Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

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The BEST quick and easy Sauteed Brussels Sprouts recipe with garlic and parmesan. These tender Brussels sprouts are delicious plain, or with a balsamic drizzle.

Want more stovetop recipes? You’ve come to the right place. Try making these Sauteed Garlic Butter Mushrooms, this Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry, or this recipe.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (1)

Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap over the years, don’t you think? That’s probably due to the way they used to be cooked, which was to the point of mush. At least in my experience, every time I had Brussels sprouts they were bitter and mushy and gross. It’s no wonder I didn’t try them again till I was an adult.

But then, because I was an adult, I thought I had to start eating like an adult and that meant trying things that were outside my comfort zone or things I didn’t like as a child. It was time for a do-over, I felt. So, the next time I was presented with these lovely little green mini-cabbages in the form of a sauteed brussels sprouts recipe at a lovely friend’s house, I vowed then and there to give them a go. After all, there was nary a mushy one to be found. I could distinguish every sprout from the next and they were still green even! Let’s just say after the first tentative bite, I was hooked! Who knew that sauteed Brussels sprouts were the way to go?

So if you’re thinking of your Thanksgiving veggies sides or looking for a new, nutritious dish to serve any old night and you’re in the mood to experiment with a veggie you used to despise or you’re already #teamsprout but are looking for a new way to enjoy these beautiful little bulbs, then man, you’re going to be soooooo glad you’re here!

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2)

What do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?

If you would have asked me this question 20 years ago, I would have said simply “gross.” I would have said bitter, mushy…slimy even. But as I know now, that’s the cooking method to blame and not the sprouts themselves.

The way they’re supposed to taste, when cooked properly, is simply delicious. They’ll have a bit of a savory nutty flavor on their own. They should still be crunchy (and some of those stray, single leaves can even be downright crispy) on the outside and soft on the inside.

The taste of the sprouts in this particular recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan is that of all of the above, plus a topping of mouth watering garlic and cheesy, nutty Parmesan as well. Sauteeing sprouts also allows the natural sugars present in them to come out, resulting in some sweet caramelization that you won’t get from boiling, steaming or (gag) microwaving.

I mean, have I convinced you to try these sauteed sprouts yet? If not, what else can I say to make you a believer?

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (3)

How Good are Brussels Sprouts for You?

Not only are Brussels sprouts delicious, but they also happen to be oh-so-good for you, too! They contain vitamins (such as C, A, B6, and K) and minerals (like manganese, folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium).

Brussels sprouts are also low-calorie, fat-free (on their own, not with added oil), and fiber, which is great for keeping your digestive system running smoothly. The vitamins and minerals in Brussels sprouts are also good for your immune system, heart, and bones. They also contain Omega-3s (an odd fact I did not expect uncovering in my research), plus antioxidants.

You’d better believe that with the flavor AND the nutrition I’m a Brussels sprouts’ #1 fan from here on out!

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (4)

How do you Cut Brussels Sprouts?

First of all, I will tell you that I haven’t bought Brussels sprouts on the stem. That seems like a little too much work to me, trimming off all the sprouts and then cutting those, too. But give it a try if you want to!

I purchase the sprouts whole, but trimmed off the stem. I first rinse them all off in a colander, then lay them on a kitchen towel to dry off a bit. One at a time, I cut off the very end of the sprout, then cut them in half and discard any outer leaves that are brown or discolored. If you come across one of those monster sprouts, feel free to quarter it.

I put them all in a bowl as I finish cutting each one and then go about cooking them up as instructed below.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (5)

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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (6)

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Garlic and Parmesan

The BEST quick and easy Sauteed Brussels Sprouts recipe with garlic and parmesan. These tender Brussels sprouts are delicious plan, or with a balsamic drizzle.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt - or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper - or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.

  • Season with salt and pepper. Cook, undisturbed, for about 6-8 minutes, then stir and cook another 6-8 minutes until Brussels sprouts are fork-tender.

  • Add butter and garlic to the pan. Stir until butter is fully melted and garlic is fragrant.

  • Stir in parmesan cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes longer. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to take these brussels sprouts to the next level! Trust me on this.

Nutrition

Calories: 677 kcal, Carbohydrates: 66 g, Protein: 34 g, Fat: 38 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 25 mg, Sodium: 2911 mg, Potassium: 2750 mg, Fiber: 26 g, Sugar: 17 g, Vitamin A: 5399 IU, Vitamin C: 580 mg, Calcium: 612 mg, Iron: 10 mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Tiffany

Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @cremedelacrumb1 on Instagram and hashtag it #cremedelacrumb!

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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I blanch brussel sprouts before sauteing? ›

Parboiling Brussels sprouts before frying is a good technique to ensure they cook evenly and become tender on the inside while allowing for a crispy exterior when fried. However, it's not always necessary but we think it works here to create a soft middle and crisp exterior in the pan.

Are sautéed brussel sprouts good for you? ›

Rich in protective antioxidants

A study looking at the effect of eating 300 grams of cooked brussels sprouts each day showed as much as a 28 per cent reduction in oxidative damage.

How do you tell if brussel sprouts are fully cooked? ›

Add the Brussels sprouts and boil lightly for four to six minutes or until the sprouts are al dente, but still beautifully green. You can test with a sharp knife, but trying one is a surer way to tell. Drain off the water and serve immediatly with the butter and pepper if desired.

How do you cook brussel sprouts so they are not bitter? ›

The secret to good tasting Brussels sprouts is selecting the very smallest ones. They should be no larger than the end of your thumb. Peel off one or two layers of leaves and then trim the stem. Lightly steam or gently boil until tender and then slather them with salted butter.

How many minutes to blanch Brussels sprouts? ›

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Blanch small Brussels sprouts for 3 minutes, medium for 4 minutes, and large for 5 minutes. Plunge the blanched sprouts in the ice water to stop the cooking process then move them to a clean towel and pat dry.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

How long should sprouts be cooked for? ›

Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the base of each sprout: this will enable the centre to cook without overdoing the outside. Add the sprouts to the pan of boiling water, cover and boil for 4-5 minutes until just tender.

Do you cook Brussels sprouts cut side up or down? ›

Roast 'em! Our two rules: place and space! Place them cut side down to create that slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Space them out evenly so they don't steam–a crowded sheet pan party is not where your brussels want to be.

Why are my brussel sprouts still hard after cooking? ›

Without oil, Brussels don't brown and soften—they dehydrate. Its also possible that they simply need more time in the oven. Cooking times vary depending on their size. A cooked Brussels sprout should be pierced easily with the tip of a sharp knife.

What gives Brussels sprouts a better taste? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

Why do brussel sprouts taste bad sometimes? ›

The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.

What happens if you overcook Brussels sprouts? ›

For best results, cook sprouts until just tender, never mushy. Overcooking produces the offensive odor associated with Brussels sprouts. It's caused by the release of sulfur-containing compounds. Overcooking also causes them to turn a drab olive green.

Should you blanch vegetables before sauteing? ›

The goal is to halt the cooking, so the vegetables don't get mushy and overcooked, and their color stays bright and vibrant. But, there's something even better. Meet, blanch and shock 2.0: blanch and sauté. Instead of transferring the vegetables to an ice bath, you transfer them to a hot, oily skillet.

How long to blanch Brussel sprouts before frying? ›

Keep Brussel sprouts whole and separate them by size. Blanch the large sprouts for 5 minutes, the medium sprouts for 4 minutes, and the small sprouts for 3 minutes. Step 5. Remove Brussels sprouts from the heat and immediately transfer to ice water to halt the cooking process.

Is it better to parboil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

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