Boiled Brussels sprouts are delicious and it’s the quickest and easiest way to cook sprouts. Boiling may seem like an ordinary no-frills way to cook Brussels sprouts but sometimes this simple way is best. You don’t need to do anything fancy to make sprouts easily for a roast dinner or side dish.
Whether you’re planning a roast dinner or need a flavourful side dish, boiling these nutrient-packed vegetables is the no-frills solution you’ve been searching for. I hope you enjoy these boiled Brussels sprouts.
Why you’ll love this boiled Brussel sprouts recipe
Boiled sprouts are a great side dish. They add flavour as well as a splash of colour on a plate.
Sprouts are so easy to make! No need to worry about precise oven temperatures or monitoring them on the stovetop for hours.
Brussels sprouts also cook quickly so they are brilliant when you need a side dish in a rush.
Boiled Brussels sprouts are a really healthy addition to roast dinners.
Boiling Brussels sprouts allows them to retain more of their natural flavour and nutrients. The quick cooking time helps to preserve their vibrant green colour, while the boiling water helps to soften the sprouts without losing too much of their goodness.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Brussels Sprouts
One of the reasons why Brussels sprouts are so versatile is their mild, slightly nutty taste. This flavour pairs well with a variety of other flavours, making it a versatile ingredient for creative seasoning.
You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to complement the sprouts and create a dish that perfectly suits your taste buds.
How to Make boiled Brussels sprouts – Step by Step
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Trim off the sprout bases and remove the outer leaves. Cut a cross in the bottom if you want to be traditional.
Add the Brussels sprouts to a saucepan filled with boiling water and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes for whole sprouts.
Strain the sprouts and add them to a serving bowl. It really is that simple to boil Brussel sprouts on the stove.
Top Tips for How to boil Brussel sprouts on the stove
When choosing to boil Brussel sprouts on the stove it is best to choose sprouts that are firm and vibrant in colour, as these will yield the best flavour and texture. Avoid any sprouts that are soft, discoloured, or have wilted leaves.
Use a sharp knife, trim the stem end of each sprout and remove the outer leaves to remove any dirt.
When boiling your sprouts, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked sprouts can become mushy and lose their vibrant green colour.
Serve the sprouts straight away when they are still hot.
How to prepare Brussels Sprouts
Preparing Brussels sprouts is really easy although a little bit fiddly. Trim the stalk and remove the outer leaves for each sprout. This removes the dry ends and any dirt stuck in the leaves.
Traditionally you cut crosses into the bottom of each sprout but that doesn’t aid cooking.
Serving Suggestions
A classic way to serve boiled Brussels sprouts is with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or a knob of butter that you can let melt over the sprouts.
Sprouts are best served with a roast dinner.
Equipment
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Boiled Brussels Sprouts Substitutions and variations
Seasoning and spices
Try experimenting with different seasonings and spices to boost the flavour of your sprouts. Whether you prefer a classic blend of salt and pepper or want to venture into more adventurous combinations like garlic powder and paprika, don’t hesitate to get creative.
Add Parmesan
Grate your Parmesan cheese over the sprouts before you serve them. Cheesy sprouts are a glorious way to enjoy them.
Add Bacon
To add bacon to your boiled Brussels sprouts, simply cook your bacon in a separate pan until it reaches its crispy perfection. Then mix it in as you serve.
Zesty Citrus Infusion
Bring a burst of freshness to your sprouts by incorporating some fresh citrus zest. Lemon, lime, or orange zest will give the sprouts a tangy and vibrant flavour that provides a delightful contrast to their earthiness.
Garlic and Herb
For a classic flavour combination, infuse your boiled sprouts with garlic and herbs. Simply sauté some minced garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant, then toss the sprouts in the mixture along with your favourite herbs such as rosemary or thyme. The aromatic garlic and herbs will infuse the sprouts with a savoury depth of flavour. Serve straight away.
You can also check out my Brussels Sprouts with garlic and bacon recipe.
How to cook Brussel sprouts on stove?
Brussel sprouts are really easy to cook on the stove. Simply peel the outer layer and cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes. Serve straight away and enjoy.
Storing Fresh Brussels sprouts / Making ahead of time options
For any leftovers, allow them to cool and transfer the sprouts to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the fridge.
Leftover Christmas vegetables are great in salads, epic toasted sandwiches and even pies! Check out my leftover Christmas pie recipe.
Frozen sprouts can maintain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your sprouts, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating the sprouts is as simple as steaming or sautéing them for a few minutes until heated through.
FAQS
- How do you know when sprouts are boiled?
- Are boiled sprouts healthy?
- How long does it take to boil brussel sprouts?
- Why do you put a cross in the bottom of a Brussels sprout?
- Do you need a cross cut in a sprouts?
How do you know when sprouts are boiled?
Sprouts are boiled and ready to eat when they have been boiled for approximately 5 minutes. They are best when al dente – soft on the outside but with a bit of bite. You can use a knife to see if they are cooked but the easiest way is to try one.
Are boiled sprouts healthy?
Boiled sprouts are very healthy. Although they lose a little of their nutritional value when cooking they are still very good for you. They are full of vitamin C, fibre, iron and potassium with high levels of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K.
How long does it take to boil brussel sprouts?
Boiled Brussel sprouts boil in roughly 5 minutes depending on size. They are then best served straight away when pipping hot.
Why do you put a cross in the bottom of a Brussels sprout?
The cross at the bottom of a Brussels sprout is a tradition that was started in Medieval times. It was believed evil spirits could hide between the leaves of the Brussels sprouts. A cross cut into the bottom of the sprouts was believed to stop evil spirits from entering those who ate them.
Do you need a cross cut in a sprouts?
The cross cut in sprouts is traditional but doesn’t help cook the sprouts. So no you don’t need to cut a cross in sprouts before cooking them.
Other Recipes you might like
Easy Air Fryer Sprouts and Carrots
Air Fryer Goose Fat Potatoes
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Recipe
Boiled Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g Brussels Sprouts
- salt and pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp Butter (optional)
Instructions
- Trim off the sprout bases and remove the outer leaves. Cut a cross in the bottom if you want to be traditional.
- Decide if you want the Brussels sprouts whole or cut in half.
- Halffill a saucepan with water and bring to the boil. (Pick a saucepan big enough to fit the sprouts in)
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the saucepan and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes for whole sprouts. Or 3-5 minutes for sprouts cut in half. The sprouts should be bright green and al dente.
- Strain the sprouts and add them to a serving bowl.
- Optional – Serve the Brussels sprouts with a pinch of salt and pepper, a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
I love this easy no fuss recipe. Sometimes simple is better.
I haven’t had boiled brussel sprouts since I was a kid – and they were HORRIBLE and bitter. Thought I should probably give them another try, and I’m so glad I did! It was so much quicker than roasting them, and served with some butter and salt & pepper, they were SO GOOD! Thank you so much!
Love this simple recipe. We have a crowd coming next weekend and gonna make these!
I love brussel sprouts and I’m always looking for new recipes. This one was simple, but delightful.
Brussels sprouts really are so versatile. They combine well with other vegetables and make a perfect side dish for anymeal.