Learning how to steam Brussels sprouts couldn't be easier! This quick 5-minute method gives you tender, flavorful sprouts every time.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
We love this easy method for how to steam Brussels sprouts. It's simple, tasty, and brings out their natural flavor every time.
How to choose brussels sprouts
When you purchase Brussels sprouts at the store, these little mini cabbages are available in three different ways:
- on the stalk
- picking out loose sprouts in a bin
- or pre-sliced in a bag, ready for cooking.
Buying Brussels sprouts on the stalk is a great way to get the freshest flavor, but those big stalks can be tricky to find and store. I usually hand-pick loose sprouts instead. It's an easy way to grab just the right amount you need for whatever recipe you're making.
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🗒️ Ingredients
The ingredients for Steamed Brussels sprouts are super simple! Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Steamed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Clean the Brussels sprouts by rinsing them in cold water. This will help remove any dust or debris. Remove any brown leaves or loose leaves. With a sharp knife remove the stem ends and slice large whole brussels sprouts in half.
- Place the steamer in the large pot, and add about an inch of water - enough water to fill to the bottom of the steamer. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Place Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket, and cover.
- Steam brussels sprouts for 5-6 minutes or until fork tender.
- Toss brussels sprouts with a little butter and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Notes
Cooking techniques:
Without a steamer - place the Brussels sprouts in a large pan. Add water just to cover. Sprinkle with salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and steam for 5 minutes or until fork tender. Microwave directions - Place sprouts in a microwave-safe dish. Add a ¼ cup of water. Cover with a wet paper towel and microwave for 3 minutes Instant pot directions - Add 1 ½ cups water to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Top with steaming basket. Add cleaned sprouts. Close and seal lid. Set timer to 2 minutes. Quick release at the end. Optional: Finish the vegetables with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a healthy pinch of kosher salt. Storage - When you bring them home, do not wash them. However, do pick off any yellow or brown leaves. Store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer until ready to use. If you bought an entire stalk, remove any brown leaves. If you have room in the fridge for the big stalk, great, if not, remove the sprouts from the stalks, storing them as previously discussed. Cooked, they will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.Nutrition
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⏲️ Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for this simple recipe. For complete directions, check the recipe card.
When the Steamed Brussels Sprouts are fork tender, drain any excess water and return to the cooking vessel. Season with butter, salt and pepper and toss well. Serve and enjoy!
My favorite method? Using the steaming basket. It's just so simple and they come out perfect every time!
🙋♀️ FAQ's
Yes, they are high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your meal. Because they are high in antioxidants, they offer the potential to reduce the risk of cancer and improve blood sugar control.
Depending upon the freshness, they will last 4-5 days in the fridge. You can tell they are still good because they will be bright green in color and won't have an off-putting smell.
Absolutely! I have a lovely recipe for a Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad on the blog. It's super yummy and filled with crunch!
Deb's top tips
If you're buying pre-sliced Brussels sprouts, take a peek at the expiration date. Once they start to age, you'll notice a strong odor and dull color and they should be discard. Cook the sprouts within a day or two for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
These tiny cabbages can be seasoned a variety of ways:
- Just before serving, try adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness and brighten every bite.
- Top brussels with a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes or fennel seeds.
- A drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil is delicious!
- Finish with shaved or grated parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions
Steamed Brussels sprouts are a great side dish that pairs great with so many meals! Try this with meatloaf or pork loin (both these recipes are in the instant pot!).
More of my favorites are Bell Pepper or Beef Noodle Casserole; super yummy! Or keep it simple with grilled skirt steak, delicious! The steamed brussels sprouts will round out your meal and compliment the rich flavors.
More recipes with Brussels sprouts
If you're here, it's because you enjoy Steamed Brussels Sprouts, but that's not the only way to enjoy them! I have several other recipes on the blog where they are the star!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts are especially tasty! This simple recipe uses the flavor punch of a packet of ranch dressing. They are the BEST, and I hope you check out the recipe!
- Pan-fried or sautéed is also delicious, and this recipe is especially festive for the holiday season!
- Another option is this Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin. Pairing the veggies with sweet potatoes and pork is a wonderful option.
- There is even a super yummy recipe using butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and pasta!
Wrapping it up
Learning how to steam Brussels sprouts is one of those simple kitchen wins that makes dinner easier and healthier. Once you try this quick 5-minute method, you'll want to make them again and again!
If you've enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I'd love to hear your favorite way to season your sprouts!
Dan from Platter Talk says
This is such a timely post on Brussels sprouts. I love them and I think that one of the reason that people think that they don't care for them is because they don't know how to prepare them. Your post takes away part of the mystery, in words and beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing this one!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I'm glad you found this helpful - thank you so much Dan! (And for those that don't like Brussels.... more for us right? 😉 )
Michaela Kenkel says
these look like the perfect side dish!!
Bowl Me Over says
Brussels sprouts are such a great veg, thanks Michaela!
michele says
This post is so helpful. My husbands favorite veggie is Brussels sprouts, and I always mess them up.! Cant wait to put my newfound knowledge to good eating!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum - enjoy Michele and thank you so much for stopping by!
Julie says
I LOVE brussels sprouts and when I first started cooking fresh brussels sprouts didn't know how to cook them. This is a perfect post for sure!
Bowl Me Over says
A lot of folks have found it helpful, thank you Julie!!
Sandra Shaffer says
I usually roast brussels sprouts, but steamed are a faster way to cook them. I'll give it a try. They sure look delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
Roasting is another delicious way to enjoy them Sandra, I like pan roasting them also!
Christie Campbell says
I didn't love brussels sprouts until I had them roasted. I will definitely be trying this steamed recipe for sprouts.
Bowl Me Over says
Even when I was a little girl I’ve loved Brussels. I must be weird, haha! I hope you enjoy them steamed, they are so good!!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish says
We love brussels sprouts all year long in my house, so this is perfect!
Bowl Me Over says
Me too, Brussels are always a great choice - thanks Lisa!
Maeva @ Cook A Life! by Maeva says
I've never been a brussels sprouts fan but these pictures and advice may make me try another time! 😉
Bowl Me Over says
I understand Maeva - Brussels are a veggie you love or not! That's ok, there are lots of others to enjoy!!
The Food Hunter says
This is very helpful...sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Theresa!
Carol G says
You can enjoy brussel sprouts raw and shaved in a salad. Clean the sprouts and then shave them carefully with a mandolin
Mix in cranberries, walnut pieces, olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Toss and sprinkle shaved parmesan cheese.
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
What a great post! Super informative
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Suzy, I appreciate you stopping by!
debi at Life Currents says
I've only had brussels sprouts a handful of times, but I really like them. I can't wait to try your recipe. Maybe for Easter.
Bowl Me Over says
Nothing fancy here, but certainly an easy & delicious side dish - thank you Debi!
Cynthia L says
My family loves Brussels sprouts and we have them all year long. You are right, on the stalk is better. In the fall, we get them on the stalk from the Farmer's Market. Great tips on cooking and storing.
Bowl Me Over says
The fresher the better, always makes a difference! Thanks Cynthia, I appreciate you stopping by!
lisa huff says
Great timing! My kids just decided they love Brussels Sprouts! 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Yay!!! Perfect timing!!!
Catherine says
Brussel Sprouts are a favorite in my house but this quick and easy method is a great idea for busy weeknights!
Bowl Me Over says
Such an easy quick side - thank you Catherine!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I never make steamed brussel sprouts but these look delicious and I love all the detailed directions. I love having quick, easy and healthy recipes like this that I can rotate through each week!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Karen, I'm glad you've found this helpful! I've been doing more steamed veggies lately and love that quick easy option. Have a great rest of the week!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
It's okay...I'm not very timely either. But I love brussels sprouts so thanks for sharing these tips.
Bowl Me Over says
Oh good, LOL! I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. Thanks Stephanie!
Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival says
Brussels Sprouts are one of my all time favorite veges! Our neighbor had a bunch in his garden at the end of the season that he didn't pick and offered them to us. I have never had them fresh from the garden, they were unbelievable! Great post!
Bowl Me Over says
My hubby and I were just talking about putting in a garden this year. I so agree, there is NOTHING like fresh veggies - so yummy! Thank you Beth for stopping by!
healingtomato@gmail.com says
Those are some helpful tips, Debra. I am a huge fan of Brussels sprouts and sometimes they go bad if I don't use them up on time. Steaming them is such a good idea.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Rini - I agree, sometimes it's hard to eat fresh veggies before their due date - sometimes I'll freeze them too to use in broths also. I hate throwing things out!
Liza says
I don't think that it matters at all that it isn't Thanksgiving now! Because all the Thanksgiving food is just SOOOOO GOOOD!!! I love my brussels! (Not just for the Turkey Day - I like them all year long!) And it's great to have a few super-useful tips on how to make them healthy and yummy and on how to prep them!! Thanks, Debra! 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Liza! I love my brussels too, so yummy and when they are fresh, they are almost sweet - thank you as always for all of your support!!
Jess says
Yum
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Jessica!!!
Carol G says
We enjoy brussels sprouts cleaned, halved and roasted in a 400 degree oven tossed with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Roast until bottoms are slightly browned.