Steaming Sprouts: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steaming Brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to cook them, preserving their flavour and nutrients. The key to steaming sprouts is to avoid overcooking them, which can make them soggy and unappetising. In this article, we'll cover different ways to steam sprouts, including using a steamer basket, a microwave, and an instant pot. We'll also provide tips on how to choose, clean, and season your sprouts for the best results.

How to steam sprouts without a steamer

Steaming sprouts is an easy and healthy way to cook them, and you can do it without any special equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam sprouts without a steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Sprouts

Start by rinsing your sprouts in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any loose or brown outer leaves, and trim the ends with a sharp knife. If you have large sprouts, cut them in half or quarters to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Steaming Setup

You can create a makeshift steamer by using a large pot or saucepan with a lid. Add about an inch of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. If you don't have a lid, you can use foil or a large plate to cover the pot.

Step 3: Steam the Sprouts

Place a mesh strainer, a plate, or a bowl in the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the water. Add the prepared sprouts to the strainer/plate/bowl, cover the pot, and let the sprouts steam. For crisp sprouts, steam for about 5 minutes. If you prefer them softer, steam for an additional minute or two.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the sprouts are tender, remove them from the heat and season as desired. You can keep it simple with some butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, or parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Sprouts:

• Avoid overcooking: Steaming should only take 5-7 minutes for tender, crisp sprouts. Overcooking will result in soggy, mushy sprouts.
• Don't overcrowd the pot: Make sure there's enough space for the steam to circulate around the sprouts. If you're cooking a large batch, steam them in smaller batches.
• Season to taste: Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations. Don't be afraid to get creative!

How to prepare sprouts for steaming

Preparing sprouts for steaming is a simple process. First, clean the sprouts by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown or yellow outer leaves and trim the ends with a sharp knife. If you have a mix of large and small sprouts, cut the larger ones in half to ensure even cooking.

Next, fill a large pot with an inch or so of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil. Place the sprouts in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam until tender. Depending on the size of your sprouts, this should take around 5-7 minutes. You can check if they're done by piercing them with a fork—they should be tender but still have a little resistance.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove the steamer basket from the pot and season the sprouts as desired.

How to season steamed sprouts

Olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper

A simple and classic combination. The olive oil will add some extra richness, the lemon zest will add a tangy, citrusy flavour, and the salt and pepper will enhance the earthy flavour of the sprouts.

Olive oil, whole grain or Dijon mustard, and honey

This combination is perfect if you're looking for something a little sweeter. The olive oil and mustard add some depth of flavour, while the honey provides a touch of sweetness.

Red wine vinegar and hot honey

For a more sophisticated flavour profile, try this pairing. The red wine vinegar provides a sharp, acidic contrast to the natural sweetness of the sprouts, while the hot honey adds a subtle kick.

Parmesan cheese, oregano or thyme

A heartier option that is perfect as a side dish. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savoury note, while the oregano or thyme brings an herbal, aromatic touch.

Balsamic vinegar and maple syrup

This combination offers a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavours. The balsamic vinegar has a deep, complex flavour that pairs surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of maple syrup.

Melted butter, salt and pepper

For a classic, comforting flavour, try this trio. The butter adds richness and a subtle nuttiness, while the salt and pepper enhance the sprouts' natural flavour.

Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and garlic powder

Lastly, for a crunchy, savoury option, this combination is a great choice. The panko breadcrumbs add texture and a subtle garlic flavour, while the butter binds everything together.

How to store and reheat steamed sprouts

Steamed sprouts are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds.

If you want to achieve a crispy texture, spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Storing Fresh Sprouts

When storing fresh sprouts, do not wash them. Pick off any yellow or brown leaves. Store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator until you are ready to use them. They will last for 4-5 days.

How to choose sprouts in the store

When choosing sprouts in the store, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the freshest and most tasty sprouts.

Firstly, sprouts are usually available in three different ways: loose in a bin, pre-sliced in a bag, or still on the stalk. The best way to get fresh sprouts is to buy them on the stalk, but this option can be hard to find and store due to the large size of the stalks. If you can't find or accommodate stalks, the next best option is to hand-pick loose sprouts, so you can choose the exact quantity and quality you need.

When selecting sprouts, look for bright green sprouts without any yellow or brown leaves, as these are signs of age. The sprouts should also be firm and not slimy, as this indicates decay. Smell the sprouts—if they have an off-putting odour, they are likely past their prime.

If you are buying sprouts on the stalk, inspect the stalks as well. Look for brown leaves and remove any you find, as these can cause the rest of the sprouts to spoil faster.

Once you've chosen your sprouts, store them properly to maintain their freshness. Sprouts have a relatively short shelf life, so it's best to buy only what you plan to use within a few days. Keep the sprouts in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you have room, you can also store the entire stalk in the fridge, but be sure to remove any brown leaves first.

With these tips in mind, you can be sure to choose the freshest sprouts at the store and enjoy delicious and nutritious steamed sprouts at home!

Frequently asked questions