How to Steam Brussel Sprouts & Make an Easy Side Dish

Brussels sprouts. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em, right? I remember despising them as a kid. Whenever my mum would make them would officially mark the worst day ever. And then one day I grew up and realised they were the best thing since sliced bread. Crazy how that happens, isn’t it? And how to steam brussel sprouts has now somehow become a special talent of mine.

Now, I have to be honest here, if you hate brussel sprouts this recipe might not be for you. While my family and I find them absolutely delicious they still taste of, well, brussel sprouts. But if you’ve already been converted or want to at least give them another go, my how to steam brussel sprouts post might just be the thing for you. 

The secret to really good Brussels sprouts lies in how you cook them, and steaming really does preserve their natural sweetness and flavor. If you’ve had the kind of Brussels sprouts that taste like bitter mush (yuck!), it could be that they were overcooked or boiled into oblivion. Trust me, you’ll want to know how to steam Brussel sprouts the right way.

So, why steam and not boil, you ask?

Well, steaming Brussels sprouts helps retain more of their nutrients compared to boiling them. Plus, they come out with a gorgeous, vibrant green color and a nice, firm texture. Now, you might be thinking, “How do I steam Brussels sprouts without a fancy steamer?” It’s a common question, and trust me, you don’t need all the extra equipment to make these little mini cabbages taste amazing. 

In this post, I’m going to show you how to steam Brussel sprouts without a fancy gadget, give you tips for maximizing their flavor, and answer some common questions like whether you should cut them in half before boiling or steaming. I’ll also throw in some fun, easy tricks to make Brussels sprouts a side dish your whole family will love. Ready? Let’s dive in!

How Do I Steam Brussels Sprouts Without a Steamer?

Good news: you don’t need a fancy, expensive steamer, or even steaming basket to cook your Brussels sprouts! You can steam them using a regular pot with a lid, and it works just as well. All you need is a simple setup: a pot with a lid, a few inches of water, and a mesh or heatproof colander to hold the sprouts. If you don’t have a colander, you can always improvise with a heat-safe strainer or even just place the sprouts directly into the pot  with only a little bit of water and create a steam trap by covering them tightly with a lid.

Another great option is to use a microwave. Yes, you can even steam Brussels sprouts in the microwave! Just toss them in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water, cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid, and steam on high for a few minutes. It’s quick, easy, and gets the job done when you’re short on time.

Is It Better to Boil or Steam Brussels Sprouts?

This one’s easy! Steaming Brussels sprouts is definitely the way to go. While boiling can make them soggy and dull, steaming helps them retain their shape, texture, and bright green color. Steamed Brussels sprouts also keep more of their nutrients, so you’re getting all those healthy vitamins and minerals in every bite. Plus, steaming enhances their natural sweetness, making them more enjoyable to eat – even for those little picky eaters! 

In short, always opt for steaming. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference.

Should You Cut Brussels Sprouts in Half Before Boiling or Steaming?

Good question! Yes, it’s usually a good idea to cut Brussels sprouts in half before steaming (or boiling). This not only helps them cook more evenly but also shortens the cooking time, which means they’ll be done in less than 10 minutes. Cutting the larger sprouts in half also gives you a chance to get rid of any brown spots and tough outer leaves and inspect the insides to make sure they’re fresh and crisp.

However, if you prefer to keep them whole, especially for those smaller sprouts, that’s totally fine, too. Just keep in mind they’ll take a little longer to steam. Both ways work, but I personally recommend halving them for quicker cooking and a slightly better texture.

What Gives Brussels Sprouts a Better Taste?

As with any cruciferous vegetable, the key to making Brussels sprouts taste incredible is all in the cooking method and seasoning. First, make sure not to overcook them – this can cause them to become mushy and bitter. Steaming is a great way to avoid that! Once they’re done, toss them in a little olive oil or melted butter and season them with a good amount of salt. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a little lemon juice, garlic butter, balsamic vinegar, or some parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

The secret ingredient? A little patience. Brussels sprouts really shine when you let them cook just the right amount of time. Overcooking them is where people tend to go wrong, so when you steam Brussels sprouts, make sure to keep an eye on them and test for tenderness every few minutes.

Ingredients

Brussel sprouts of course. Inspect your raw Brussels sprouts for any obvious blemishes or bugs, who often like to hide in these tiny cabbages. 

Salt. The key ingredient for hot sprouts. If you only add one thing, make sure it’s salt. 

Optional: Butter or olive oil

For extra flavor: Black pepper, red pepper flakes or fresh herbs

How to Steam Brussel Sprouts

Prepare the fresh sprouts. Rinse them thoroughly and trim the tough stems. Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. If you’re cutting them in half, now’s the time to do that.

Steam the sprouts. Fill a large saucepan or pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the Brussels sprouts in a steamer basket, mesh colander, or just directly into the pot (if you’re improvising). Cover the pot with a lid and steam for about 7-8 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a little bite.

Season and serve. Once your Brussels sprouts are steamed, transfer them to a bowl. Season with salt, drizzle with olive oil or butter, and add any other seasonings you like. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This steamed Brussels sprouts recipe is easy, healthy, and super flavorful. It’s the perfect side dish for busy people because it’s quick to make and goes with just about any main course. Plus, steaming keeps the sprouts crisp and vibrant – no mushy veggies here!

Tips and Tricks

If you have some leftover steamed sprouts, try adding them to salads, grain bowls, or stir-fries. They’re great cold or reheated!

For a nutty flavor, try adding a dash of maple syrup when seasoning.

To save time, you can steam Brussels sprouts ahead of time and reheat them in a large skillet with a little butter for a crispy finish.

You see, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Now that you know how to steam brussel sprouts the easy way, you’ll never have to struggle with boiled mushy ones again. Enjoy!