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Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts

by Michelle | Published: Jan 1, 2021. Modified: Jan 1, 2021 | 661 words. About 4 minutes to read this article. | Post may contain affiliate links

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Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts make a lightning-quick, healthy side dish. Done in 10 minutes or less!Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts in a blue and white serving bowl.

Happy New Year! We’ve finally closed the door on the dumpster fire that was 2020. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Phil and I resolved to average 80,000 steps each week and eat healthier food—including getting more vegetables in our diet. The American Heart Association recommends 4 ½ cups of vegetables each day.

Sometimes, coming up with a side-dish during busy times can be challenging, which is why you need an arsenal of easy, quick recipes like this one.

Can you microwave Brussels sprouts?

If you took a gander at the title of this post, you have probably guessed the answer to that question.

Yes, you can!

Lots of sprouts recipes involve roasting, boiling, or pan-frying—but making steamed Brussels sprouts in the microwave is incredibly easy and quick.

How to make Brussels sprouts in the microwave

First, cut off the stems and slice the sprouts in half (you can do this in advance and refrigerate the sprouts in an airtight container).

Next, prep your steamer. You can find microwave steamers in any kitchen store, but I use a DIY steamer. It consists of a large, BPA-free, microwave-safe bowl with a lid.

I add an inch of water to the bottom of the bowl, then set a microwave-safe colander inside.

My sprouts come out perfectly when I microwave on high for 3 minutes. But keep in mind that microwaves are variable.

The first time you make your Brussels sprouts in the microwave, experiment to find the ideal time. I suggest checking every minute until a paring knife slides into the sprout halves without any resistance. If it’s close but not quite there, microwave another 30 seconds and check again.

The sprouts should still be bright, vibrant green.How to Make Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts: 1. Trim off the stem and slice sprouts in half. 2. Add 1 inch of water to the bottom of a large, microwavable, BPA-free bowl. Set a microwavable colander inside. 3. Add the sprouts. 4. Microwave for 3 minutes and check for tenderness: a paring knife should slip in easily without resistance. If needed, continue microwaving. 5. Carefully remove the colander and sprouts. Drain water from the bowl and dry. 6. Combine the sprouts with butter, salt, and pepper.

You can work ahead by cutting the stems off the sprouts and slicing them ahead. Then, refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to steam them.

This means that  the sprouts will be done in a matter of 7 minutes or less!

Brussels sprouts nutrition

Named for the capital of Belgium, Brussels sprouts are relatives of kohlrabi, broccoli, and kale—all members of the cruciferous family. Brussels sprouts grow on a stalk, but usually arrive in the produce section cut free.

Sprouts are nutrient-dense, containing vitamin K, C, and A, along with minerals like calcium, iron, and folate. They also have a lot of protein compared to many other vegetables, and a lot of fiber.

Because we steam our sprouts in the microwave, their nutrients won’t be leached out like they would if you boiled them.

Close-up of Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts in a blue and white serving bowl.

Fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts?

This Brussels sprouts recipe is written for fresh sprouts.

To me, frozen sprouts are just gross: I find them very bitter. Not to mention that they’re easy to turn to mush however you cook them.

Jarred or canned sprouts have no place in this world outside of a bloody Mary. 🙂

What to eat with your sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a great side for just about anything. I frequently pair them with steaks, chicken, and fish. For example, the photo below shows the Brussels sprouts paired with a giant slab of Date Night Prime Rib Roast and a baked potato.

Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts on a plate with a baked potato and a giant slice of Date Night Prime Rib Roast.

Should I save leftover Brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! If I have leftover Brussels sprouts, I love to chop them up and use them in a frittata with goat cheese. Or, sprinkle them over a green leaf salad.

That’s all there is to it. I hope that this recipe helps you deliver a serving of healthy vegetables that your family will love!

Stay safe. Stay well.

—xoxo Michelle

For more easy side dishes, try my Easy Skin-On Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish, Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, Sweet and Sauerkraut – Cabbage Bacon Onion Saute, or Skillet Pepper-Mushroom-Onion Stir-Fry.

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Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts

Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts make a lightning-quick, healthy side dish. Done in 10 minutes—even less if you do some meal-prep in advance!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, stemmed and sliced in half
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ½ tsp. salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    1. Prep your steamer. You can find microwave steamers in any
      kitchen store, but you can use a large, BPA-free, microwave-safe bowl with a lid and a microwave-safe colander that fits inside.
    2. Add an inch of water to the bottom of the bowl.
    3. Place the sprouts in the colander and lid the bowl loosely.
    4. Microwave until tender: check by piercing a few sprouts with a paring knife. The slice should slide in without any resistance (see Recipe Note #1).
    5. Carefully (avoid steam burns!) remove the colander with the sprouts and set aside. Drain the water from the bowl and dry.
    6. Add the sprouts back to the bowl, along with the butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until the butter is melted and toss to completely coat the sprouts. Serve.

Notes

  1. My sprouts come out perfectly when I microwave on high for 3 minutes. However, cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on the type of microwave you have. The first time you make the sprouts, I suggest checking every minute until they're tender. Then remember for the next time!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: ⅔ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 67Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 315mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate: if you are tracking this information for medical purposes, please consult a trusted external source. Thanks!

© Michelle
Cuisine: American / Category: Side Dish

Filed Under: Recipe

Previous Post: « Easy Skin-On Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish
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About Michelle

Hi there! I'm Michelle, a former scientist turned food blogger and consultant. Throughout my career, I have run up against the challenge of cooking food in as little time as possible during stressful times. I have learned strategies that help me cook good food without the stress, and I'd like to share them with you! Plus, I draw upon my science background (PhD in Physiology, with lots of lab-rat work in biochemistry and microbiology) to inject my writing with nutritional/ biochemical geekery. Read More…

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