Boiled Brussel Sprouts Recipe – Easy Healthy Low Carb Side Dish

Boiling Brussels sprouts is one of the simplest and healthiest ways to prepare this nutritious vegetable. With just a few steps, you can have tender yet crisp Brussels sprouts that are perfect as a side dish for any meal. Whether you like them lightly seasoned or dressed up with your favorite toppings, boiled Brussels sprouts are quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love Boiled Brussels Sprouts

• Boiled Brussels sprouts are incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and steps needed to get them perfectly tender yet crisp.
• This recipe is super versatile. You can serve the sprouts plain for a healthy option or dress them up with your favorite seasonings for added flavor.
• Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy side dish that complements a variety of meals.
• The vibrant green color of boiled Brussels sprouts adds a beautiful, appetizing touch to your plate.
• This method ensures the Brussels sprouts stay crisp without turning mushy, giving them the perfect texture with every bite.

Ingredients For Boiled Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels sprouts – The star of this recipe! Be sure to pick fresh, green, and firm sprouts for the best result.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning the water and enhancing the natural flavor of the Brussels sprouts.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Boiled Brussel Sprouts

• Large pot – To boil the Brussels sprouts evenly.
• Slotted spoon – For easily removing the Brussels sprouts from the water without draining the entire pot.
• Fork – To check for doneness by piercing the Brussels sprouts.
• Knife and cutting board – To trim the stems and remove any brown leaves.
• Measuring spoon – To measure out the salt for seasoning.

How To Make Boiled Brussel Sprouts

• Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stems and removing any brown or damaged leaves.
• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
• Carefully drop the Brussels sprouts into the boiling water.
• Boil for around 12 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork. Larger sprouts may take longer to cook.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the Brussels sprouts from the water and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve boiled Brussels sprouts as a simple, healthy side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled grouper fish.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty touch, or drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.
• For more flavor, toss the sprouts with a little butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder or freshly cracked black pepper.
• Pair them with mashed potatoes or baked rice for a complete, balanced meal.

Tips For Success

• Choose fresh sprouts: When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are bright green, firm, and free of blemishes. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, while larger ones have a slightly stronger flavor.
• Trim properly: Before boiling, trim the stems and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. This ensures that the sprouts cook evenly and look appetizing.
• Don’t overcook: Be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can cause Brussels sprouts to become mushy and lose their bright green color. Boiling them just until tender with a little crispness will give you the perfect texture.
• Taste for seasoning: While the sprouts are boiling, taste the water to ensure it’s adequately salted. If you like more seasoning, feel free to add salt toward the end or when serving.
• Check for doneness: To ensure they’re perfectly cooked, pierce a Brussels sprout with a fork. If it goes through easily but still has a bit of resistance, the sprouts are done. If you prefer them softer, simply boil them for a few more minutes.

Variations And Substitutions

• Add flavor with herbs: If you’re looking to add more flavor to your boiled Brussels sprouts, consider tossing them with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary right after cooking. The herbs will enhance their natural taste and add a touch of freshness.
• Spicy twist: For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the boiled Brussels sprouts. This is a great way to add a kick while keeping the dish light and healthy.
• Lemon zest or juice: A squeeze of lemon juice or some lemon zest can really brighten up the flavor of boiled Brussels sprouts. It adds a touch of acidity that balances their natural earthiness.
• Parmesan cheese: If you’re not vegan or dairy-free, sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the boiled Brussels sprouts can add a savory, cheesy element. It pairs perfectly with their nutty flavor.
• Oil or butter: While this recipe is great on its own, you can enhance the richness by drizzling the Brussels sprouts with olive oil or tossing them with a little melted butter for a more indulgent flavor.
• Vegan butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute regular butter with vegan butter for the same rich flavor without the dairy.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: To store leftover boiled Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze your Brussels sprouts, blanch them first by boiling them for 3-4 minutes, then transferring them to ice water to cool quickly. Drain and pat dry before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat boiled Brussels sprouts, place them in a pan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil or butter to warm them through and restore some of their crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes, but be aware they may become softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I boil Brussels sprouts?

The boiling time for Brussels sprouts depends on their size. Smaller sprouts may take around 8-10 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 12-15 minutes. To check for doneness, pierce a sprout with a fork — it should be tender but still slightly firm, not mushy.

How do I keep boiled Brussels sprouts from becoming mushy?

To prevent your Brussels sprouts from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking them. Boil the sprouts just until they’re tender with a slight bite. This usually takes about 12 minutes for larger sprouts. Also, removing them from the boiling water promptly will help maintain their texture.

Can I add other flavors to my boiled Brussels sprouts?

Yes! Boiled Brussels sprouts are delicious with added seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or even a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. You can also sprinkle them with herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh flavor or add some heat with red pepper flakes.

Are boiled Brussels sprouts healthy?

Absolutely! Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-dense choice. Boiling them helps retain most of their nutrients, and you can keep them even healthier by seasoning them lightly without heavy oils or butter.

Can I freeze boiled Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but it’s best to blanch them first. After boiling for 3-4 minutes, transfer the Brussels sprouts to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and dry them before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Other Easy Brussels Sprout Recipes

Shredded Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe: A fresh and crunchy Brussels sprouts salad that’s perfect for a light and healthy side dish.

Air Fryer Shaved Brussels Sprouts Recipe: These air fryer Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced and roasted to crispy perfection in minutes.

Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts In The Air Fryer: Enjoy deliciously crispy smashed Brussels sprouts with a tender inside, made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Instant Pot Frozen Brussels Sprouts – Quick and Easy: Make perfectly cooked frozen Brussels sprouts in no time using your Instant Pot for a quick, healthy side.

Frozen Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer – Healthy and Simple: A quick and easy method to roast frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for a healthy, crispy side dish.

Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy and Delicious: Get beautifully roasted Brussels sprouts with a crunchy exterior and tender inside using the air fryer.

Instant Pot Steamed Brussels Sprouts – Easy Recipe: This simple Instant Pot recipe makes perfectly steamed Brussels sprouts in just a few minutes.

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