Tiffany Haney
Steaming Brussels sprouts is a fast and healthy way to cook them, retaining more nutrients than other cooking methods. They can be steamed in a pan on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in an instant pot. When steaming, it is important not to overcook them, as they can quickly become mushy. Brussels sprouts pair well with various seasonings, including balsamic vinegar, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How to steam brussel sprouts in a pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Brussel sprouts, salt, water, oil/fat, stock |
| Utensils | Pan, lid, knife, steamer basket/mesh strainer/aluminium foil |
| Preparation | Trim the ends of the sprouts, slice in half, remove any damaged outer leaves |
| Cooking | Add water to the pan, sprinkle salt, cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, add sprouts and steam for 5-7 minutes |
| Seasonings | Butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper, soy sauce, herbs |
| Reheating | Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with broth/water |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the sprouts
Cleaning and Trimming:
First, wash the Brussels sprouts under cold running water. This ensures that any dirt or residue is removed. Next, pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Check for any damaged, yellow, or black outer leaves and remove them. These leaves can be bitter and impact the final taste.
Trimming the Ends:
The base of the sprout, where it was attached to the stalk, can be fibrous and pithy. Trim off a small portion from this end to ensure a better texture and taste.
Cutting:
To ensure even cooking and easier eating, cut the sprouts in half. If you have sprouts of varying sizes, cut the larger ones in half and leave the smaller ones whole. You can also quarter the sprouts if you prefer smaller pieces.
Seasoning (Optional):
While seasoning is typically added after steaming, you can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, or soy sauce before steaming to infuse flavour.
Steamer Basket Setup:
While prepping the sprouts, set up a large saucepan with a steamer basket. Fill the saucepan with water, ensuring the water line is just below the steamer basket's surface. Bring this water to a boil.
Brussels sprouts are now ready to be steamed! Remember, proper prep work ensures a better final dish.
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Cooking methods
The following methods describe how to steam Brussels sprouts in a pan.
Using a steamer basket
To steam Brussels sprouts in a pan using a steamer basket, start by bringing about an inch of water to a boil in a large pot. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, add the sprouts, cover the pot, and let them steam. Depending on how soft you want your sprouts, they should be ready in about 5 to 7 minutes.
Using a mesh strainer
If you don't have a steamer basket, you can place a mesh strainer in a pot with about an inch of boiling water. Add the sprouts, cover the pot, and steam for 5 to 7 minutes.
Using aluminum foil
If you don't have a steamer basket or a mesh strainer, you can place three balls of aluminum foil at the bottom of a pot, add water, then place a plate on top to hold the sprouts. Cover the pot and steam for 5 to 7 minutes.
Using a pan
To steam Brussels sprouts directly in a pan, add water just until the sprouts are covered. Sprinkle with salt, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and steam for about 5 minutes or until tender.
Using a microwave
To steam sprouts in the microwave, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a ¼ cup of water. Cover with a wet paper towel and microwave for about 3 minutes.
Using an instant pot
Add 1 ½ cups of water to the bottom of the instant pot. Top it with a steaming basket and add the sprouts. Close and seal the lid, then set the timer for 2 minutes. Quick release at the end.
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Choosing a pan
When it comes to choosing a pan to steam Brussels sprouts, there are a few options to consider. The size of the pan is important, as you want to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the volume of sprouts you plan to cook. A large frying pan or sauté pan can be used, as suggested by some sources. These pans offer a generous surface area, which is beneficial when steaming multiple sprouts simultaneously.
Another option is to use a saucepan, which is typically deeper than a frying pan. A saucepan with a steamer basket or insert is a classic method for steaming Brussels sprouts. The steamer basket sits inside the saucepan, allowing the sprouts to be suspended above the boiling water. This ensures even steaming and prevents the sprouts from coming into direct contact with the water.
The material of the pan is also a consideration. Stainless steel or cast iron pans are durable options that distribute heat evenly. Non-stick pans can also be convenient for steaming, as they help prevent food from sticking to the surface, making clean-up easier. Additionally, a lid is essential when steaming Brussels sprouts. Choose a pan with a well-fitting lid to trap the steam and create a moist cooking environment.
If you don't have a steamer basket or insert, you can get creative. One alternative method involves using a mesh strainer placed inside a pot with boiling water. The mesh strainer acts as a makeshift steamer basket, allowing you to steam the Brussels sprouts effectively. Another innovative approach is to roll up sheets of aluminum foil into balls and place them at the bottom of the pot before adding water and a plate to hold the sprouts above the water level.
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Seasoning options
There are several seasoning options to choose from when steaming Brussels sprouts in a pan. Here are some ideas:
Butter
A popular choice is to toss the steamed sprouts with butter. You can use regular butter or compound butter. Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Melt the butter in the pan and swirl it often until it starts to brown. You can also add other ingredients, such as garlic, to the butter for added flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another simple yet versatile option. You can toss the steamed sprouts with olive oil alone or combine it with other ingredients, such as garlic or butter, to create a more complex flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that can enhance the flavor of Brussels sprouts. Salting the water used for steaming will infuse the sprouts with flavor. You can also sprinkle salt directly on the sprouts after cooking, tasting as you go to ensure the desired level of saltiness is achieved. Freshly ground black pepper can also be added for a bit of spice.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the bitterness of Brussels sprouts. A little acidity adds great flavor.
Garlic
Adding minced garlic to the sprouts provides a pungent and aromatic flavor boost. You can cook the garlic in butter or olive oil before tossing it with the steamed sprouts, or add it as a raw seasoning after cooking.
Other Options
Other seasoning options include lemon juice for a citrusy note, crispy crumbled bacon for a savory meaty flavor, or a variety of other oils such as sesame oil or chili oil. You can also experiment with shredded parmesan cheese, maple syrup or honey, mustard, Sriracha or red pepper flakes, and ranch seasoning. Additionally, you can pair your Brussels sprouts with nuts like chopped toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or other herbs like oregano, dill, chives, or thyme.
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Storing leftovers
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. First, steam them for about 5 minutes, until they can be easily pierced with a sharp knife. Then, plunge them into an ice bath until cooled. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for an hour. Finally, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They should keep for about a year.
If you are storing raw Brussels sprouts, it is best to keep them in the fridge. They should be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you buy them on the stalk, you can keep them in a small vase or mason jar in the fridge. If you remove them from the stalk, store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Keep them whole and unwashed until you are ready to use them.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the sprouts in a large pan and add water until they are just covered. Sprinkle with salt, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and steam for 5 minutes or until tender.
Steam the sprouts for 4-7 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork. If you like them crunchier, check after 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Seasonings that complement the earthy flavor of brussels sprouts include balsamic vinegar, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and soy sauce. You can also try garlic butter, sesame oil, or chili oil.
Yes, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per serving. For the stovetop, use a small amount of broth or water and cook over high heat until the broth boils and the sprouts are steaming hot.
