Steaming Brussels Sprouts: How Long For Perfect Results?

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to cook them, but it's important not to overdo it. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your desired texture, but generally, steaming for 4-8 minutes should do the trick.

To steam Brussels sprouts, start by trimming the stem ends and removing any loose or discoloured outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half or quarters to ensure even cooking, especially if you have a mix of large and small ones.

Next, fill a large pot with an inch or so of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, add the sprouts, cover, and steam until they are tender but still bright green. This should take around 4 to 8 minutes, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them soggy and unappetising.

Once they're done, simply season with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other flavour combinations like balsamic vinegar and olive oil, parmesan and oregano, or brown butter and nuts. Enjoy!

How to steam Brussels sprouts in a pan

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a great way to cook them without adding additional calories or heavy sauces. It's also a quick and easy way to prepare them, taking only about 5 minutes.

Step 1: Clean the Brussels sprouts

Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Then, remove any brown or yellow outer leaves and trim the stem ends with a sharp knife. You can leave the sprouts whole, or slice larger ones in half.

Step 2: Prepare the pan

Bring a scant 1/2 inch of salted water to a boil in a large frying pan or saute pan. You want to make sure the pan is large enough so that the sprouts are not piled up too high.

Step 3: Steam the Brussels sprouts

Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the sprouts are tender to the bite and the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how crisp you like your Brussels sprouts. To test if they are done, insert a fork into the sprouts—it should go in easily, but the sprout shouldn't fall apart.

Step 4: Season and serve

Drain any excess water and return the Brussels sprouts to the pan. Season with butter, salt, and pepper, and toss well. You can also finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of kosher salt. Serve and enjoy!

How to steam Brussels sprouts in a steamer basket

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a great way to cook them without losing their vibrant green colour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it using a steamer basket.

Step 1:

First, clean the Brussels sprouts by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Peel off and discard any brown or yellow outer leaves. Using a sharp knife, trim the stem ends, removing just the tip. You can leave the sprouts whole, but if any are large, you may want to slice them in half.

Step 2:

Fill a pot with about an inch of water and place it on the stove. The amount of water should be enough to reach the bottom of your steamer basket without touching the basket itself. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water, if desired. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 3:

Place the trimmed and cleaned Brussels sprouts into the steamer basket. Carefully position the steamer basket over the pot of boiling water, ensuring that the bottom of the basket does not touch the water. Cover the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.

Step 4:

Steam the Brussels sprouts for about 5-8 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. Check the sprouts regularly to avoid overcooking. They are done when they are tender to the bite, meaning a fork can be inserted easily without causing the sprout to fall apart.

Step 5:

Once the sprouts are tender, remove them from the steamer and serve. You can season them with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, or try other options like a spritz of lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, or chilli oil. Enjoy!

How to steam Brussels sprouts in a microwave

Steaming Brussels sprouts in a microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook them. However, it is more difficult to get an even level of doneness when compared to other cooking methods.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

First, clean the Brussels sprouts by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Next, remove any brown or yellow outer leaves, as well as the stems. You can then leave the sprouts whole, or cut them in half or quarters.

Step 2: Prepare the microwave

Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of water—around 1 tablespoon or a scant 1/4 cup. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Do not use plastic wrap.

Step 3: Microwave

Microwave the Brussels sprouts on high power for 1 minute. Then, test for doneness and repeat at 30-second intervals until they are tender to the bite. This usually takes around 5–8 minutes in total, depending on your microwave.

Step 4: Drain and serve

Once the sprouts are tender, remove them from the microwave and drain any excess water. Season with butter, salt and pepper, and serve. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

How to season steamed Brussels sprouts

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a great way to cook them without losing their vibrant green colour. They are best cooked until they are tender to the bite, with a fork sliding in easily but without causing the sprout to fall apart.

There are several ways to season steamed Brussels sprouts. One option is to melt some butter over them and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You could also add a spritz of lemon juice or toss them with toasted sesame oil or chilli oil. For a more indulgent option, you could use compound butter.

• Olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper
• Olive oil, whole grain or Dijon mustard, and honey
• Red wine vinegar and hot honey
• Parmesan cheese, oregano or thyme
• Balsamic vinegar and maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar and thyme
• Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and garlic powder
• Shaved or grated parmesan cheese
• Balsamic vinegar
• Drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes or fennel seeds
• Brown butter

How to store Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, from steaming to roasting. Storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and crunchy. Here's how to do it:

Use a Plastic Bag and the Crisper Drawer:

• Store fresh, unwashed, and untrimmed Brussels sprouts—both loose and on the stalk—in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
• Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves first. If your sprouts are loose, examine them and remove any damaged ones before storing.
• Brussels sprouts can last up to a week in the fridge, but they taste best when prepared within three to four days of purchase as their flavour gets stronger over time.
• Avoid washing Brussels sprouts until you're ready to prepare them, as moisture can cause decay.

Keep Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk:

• Buying Brussels sprouts on the stalk helps them stay fresh longer.
• Keep them on the stalk until you're ready to prepare them to help maintain moisture and freshness.

Use an Airtight Container and the Refrigerator for Prepped Sprouts:

• While it's best to keep Brussels sprouts whole until use, you can trim, cut, or shred them ahead of time.
• Store prepped sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but do so no more than one to two days in advance.

Storing Cooked Brussels Sprouts:

• Cooked Brussels sprouts should be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
• They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, but it's best to eat them within two days of cooking for optimal quality and taste.

Freezing Brussels Sprouts:

• If you want to freeze your Brussels sprouts, there are two methods: quick freezing and blanching.
• For quick freezing, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours before transferring to a freezer-friendly container. This method will keep them fresh for up to three months.
• Blanching the sprouts before freezing will help retain nutrients and improve taste. To blanch, first, boil them briefly, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Blanching can preserve Brussels sprouts for up to 12-14 months in the freezer.
• Frozen sprouts can be cooked directly from frozen and do not need to be thawed beforehand.

Frequently asked questions