Discover How to Cook Brussel Sprouts to Perfection

Brussel sprouts have become a popular vegetable in kitchens around the world because of their unique flavour and versatility. If you're looking to add some excitement to your culinary repertoire, join us as we explore a range of easy and delicious methods to cook Brussel sprouts. From the oven to the air fryer and even the microwave, we'll cover it all!

How to Choose Brussel Sprouts at the Store

It’s not rocket science, really. Pick sprouts that are firm, bright green, and tightly furled. Avoid sprouts that are turning yellow, opening up, or showing brown areas. To ensure consistent cooking, try to purchase sprouts of roughly the same size; smaller Brussels sprouts have a sweeter, more delicate flavour than larger ones. Be careful if you find sprouts still with stalks because the stalks can deprive the sprouts of moisture as they sit. If you want to purchase them in this manner, make sure the stalks were just harvested, and when you arrive home, remove the sprouts.

Essential Advice for Cooking Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to stove-top preparation of Brussels sprouts, the crucial guideline is to keep the cooking time under five minutes whenever possible. This prevents the breakdown of sulphurous compounds, known as isothiocyanates, which can emit an unpleasant odor. Remember, the longer you cook them, the stronger the smell becomes.

Instead of keeping them whole, you can reduce the sprouts' size by halving, quartering, or even shredding them. This approach decreases the necessary cooking time. However, if the sprouts are larger than usual and you wish to keep them whole, a slightly extended cooking period may be needed - around 7-8 minutes should suffice.

Resist the urge to slice a cross into the base of your sprouts. Not only does this fail to speed up cooking time, but it can also make the preparation process more time-consuming. Moreover, the sprouts can become overly soggy as the water penetrates their center.

Should you find yourself lacking sufficient stove-top space, you can always pre-cook your sprouts and reheat them in the microwave later. Alternatively, you can precook halved or quartered sprouts and reheat them gently with some butter in a pan when needed.

There are many ingredients you can add to your cooked sprouts to enhance their flavor. Options include flaked or chopped almonds, chopped hazelnuts, and of course, chestnuts. To do this, simply brown the nuts in a little butter before adding the freshly cooked sprouts. If you're feeling adventurous, you could give your sprouts a spicy twist by adding garam masala or ras el hanout, or even some chopped chili and garlic. Saute the spices or flavorings in butter or oil for a few seconds before incorporating the hot sprouts, then toss together. Our main collection of Brussels sprouts recipes offers many more inspiring flavor ideas.

Don't limit yourself to boiling when it comes to preparing Brussels sprouts; there are numerous cooking methods to explore. Roasting, steaming, and pan-frying are all excellent alternatives that promise delicious results.

How to prepare Brussel Sprouts for Cooking

First things first, rinse those Brussels sprouts under some cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, trim off any brown or tough outer leaves and slice off the bottom stem. You can also cut them in half if you want them to cook faster. That's it! You're all set to cook up some tasty Brussels sprouts for your next meal.

Do Brussels Sprouts Need to Be Soaked Before Cooking?

No, Brussels sprouts don't need to be soaked before cooking. After trimming, thoroughly rinse the Brussels sprouts in a colander with cold running water. If they are small, cut them in half; if they are larger, cut them into quarters. Voila! You are ready to start cooking your Brussel sprouts.

What Removes the Bitterness from Brussels Sprouts?

Be careful to buy the freshest Brussels sprouts possible at the grocery store. They need to be firm to the touch and bright green in colour. The flavour of smaller Brussels sprouts is frequently softer and sweeter than that of larger ones. Once cooked, add lemon juice to your Brussel sprouts to get some brightness and acidity to counterbalance the dish's bitterness.

Time Guidelines for How Long to Cook Brussel Sprouts:

Oven roasting: 20-25 minutes
Microwaving: 4-6 minutes
Steaming: 8-10 minutes
Stovetop (Sautéing ): 8-10 minutes
Air frying: 15-18 minutes

Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts: A Crispy Delight

We’ll start by showing you how to cook Brussel sprouts in the oven. Oven roasting is a fantastic way to achieve a delightful crispy texture and deepen the flavours of Brussel sprouts. So, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the ends of the sprouts and cut them in half. Now toss them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You can combine your roasted Brussel sprouts with some cranberries and pears to make a yummy side dish as in this recipe.

Microwave Brussel Sprouts: Quick and Convenient

For those seeking convenience, the microwave offers a speedy solution. How do you cook Brussel sprouts in the microwave you ask? Start by trimming them. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, and add a tablespoon of water. Cover the dish and cook on high for 4-6 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway. Check for tenderness, and if needed, cook for an additional minute or two until they reach your desired doneness. Once done, you can incorporate other ingredients to make a Catalan Brussel salad.

Steamed Brussel Sprouts: Tender and Nutritious

This is probably the best way to cook Brussel sprouts as it’s so easy. Steaming Brussel sprouts is also a healthy cooking method that preserves their vibrant colour and nutrients. So, start by trimming and halving the sprouts. Now you are probably wondering how long to steam these Brussel sprouts if it’s so easy, right? Simply steam them for 8-10 minutes until they are tender. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or any other desired seasoning. Go on and serve them with some chicken thighs and other vegetables for a quick dinner.

Stovetop Sizzled Brussel Sprouts: A Caramelized Delight

Sautéing Brussel sprouts on the stovetop creates a delightful caramelized exterior while keeping them tender on the inside. Let’s get to the steps of how to cook Brussel sprouts on the stove:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat, 
• Add olive oil or butter,
• Sauté halved sprouts for 8-10 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized,
• Season with salt, pepper, or your favourite spices.

Make a cheap easy meal by serving your sprouts with a juicy flat iron grilled steak. 

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy and Healthier

If you're looking for how to cook Brussel sprouts the healthy way - this is it. The air fryer is also your ally if you are a fan of crispy Brussel sprouts. So, go ahead and toss trimmed and halved sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking. The result? Deliciously crispy Brussel sprouts with less oil! These are a perfect addition to a potato salad, stir-fry or wraps.

How to Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Alright, so you've got these frozen Brussels sprouts, right? No worries! Pop them out of the bag and onto a baking sheet. Drizzle them with some olive oil. Also, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, maybe even a pinch of garlic powder if you're feeling fancy. Put them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until they're golden and crispy. Boom! Deliciousness awaits in your quick meal.

How Can You Improve the Taste of Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which are chemicals that give them a slightly bitter taste. How, then, do you make Brussel sprouts taste better? Simple. Avoid overcooking them. Follow the time guidelines we gave you earlier. 

Embracing the Healthy Side: Nutritious Tips

To cook Brussel sprouts in a healthy way, consider using cooking techniques like steaming, roasting, or sautéing with minimal oil. This retains their nutrients and natural goodness. Experiment with adding herbs, garlic, or lemon zest for extra flavour without relying on excessive fats or sodium.

So, go ahead and explore the best way to cook Brussel sprouts, discovering your favourite method along the way. Enjoy the journey of culinary creativity and savour the deliciousness of this remarkable vegetable!

Remember, cooking times may vary, so adjust them according to your preferences and desired tenderness.

How to store Brussel Sprouts

If you ever make a batch of Brussels sprouts and have extras you want to save, store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week.

Here are some more ways to enjoy Brussel sprouts in your meals:

Healthy Vegan homemade Baked Brussels Sprouts with Apples

For a tasty, guilt-free treat, whip up this healthy vegan delight with baked Brussels sprouts and apples. Simply toss trimmed sprouts and sliced apples with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a yummy sauce. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender. Enjoy!

Sprouts with Pork and Peanuts

Create a flavourful dish by sautéing Brussels sprouts with savoury pork and crunchy peanuts. Start by browning bite-sized pork pieces in a pan, then add halved sprouts and peanuts. Cook until sprouts are tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of chilli for a delicious blend of flavours. You can swap the pork with prawns, chicken or tofu.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Onions

This is a savoury, smoky dish that's sure to delight your taste buds. Sauté bacon until crispy, then add thinly sliced onions and cook until caramelized. Toss in halved Brussels sprouts and continue cooking until they're tender and lightly browned. 

Creamy Sprout, Hazelnut & Leek Pasta

Indulge in a creamy delight with this sprout, hazelnut, and leek pasta. Sauté sliced leeks until soft, then add Brussels sprouts and toasted hazelnuts. Combine with al dente pasta and a velvety sauce made from cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon. 

Smashed Sprouts Mash with Chestnuts

Prepare a delightful twist on mashed potatoes with this smashed sprouts mash. Boil Brussels sprouts until tender, then smash them with roasted chestnuts for added richness. Season with butter, salt, and pepper for a comforting side dish that's both flavourful and unique.