How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are often called “mini cabbages” because of their close resemblance to the vegetable. They contain a wealth of nutritional benefits and can be cooked to fit a wide range of recipes. Whether you prefer to sauté or braise, they can be prepared in a number of ways. Take time to learn how to cook Brussels sprouts with these quick and simple cooking methods.

Why You Should Know How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

If you’ve been looking for ways to increase your vitamin and mineral intake, start by having a serving of Brussels sprouts. Low in calories and incredibly nutritious, sprouts are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and antioxidants. The functions of vitamins and antioxidants include protecting the body from illnesses, preventing cancers and cleaning out harmful free radicals from your system. Other nutrients found in sprouts are iron, calcium and potassium for healthy bone, muscle, nerve and brain function.

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

The best cooking methods for Brussels sprouts are boiling, sautéing, roasting and braising. Learning to how cook Brussels sprouts is very easy and does not require much effort. Just be careful not to overcook them while trying to make them tender.

Boil

Before cooking, peel away any discolored leaves from Brussels sprouts. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Drop as many sprouts as you need into rapidly boiling water and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and season them as preferred.

Sauté

In a pan, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to sauté. Heat oil and throw in Brussels sprouts. Sauté each side of the sprouts until all sides are golden brown. This should take 3-5 minutes. When sprouts are a lovely brown, remove from heat and set aside. Pour about 1/3 cup of water in a pan, add sprouts and cook them further until all the water evaporates.

Roast

Learning how to cook Brussels sprouts in an oven can enhance their flavor and texture. Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees or 400F. Trickle olive oil on top of sprouts and add a dash of salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes and pierce with a fork to see if they’ve become tender. If not, continue to cook at 5-minute intervals until done.

Braise

To braise Brussels sprouts is similar to sautéing, except the process is in reverse. Begin by boiling sprouts until they become soft. This should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. If you like, you can also add a clove of garlic. When heated, add the sprouts and cook them on each side until golden brown. Before braising, cut sprouts into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.

Knowing how to cook Brussels sprouts well is a skill that will add positively to your health. When you’ve mastered the basics of cooking sprouts, you can experiment and use it to make a plethora of healthy, delicious dishes.