Steaming Brussels Sprouts: Rice Cooker Magic

Steaming Brussels sprouts in a rice cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. By following a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts ready to be served as a tasty side dish. Here's a guide to help you achieve the best results.

Rice cooker brussels sprouts ingredients

This is a simple and tasty recipe for Brussels sprouts cooked in a rice cooker. It's a convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable, which is high in fibre and antioxidants. The sprouts will be tender and full of flavour, making a great side dish for a variety of meals.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are:

• 1 lb (or 1 1/4 lb) of fresh Brussels sprouts
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp of water (optional)
• 1 tbsp of soy sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and nutrition of this dish, such as:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts)

Preparation

To prepare the Brussels sprouts, rinse them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown or loose leaves, and trim the stem ends. You can leave the sprouts whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference and desired cooking time. Cutting them in half will reduce the cooking time and make them easier to eat.

Cooking Method

Combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker's inner pot and stir well to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated. Set your rice cooker to the 'Slow Cook' function and adjust the timer to 45 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Tips

• For a richer flavour, sauté the garlic in a small amount of olive oil before adding it to the rice cooker.
• Adjust the amount of water depending on your rice cooker model to avoid overcooking or undercooking the sprouts.
• Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking – you may want to add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar for balance.
• Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes if you prefer your sprouts to have a bit more texture.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end for a fresh flavour.

How to prepare the sprouts

Preparing sprouts is simple and can be done in a few steps.

Firstly, you'll want to clean your sprouts by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Next, peel off any brown or loose leaves and trim the stems. You can also cut larger sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.

If you're using a steamer basket, place it inside your rice cooker, adding water until it reaches just below the steamer's surface. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can add water directly to the rice cooker, ensuring it covers the sprouts. Either way, add a tablespoon of salt to the water.

Place the sprouts in the steamer basket or rice cooker, cover, and cook until they are tender but still bright green. This should take around 4-6 minutes for halved sprouts and 15-20 minutes for whole sprouts, depending on their size and your rice cooker model.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and season with butter, salt, and pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed Brussels sprouts ready to be enjoyed as a tasty and healthy side dish.

Cooking instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

Rinse 1 lb of Brussels sprouts in cold water to remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown/yellow outer leaves and trim the ends of the sprouts. You can also slice larger sprouts in half to help them cook more quickly and make them easier to eat.

Step 2: Combine ingredients in the rice cooker

Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in the inner pot of the rice cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir well to ensure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Brussels sprouts

Set your rice cooker to the 'Slow Cook' function and adjust the timer to 45 minutes. Start the cooking process. You can also use the steam function for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the sprouts and your rice cooker model.

Step 4: Season and serve

Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil. Serve the Brussels sprouts warm as a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic in a small amount of olive oil before adding it to the rice cooker.
• Adjust the amount of water depending on your rice cooker model to avoid overcooking or undercooking the Brussels sprouts.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking. You can add more soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes or sauté the steamed sprouts in a pan with oil on high heat for a few minutes.

Seasoning and serving

Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef. They also go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a vegetarian option, serve them alongside quinoa or a hearty salad.

Brussels sprouts are usually seasoned with salt and pepper. However, there are several other ways to season them. Here are some ideas:

• A drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil
• A sprinkle of shaved or grated parmesan cheese
• A pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, or fennel seeds
• A squeeze of lemon juice or a spritz of lemon zest
• A drizzle of balsamic vinegar
• A pinch of sugar
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
• Honey and balsamic vinegar
• Red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Maple syrup

You can also add other vegetables to the Brussels sprouts recipe to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. Consider adding ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, or bell peppers. You can also include nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch and protein.

Recipe variations

There are several ways to vary your steamed Brussels sprouts recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped toasted almonds or other nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts can add a crunchy texture and extra flavour to your dish.
• Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like oregano, dill, chives, thyme, or parsley can enhance the flavour of your sprouts. You can either add them directly to the rice cooker or sprinkle them on top after cooking.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of your cooked sprouts can add a delicious, savoury touch.
• Lemon zest or lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the flavour of your sprouts.
• Balsamic vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add a tangy twist to your dish.
• Spices: You can experiment with different spices like red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, or black pepper to give your sprouts a kick.
• Oils: Using different types of oil like extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil can also change the flavour profile of your dish.
• Vegan option: To make your dish vegan-friendly and dairy-free, simply replace the butter with extra virgin olive oil.
• Low-sodium version: If you're watching your sodium intake, you can reduce or omit the soy sauce and season your sprouts with other herbs and spices like garlic powder, black pepper, or lemon zest. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce substitute.
• Sweet and tangy variation: Drizzle honey and balsamic vinegar over your cooked sprouts for a unique flavour combination.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to your sprouts if you like them spicy.
• Savoury and smoky: Include some cooked, chopped bacon to give your sprouts a savoury and smoky flavour.
• Sweet and caramelized: Tossing your sprouts with maple syrup before cooking will give them a sweet and caramelized finish.
• Other vegetables: You can also add other vegetables to your sprouts, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, or bell peppers, to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of your dish.

Frequently asked questions