How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (2024)

January 17, 2014 by · 51 Comments

Our family has long been a fan of the often maligned, little brussel sprout! I remember how my kids when they were just little, would beg me to make brussel sprouts for all of those special meals. Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Easter and Christmas; really??…what kids want brussel sprouts for their birthday dinner…lol.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (1)

When I began cooking brussel sprouts I knew very little about them, in fact, I am certain the first time we had them, they were frozen and from a bag. I guess I must have spied them in the frozen grocery section and decided they would be a nice change from peas! (I have not had good luck with the frozen version and prefer fresh.)

Did you know that brussel sprouts are actually the edible buds found on thestalk of the brussels sprout plant? I have only seen them in the form below at the Farmer’s Market. I usually buy them bulk in the produce aisle of the supermarket or in a bag from Costco.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (2)

{Photo attribution:Captmondo (CC)}

I wasn’t sure what to do with this somewhat foreign (to me) vegetable so I just followed the directions on the bag and either steamed or boiled them, with less than stellar results. Cooked either of these ways, I found them to be rather bland with a strong cabbage-like taste. But, they were a change from the regular vegetables, and for some unknown reason, my kids just loved them.

Over the years, my daughter and I have often experimented with the cooking of this vegetable and have finally come up with a winning recipe. My daughter, Shannon, is actually the author of this delicious recipe for Caramelized Brussel Sprouts. As much as I would like to claim this recipe and the accompanying photos as mine, they are all hers.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (3)

When time permits, I have always found itmuch simpler to prepare a dish when you gather your ingredients and do all the prep work before beginning to cook. You may have heard French chefs refer to this process as,“mise en place” or “put in place”.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (4)

Caramelizing the shallots. If you don’t have shallots you could use a red or white onion, however, the onion flavour will be a bit stronger.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (5)

The brussel sprouts are beginning to caramelize, this process makes them taste a bit sweeter.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (6)

The tasty finished product!

4.7 from 10 reviews

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe}

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (7)

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Ingredients

  • 1½ - 2 pounds brussel sprouts
  • 5 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • ⅓ cup hot water (if needed)
  • juice from ½ lemon
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and remove the outer leaves from brussel sprouts, trim stem end and cut in half. If brussel sprout is smaller, you can leave whole & just cut an X in the bottom to allow heat to penetrate.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon until evenly browned, remove bacon from skillet, drain excess grease leaving a couple tablespoons of grease behind.
  3. Stir butter and olive oil into the bacon grease, add shallots and cook until translucent.
  4. Add the halved brussel sprouts and pan fry, stirring frequently until the brussel sprouts are golden and tender, yet still slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn them or they will taste bitter. Add ⅓ cup hot water if pan is getting dry and sprouts aren't cooking).
  5. To re-heat bacon, add it back to the pan for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
  6. Squeeze lemon juice over cooked brussel sprouts and season with salt and pepper.

If you have never had them, I hope you will give the little brussel sprout a try, they are actually quite delicious and a different taste from our regular green vegetables.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask and I or my daughter will do our best to answer them.

Do you like to eat brussel sprouts? Do your kids like them?

How do you cook them?

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How to Cook Brussel Sprouts (w/Recipe} - Older Mommy Still Yummy (2024)

FAQs

How should sprouts be cooked? ›

In a pot with 1 inch of water and a lid, a steamer, or a microwave, steam sprouts for 5 – 8 minutes, or until bright green. In a medium pan, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts, salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 – 10 minutes, or until outsides are a deep, rich brown.

Do you need to soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

Don't soak sprouts before cooking them, they don't need it. Rinse before cooking, and if you want to store them ready-prepped but them in a reusable bag or container in the fridge.

Do you cut the ends off of Brussels sprouts before you cook them? ›

Some dried or yellow outer leaves are okay, but the leaves should be tightly layered together. Individual sprouts: Brussels sprouts sold by the pound are what you find most often at the market. They need to be trimmed of their dry ends and yellowed or damaged leaves before halving and cooking.

What causes bitterness in Brussels sprouts? ›

The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.

What flavors go well with Brussel sprouts? ›

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Serving Suggestions

Serve them plain, simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or dress them up! Drizzle them with a bit of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and toss them with feta or Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, and nuts or pepitas.

How long does it take to boil brussel sprouts? ›

To boil, put into a pan with some salt, cover with boiling water, bring back to the boil and cook, covered, for 5-10 mins. They take 5-10 mins to steam. A sharp knife should easily go through the base then they are done, but with a little resistance. They should still feel firm to the touch.

Are sprouts better steamed or boiled? ›

If you are not eating them in early stages better to eat them as steamed, or cook them for less time. Depends on the type of sprouts you are speaking of. Brussel sprouts are best blanched in boiling water for a few minutes then plunged into ice water.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts in salt water overnight? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

Do you use hot or cold water for brussel sprouts? ›

Fill a large pan with cold water, add a little salt and bring to the boil. Meanwhile, prepare the sprouts by discarding any tough, coarse outer leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the base of each sprout: this will enable the centre to cook without overdoing the outside.

Is it better to roast brussel sprouts cut side up or down? ›

Roast 'em! Our two rules: place and space! Place them cut side down to create that slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Space them out evenly so they don't steam–a crowded sheet pan party is not where your brussels want to be.

How many brussel sprouts per person? ›

Sprouts on the stalk will stay fresher longer than sprouts that have been picked off and sold loose. Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person.

Can you overcook brussel sprouts? ›

For best results, cook sprouts until just tender, never mushy. Overcooking produces the offensive odor associated with Brussels sprouts. It's caused by the release of sulfur-containing compounds. Overcooking also causes them to turn a drab olive green.

How do you level up Brussel sprouts? ›

10 Easy Ways to Upgrade Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  1. Finish with lemon and lots of Parm. ...
  2. Toss in something crunchy. ...
  3. Bathe them in balsamic glaze. ...
  4. Make them spicy. ...
  5. Just add bacon. ...
  6. Embrace honey mustard. ...
  7. Pile them on a plate filled with something creamy. ...
  8. Roast them with sausage to turn them into dinner.
May 1, 2019

Do Brussel sprouts taste good reheated? ›

Yes! If you'd like to keep them crispy, reheat the brussels sprouts in the oven until they are heated through. Otherwise, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few minutes, however, they may lose their crispiness.

How do I make my Brussels less gassy? ›

Tip for digestion :

Blanch Brussels sprouts in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes before cooking. This makes them easier to digest. You can also freeze them after blanching. This will preserve their flavour and health benefits.

Why do you soak Brussel sprouts in salt water? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot — just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

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