If you’ve been avoiding Brussels sprouts because of all the horror stories you’ve heard about how difficult they are to cook, then it’s time for you to re-think your stance. As it turns out, with a few handy tricks, cooking Brussels sprouts has never been easier! Not only are these mini-cabbages delicious and incredibly versatile, but now you can add them to your weekly menu with ease. So, if you’re ready to up your vegetable game and give Brussels sprouts a try, keep reading for some top tips!
What Are the Different Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked a variety of ways to suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer them crispy on the outside or tender on the inside, there’s a cooking method out there for you.
1. Roasting
Roasting Brussels sprouts is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious caramelized flavor. To roast, chop the Brussels sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them onto a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown.
2. Sautéing
If you want to cook Brussels sprouts quickly, sautéing is the way to go. Heat up a skillet with some olive oil and add the Brussels sprouts once the oil is hot. Cook them for a few minutes until they’re browned and tender, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add other ingredients like garlic or onion to jazz them up even more.
- For added flavor, try adding bacon or nuts to your sautéed Brussels sprouts.
3. Boiling
Boiling is the simplest cooking method for Brussels sprouts. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your Brussels sprouts to the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until they’re tender. To maximize the flavor, add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. After they’re cooked, you can either serve them as is or dress them up with butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- For a twist on classic boiled Brussels sprouts, add a squeeze of lemon and some thyme leaves to the pot.
4. Air frying
Air frying is one of the trendiest cooking methods for Brussels sprouts right now. It involves cooking them in a hot air fryer that circulates hot air around the food to create crispy texture. To air fry, toss Brussels sprouts with oil and seasoning, then cook them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. They’ll come out crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
Pro tip: toss your air-fried Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of chili powder and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
What Are Some Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for a new and tasty way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, look no further. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar
This recipe turns a classic side dish into a savory and flavorful masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make this dish, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Hash
This hearty and filling dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make this dish, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the Brussels sprouts, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender and browned. Serve hot.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
This cheesy and indulgent dish is perfect for a special occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make this dish, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly softened. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large baking dish, arrange the Brussels sprouts in an even layer. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
How to Store Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy vegetable, and storing them correctly can help maintain their freshness and flavor for longer periods of time. If you’ve just purchased or harvested Brussels sprouts and are unsure of the proper way to store them, don’t worry! Follow these simple storage techniques to prolong their shelf life.
1. Keep Them Cool
Brussels sprouts should be stored in a cool place. Ideally, the best temperature range is between 32- and 40-degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep them in the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature or in a cool pantry or root cellar until ready to use.
2. Do Not Rinse Before Storing
It is essential to avoid washing Brussels sprouts before storing them, because moisture encourages decay. After purchasing, place Brussels sprouts in a container that has been lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and store them in the refrigerator. You can then rinse the Brussels sprouts before using them.
3. Remove Damaged or Yellow Leaves
As soon as you get home with your Brussels sprouts, inspect them for damaged or yellowing leaves. These leaves can cause the sprouts to spoil sooner, so removing them promptly can help prevent any decay from spreading.
4. Use Airtight Containers
If you bought your Brussels sprouts in plastic-wrapped packages from the supermarket, you can leave them in the package until ready to use. However, if you’re using loose Brussels sprouts, it’s best to transfer them to an airtight container, like a sealed plastic bag or glass container. Keeping them airtight can help delay the maturation process.
5. Blanch and Freeze Brussels Sprouts
If you have an overabundance of Brussels sprouts from your garden, you can blanch and freeze them for longer storage. Blanching will help keep the color and texture of the sprouts to a new level of enjoyment. First, remove damaged leaves, cut the sprouts in half, and blanch them for 3 minutes in boiling water, then transfer to cold water and freeze them for several months. Blanching stops the enzymatic activities in the vegetable which causes sprouts to age, and freeze vegetables provides a good way to extend the shelf life of Brussels sprouts.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have a somewhat bad rap for being smelly and bitter, but when cooked correctly, they can be a delicious and healthy side dish. However, there are a few common mistakes that people make when preparing Brussels sprouts that can ruin their flavor and texture. Here are some tips for avoiding those pitfalls and creating a perfectly cooked dish.
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning Them Properly
Brussels sprouts grow in the dirt, and small bugs can often get caught in the leaves. If you don’t clean them properly, you could end up with a gritty, unpleasant-tasting dish. Make sure to rinse the sprouts thoroughly in cold water and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves before cooking. You may also want to soak them in salt water for a few minutes to dislodge any dirt or bugs.
Mistake #2: Overcooking Them
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking Brussels sprouts is overcooking them. Overcooked sprouts become mushy and bitter, and can emit an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, make sure to cook the sprouts until they are tender but still slightly firm to the touch. Boiling, steaming, or roasting the sprouts for too long can result in a limp and unappetizing dish.
Mistake #3: Adding Too Much Water
When cooking Brussels sprouts, you want to keep the texture as firm as possible. Adding too much water while cooking can cause the sprouts to become soggy, which will make them unappetizing. To avoid this, use just enough water to steam the sprouts or roast them in a little oil or butter.
Mistake #4: Not Seasoning Enough
Brussels sprouts have a mild flavor, so they need to be seasoned generously to bring out their best taste. Always season the sprouts with salt and pepper, and consider adding other herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic to enhance their flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find the perfect match for your taste buds.
Mistake #5: Using a Dull Knife
Cutting Brussels sprouts with a dull knife can crush them and release bitter compounds, which will affect the taste and texture of the dish. Always use a sharp knife to slice the sprouts evenly and easily.
Mistake #6: Not Giving Them Enough Space
Whether you’re roasting or sautéing Brussels sprouts, make sure to give them enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of roasting or sautéing. You may need to cook them in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and have a crispy outer layer.
Thanks for Reading and Happy Cooking!
Now that you have learned how easy it is to cook Brussels sprouts, you can start enjoying this nutritious and delicious vegetable any time. Whether you prefer them roasted, sautéed, or steamed, these little green powerhouses are sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavor combinations and cooking methods to find the perfect Brussels sprouts recipe for you.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts Has Never Been Easier!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Trim the ends off of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the garlic and lemon mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
