Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts make a lightning-quick, healthy side dish. Fresh Brussels sprouts never tasted so good...microwaving preserves the sprouts' delicious texture and flavor. Even your pickiest eaters will enjoy these.
These are ridiculously simple to make and done in 10 minutes!
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.
Did you know? The American Heart Association recommends 4 ½ cups of vegetables each day.
But sometimes, coming up with a vegetable 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! I use this same microwave hack on asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower too! It also works for this awesome meal-prep vegetable medley.
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.
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.
Final step: toss the sprouts with some butter, salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy.
Time saving hack: You can work ahead by cutting the stems off the sprouts and slicing them in advance.
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
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, along with loads of fiber.
Because we steam our sprouts in the microwave, their nutrients won’t be leached out like they would be if you boiled them.
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 Brussels 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. They would also be awesome with:
- Reverse-Seared Filet Mignon Steak
- Reverse Seared Ribeye
- Roast Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce
- And even Pasta alla Vodka Sauce!
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, check out:
- Creamy Pasta Salad
- Easy Skin-On Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish
- Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
- Sweet and Sauerkraut – Cabbage Bacon Onion Saute
- Skillet Pepper-Mushroom-Onion Stir-Fry.
Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts
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
- 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. - Add an inch of water to the bottom of the bowl.
- Place the sprouts in the colander and lid the bowl loosely.
- Microwave until tender: check by piercing a few sprouts with a paring knife. The knife should slide in without any resistance (see Recipe Note #1).
- Carefully (avoid steam burns!) remove the colander with the sprouts and set aside. Drain the water from the bowl and dry.
- 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
- 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 cupAmount 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!
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Kathy says
This is a great recipe! The sprouts were so yummy I had to restrain myself from eating them all before serving. I've cooked them many ways, but this microwave steaming is the best yet!
Michelle says
Thank you so much for leaving this fantastic comment, Kathy! These sprouts are one of our favorite vegetable sides, so we make them frequently. Simplicity is best!
Melissa says
I followed this except added a bit of minced garlic and bacon. it was delicious. My cooking times were a bit longer but the sprouts were huge. Thanks so much!
Phil F says
Ooh, that sounds delicious!