Best Ways to Prepare Brussel Sprouts

Like many cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts can taste bitter to some people — but this is ultimately all about how you prepare them. The cooking method, seasoning, and foods you pair with them can make or break your Brussels sprouts experience.

Cooking Methods

Here are some of the most popular ways to cook Brussels sprouts, including tips for best results.

• Roasting: Cut your Brussels sprouts in half and spread them out on a baking sheet. Here, toss them with a liquid and a seasoning of your choice. This might be water, vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, or vegetable stock along with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices. Be sure they are spread evenly on the baking sheet so as not to overlap with one another. Then, roast them in the oven at 425°F for around 20–25 minutes. Check on them halfway through — by which I mean give them a gentle shuffle, as opposed to asking, “Comment allez-vous?” The outer leaves should be crispy and light brown, but not charred.
• Air-Frying: If you’re using an air fryer, space your Brussels sprouts out in the basket — by which I mean avoid overcrowding them, as opposed to playing meditative electronic music. Set the time and temperature, or choose a preset setting to cook them. A good place to start is 350°F for 15–18 minutes. Shake, toss, or flip your sprouts halfway through to cook them evenly and prevent sticking and burning. Once done, they should come out browned, crispy, and tender inside.
• Steamed: To steam Brussels sprouts without overcooking them, start by bringing an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a pot you can fit a steamer basket into. Place your trimmed and cleaned sprouts in the basket, set over the boiling water, cover, and steam until tender to the bite (this should take about five minutes). Be sure not to leave them much longer so as not to make them mushy. You can test one with a fork; when you stab it and feel little resistance, take your sprouts off the heat and serve.
• Sauteed: Heat your skillet and add a small amount of liquid (like vegetable broth or water if you’re oil-free). Add your Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring often to prevent sticking and promote even heating.

( Excerpt taken from The Food Revolution Network)