Steaming Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Brussels sprouts are unfairly maligned, but a delicate steam can highlight their nutty flavour. There are several ways to steam Brussels sprouts, including using a steamer basket, a microwave, or a frying pan. The key is to steam them until they are tender to the bite, but still bright green and not soggy. You can then season them with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with lemon juice, chilli oil, or compound butter.

How to steam brussel sprouts in a pan

Steaming Brussels sprouts in a pan is a quick and easy way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, clean the Brussels sprouts by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown or yellow outer leaves, as well as the stem ends, with a sharp knife. You can leave the sprouts whole, or cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preference.

Next, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan, making sure they are covered by the water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are tender. You can test this by piercing them with a fork—they should be tender but still have a little resistance.

Once they are done, drain any excess water and return the sprouts to the pan. Season with butter, salt, and pepper, and toss well. Serve and enjoy!

You can also add other seasonings to steamed Brussels sprouts, such as a spritz of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fennel seeds. For a more indulgent option, try melting some butter over the sprouts before serving.

How to steam brussel sprouts in a steamer basket

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it using a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

Start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Then, trim the stem end of each sprout and remove any brown or yellow outer leaves for the best taste. You can also slice off the very tip of the sprouts with a sharp knife.

Step 2: Cut the Brussels sprouts

You can steam Brussels sprouts whole, but cutting them in half (or even quarters) will help them cook more quickly and make them easier to eat. If you do decide to cut them, separate the larger sprouts and leave the smaller ones whole.

Step 3: Prepare the steamer

Place your steamer basket inside a large pot and fill the pot with water. You only need to add enough water to reach the bottom of the steamer—about an inch of water should be sufficient. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Steam the Brussels sprouts

Once the water is boiling, place the trimmed and cut Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the sprouts until they are tender but still bright green. This should take around 5 minutes, depending on the size of your sprouts.

Step 5: Test for doneness

Brussels sprouts are best when they still have a little bite to them. To check if they are done, insert a fork into one of the sprouts. If the fork goes in easily but the sprout doesn't fall apart, they are ready. If the sprouts are still too firm, cover and steam for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Season and serve

Once the sprouts are tender, remove them from the steamer and season with butter, salt, and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or chili oil. Enjoy!

How to steam brussel sprouts in a microwave

Steaming Brussels sprouts in a microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown or yellow outer leaves, as these can affect the taste. Then, trim a thin slice from the stem end of each sprout. You can leave the sprouts whole, or cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Arrange the Brussels Sprouts in a Microwave-Safe Dish

Place the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish. Add about a 1/4 cup of water, or just enough to create steam. Do not add too much water, as this can lead to soggy sprouts.

Step 3: Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Avoid using plastic wrap. Microwave on high power for 1 minute initially. Then, test the sprouts for doneness. If they need more time, microwave in 30-second intervals until they are tender to your liking.

Step 4: Drain and Season (Optional)

Once the Brussels sprouts are steamed to your liking, drain any excess water and return them to the dish. You can season them with a bit of melted butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. A spritz of lemon juice or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or chili oil can also enhance the flavour.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power and the amount of Brussels sprouts you are cooking. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to season steamed brussel sprouts

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to cook them, but they can be soggy and flavourless if overcooked. To avoid this, steam them for no more than 4-7 minutes, until they are tender but still bright green.

There are many ways to season steamed Brussels sprouts. Here are some ideas:

Butter and Salt

A simple way to season steamed Brussels sprouts is to toss them with a little butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Olive Oil and Lemon Zest

For a fresh, zesty flavour, toss the sprouts with olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

Olive Oil, Mustard and Honey

For a tangy, sweet flavour, toss the sprouts with olive oil, whole grain or Dijon mustard and honey.

Balsamic Vinegar and Maple Syrup

For a unique, sweet and sour flavour, season the sprouts with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.

Parmesan and Herbs

For a savoury, aromatic flavour, toss the sprouts with Parmesan cheese, oregano or thyme.

Melted Butter and Spices

For a spicy, buttery flavour, season the sprouts with melted butter, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes or fennel seeds.

Lemon Juice

A simple spritz of lemon juice will brighten the flavour of steamed Brussels sprouts.

Toasted Sesame Oil or Chili Oil

A dash of toasted sesame oil or chili oil will add a punch of flavour to steamed sprouts.

Compound Butter

Using compound butter on steamed Brussels sprouts is another tasty option.

Nuts and Herbs

For added crunch and flavour, top the sprouts with chopped toasted almonds or other nuts, along with fresh herbs such as oregano, dill or chives.

Bacon

For a savoury, meaty flavour, cook and crumble bacon, then toss with the steamed sprouts just before serving.

Cheese

Finish the sprouts with a sprinkle of shaved or grated Parmesan or other cheese.

How to choose brussel sprouts at the store

When choosing brussel sprouts at the store, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best quality. Here are some tips on how to select fresh and tasty brussel sprouts:

• Look for bright green heads: Choose brussel sprouts that have a vibrant, fresh colour. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaves, as these are signs of aging.
• Check the size: Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, while larger ones may taste more like cabbage. If you prefer a milder flavour, go for the smaller variety.
• Feel for firmness: Brussel sprouts should feel tightly compacted and hard when gently squeezed. This indicates they are fresh and haven't started to spoil.
• Similarity in size: Try to choose sprouts that are similar in size so that they cook evenly. This will ensure you don't end up with some overcooked and some undercooked sprouts.
• Pick loose sprouts: It is recommended to hand-pick loose sprouts instead of buying pre-sliced or packaged sprouts. This way, you can select the exact quantity and size you need for your recipe.
• Stalk-freshness: Although buying sprouts on the stalk ensures freshness, they can be hard to find and store due to their large size. If you do opt for stalks, remove any brown leaves and store them in the refrigerator, if possible.
• Check for loose leaves: Avoid sprouts with many loose leaves, as this may indicate that they are past their prime.
• Hybrid vs. open-pollinated varieties: When choosing between hybrid and open-pollinated varieties, consider the trade-off between productivity and taste. Hybrid varieties tend to be more productive but may take upwards of 85 days to mature. Open-pollinated types, like 'Rubine', can take longer (around 105 days) but may offer a unique flavour.

Frequently asked questions