Steaming Brussels Sprouts: A Simple Oven Guide

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, often avoided due to their potential bitterness and rubbery, mushy texture. However, when cooked right, they can be full of flavour, with a tender centre and crispy outer leaves. One way to achieve this is by using a steam oven, which can help to avoid the dreaded sogginess that sometimes occurs when boiling or steaming.

How to steam brussel sprouts in a steam oven

How to Steam Brussels Sprouts in a Steam Oven

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

Method:

• Prepare the oven: Preheat your steam oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Place the oven rack in the upper-middle section.
• Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim the stems and cut each sprout in half lengthwise. If the sprouts are smaller than 1 inch, leave them whole. If they are larger than 2 1/2 inches, cut them into quarters.
• Season the sprouts: In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. Toss until the sprouts are evenly coated.
• Steam the sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap the steam and help the sprouts cook evenly. Steam in the oven for about 10 minutes.
• Roast the sprouts: Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 9 to 12 minutes, or until the sprouts are deep golden-brown and tender.
• Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Tips:

• Choose Brussels sprouts that are bright green, firm, and compact. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter.
• Use a neutral-tasting, high smoke point oil such as extra-virgin olive oil.
• For extra flavour, add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes, or top with grated parmesan cheese or nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 12 months.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for steaming

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Steaming

Selecting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are available all year round, but their peak season is from September to February. When selecting your sprouts, look for bright green, compact leaves. Smaller sprouts are sweeter, and you should avoid any with browning or cracks. If you can, opt for sprouts that have been exposed to frost or freezing temperatures while on the plant, as this makes them taste sweeter.

Trimming and Cutting

Before cooking, trim the woody stems at the bottom of the sprouts. You can then cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. If you have sprouts smaller than 1 inch, keep them whole. If you have jumbo-sized sprouts larger than 2 1/2 inches, cut them into quarters. Any loose leaves that fall off during trimming can be discarded.

Seasoning

Place the sprouts in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, water, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. You will need around 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water for every 2 pounds of sprouts.

Steaming

Spread the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Tightly cover the pan with foil to trap the steam and help the sprouts cook evenly. Steam in the oven for around 10 minutes. The sprouts will be bright green and firm yet tender.

Next Steps

After steaming, you can finish the sprouts by roasting them in the oven to drive off the moisture on the surface and create a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can serve them as they are or try other cooking methods such as boiling, parboiling, or sautéing.

How to season brussel sprouts for steaming

Steaming is an excellent way to cook Brussels sprouts, and there are several ways to season them to elevate their flavour.

Brussels sprouts are often considered bitter and unappealing, but preparing them correctly can make them bright, fresh, and delicious. Seasoning is key, and there are many ways to do it.

Firstly, you can steam the sprouts with garlic butter. Simply melt some butter in a saucepan, add olive oil, and quickly add in chopped garlic. Cook until the garlic is lightly browned, then immediately add in the sprouts with some salt and pepper. Toss everything together and serve.

You can also steam sprouts and then toss them with a lemon garlic vinaigrette. To make the vinaigrette, juice a lemon into a bowl and grate in some garlic. Drizzle in olive oil and add a pinch of salt (and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy). Whisk everything together, add the sprouts, and toss until they are coated.

Additionally, you can season sprouts with a variety of toppings, such as salt, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, olive oil or sesame oil, and shaved or grated parmesan cheese.

Finally, sprouts can be steamed and then tossed with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or tahini sauce for extra flavour.

How to avoid soggy brussel sprouts when steaming

Steaming is a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, but it can be tricky to get them just right. Here are some tips to help you avoid soggy sprouts and achieve the perfect texture:

Use the Right Amount of Water: When steaming Brussels sprouts, it's important to use just enough water to generate steam without drowning the vegetables. A scant 1/2 inch of water in a pan or about an inch of water in a pot for a steamer basket should be enough. This small amount of water creates superheated steam that tenderizes the interior of the sprouts.

Don't Overcook: Steaming Brussels sprouts for too long can easily turn them soggy. Aim for sprouts that are tender to the bite, but still have some bite resistance. A fork should be able to pierce the sprouts easily without causing them to fall apart. Depending on your desired level of crispness, this usually takes around 5 minutes.

Steam in Batches: If you're cooking a large batch of Brussels sprouts, consider steaming them in smaller batches. This helps ensure more even cooking and reduces the risk of overcooking.

Use a Steamer Basket: Using a steamer basket or insert allows for more even steaming and prevents the sprouts from sitting directly in the water, reducing the chances of sogginess.

Avoid Plastic Wrap in the Microwave: If you're steaming in the microwave, avoid using plastic wrap. Instead, use a microwave-safe lid or plate to cover the sprouts.

Now that you know how to avoid sogginess, here's a simple guide on how to cook Brussels sprouts in a steam oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the stems and removing any dry or woody parts. Cut larger sprouts in half, leaving smaller ones whole. Try to get the sprouts to a similar size for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Sprouts

Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra flavour.

Step 3: Steam the Sprouts

Place the seasoned sprouts in a single layer on a steaming rack or basket. If using a steam oven, follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding water to the steam generator. Set the oven temperature to around 400°F (200°C) and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender but still have some bite.

Step 4: Serve

Once the sprouts are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as-is, or add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Some people also like to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavour.

How to store steamed brussel sprouts

How to Store Steamed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including steaming. If you have leftover steamed Brussels sprouts or want to prepare them in advance, it is important to store them properly to maintain their taste and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store steamed Brussels sprouts:

• Cool the Brussels sprouts: Before storing, allow the steamed Brussels sprouts to cool down to room temperature. Place them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to speed up the cooling process. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote bacterial growth.
• Choose suitable storage containers: Select airtight containers with tight-fitting lids to store the Brussels sprouts. Glass or plastic containers with airtight seals are ideal. You can also use heavy-duty aluminium foil or reusable silicone bags designed for food storage.
• Store in the refrigerator: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooled, transfer them to the containers and place them in the refrigerator. Ensure the sprouts are packed in a single layer to prevent them from being crushed or damaged. Label the containers with the date and try to consume them within three to four days for the best quality.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store steamed Brussels sprouts for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label the containers with the date, and they can be stored for up to 12 months.
• Reheat safely: When you are ready to enjoy your stored Brussels sprouts, there are several reheating options. You can microwave them in short intervals until they are heated through, or rewarm them in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet at 350ºF (177ºC) until hot and crisp. You can also reheat them in a pan over medium heat.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your steamed Brussels sprouts remain tasty and retain their nutritional value. Proper storage will extend their shelf life and allow you to enjoy this delicious vegetable in various meals throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions