Brussel sprouts, depending on their size, to ensure even cooking and a reduced risk of burning.
- Use the right amount of oil and seasoning: Drizzle with 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt to bring out the natural flavors.
Avoid common pitfalls like overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Leave about 50 mm / 2 inches of space between each sprout to allow for air circulation.
By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to create delicious, restaurant-quality California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts at home. Remember to keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time to achieve the perfect balance of tender and caramelized sprouts.
Make it Your Own: Ingredient Substitutions
Love this California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts recipe but want to tweak it to your liking? No problem! Here are some flexible ingredient swaps to make it truly your own.
Swap the Bacon
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. You can also try swapping it for:
- Smoked tempeh, crumbled
- Pancetta, diced
- Crispy chickpeas, seasoned with smoked paprika
Spice It Up
Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a different kick, try:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- A dash of hot sauce
Customize the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the maple syrup or substitute it with:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
The Essential Ingredients
No matter how you customize it, these ingredients are key to capturing the essence of California Fish Grill’s Brussel Sprouts:
- 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 120 g / 4 oz bacon, diced
- 60 ml / ¼ cup olive oil
- 45 ml / 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 15 ml / 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 15 ml / 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Recipe Variations: Explore New Flavor Profiles
Take your California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts to the next level with these creative twists and additions.
Korean BBQ Brussel Sprouts
Add a sweet and spicy kick with the combination of gochujang sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Marinate the sprouts in a mixture of 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar for 30 minutes. Grill as usual and top with toasted sesame seeds.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Give your sprouts a rich and tangy flavor with crispy bacon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, then chop and toss with 1 lb Brussel sprouts, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp balsamic glaze. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
Indian-Style Brussel Sprouts with Garam Masala
Warm up your sprouts with the aromatic spices of India. Mix 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper with 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss with 1 lb Brussel sprouts and grill for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
Roasted Garlic and Lemon Brussel Sprouts
Brighten up your sprouts with the zesty flavor of lemon and the depth of roasted garlic. Mix 2 cloves roasted garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss with 1 lb Brussel sprouts and grill for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
Storage: Keeping Your Brussel Sprouts Fresh
To maximize the shelf life of your California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts, follow these storage guidelines. Cooked Brussel sprouts can be stored in the fridge at 4°C / 39°F for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Allow the sprouts to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
For longer storage, freeze at -18°C / 0°F for up to 10 months. When reheating, ensure the sprouts reach a minimum internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F within 2 hours of removal from the fridge. Consume reheated sprouts within 1 hour. Never leave cooked Brussel sprouts at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Troubleshooting: Conquering Common Cooking Challenges
Even the best recipes can sometimes encounter hiccups. Don’t worry, these common issues with California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts and their fixes will help you achieve perfect results every time.
Overcooked Brussel Sprouts
Mushy sprouts are a bummer! To prevent this:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give those sprouts space to roast evenly.
- Check for doneness early. They should be tender-crisp, not soft.
- Adjust cooking time. Start with a shorter time and add more as needed.
Undercooked Brussel Sprouts
If your sprouts are still crunchy after the recommended time, try these tips:
- Increase the cooking temperature slightly. This will help them cook faster.
- Flip them halfway through. Ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Add a splash of liquid. A tablespoon of water or broth can help steam them and speed up cooking.
Nutrition Facts: Fueling Your Body with Flavor
The California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe is a nutrient-dense side dish that complements the smoky flavors of grilled fish.
- Per serving (serves 4-6):
- Approximate calories: 120-150 per serving (480-600 calories per batch)
- Macronutrients: 6g protein, 20g fat, 10g carbohydrates
- Key vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber
This recipe is suitable for:
- Gluten-free (GF) diets
- Dairy-free (DF) diets
- Vegan diets (without fish option)
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Brussel Sprout Queries Answered
Got questions about the California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe or Brussel sprouts in general? Here are some answers to common queries.
- Q: How do I choose fresh Brussel sprouts? Look for firm, compact sprouts with bright green leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
- Q: Can I cook Brussel sprouts ahead of time? Yes, you can roast or sauté them up to a day in advance, then reheat at 180°C / 350°F until crispy.
- Q: Why are my Brussel sprouts bitter? Bitterness can be reduced by cooking them with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, and using the right amount of seasoning.
For the best results with the California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe, use 240 g / 1 cup of fresh or frozen Brussel sprouts and cook at 200°C / 400°F for a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Yes, you can use frozen Brussel sprouts. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting.

Mastering the Art of Brussel Sprouts
California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts are known for their delicious caramelized flavor and perfectly tender texture. Here are the secrets to achieving that restaurant-quality result at home:
- Trim and Halve: Remove the tough outer leaves and cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. This ensures even cooking and maximizes surface area for caramelization.
- High Heat is Key: Sear the sprouts in a hot pan with oil to create a flavorful crust. A temperature of 200°C (400°F) is ideal.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the sprouts space in the pan to brown properly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Seasoning Matters: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder elevates the natural sweetness of the sprouts.
- Finishing Touch: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to recreate the California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts magic in your own kitchen.
Savor the Flavorful Journey
Experience the delight of California Fish Grill Brussel Sprouts Recipe, where every bite is a testament to the perfect blend of flavors. To enjoy Brussel sprouts at their best, try this recipe and discover the secret to a truly satisfying side dish. If you’ve achieved recipe success, share your Brussel sprouts creations and inspire others to do the same. Share your Brussel sprouts experiences and explore more recipes to elevate your culinary journey.
