Make these easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts! Free up space on your stove or oven and make tasty sprouts in minutes in your microwave. Follow our tips so they're tender, not soggy! Plus, you don't need any extra equipment!
I'll admit that I love Brussels sprouts. Perhaps it's because they only tend to turn up in grocery stores during the holidays. Or perhaps because they are totally underrated!
I love crispy roasted brussels sprouts, and I love lightly steamed brussels sprouts. Heck, I even love them raw and shredded into a winter salad.
People who hate sprouts have probably only ever had them served overcooked, boiled, and soggy. Gross!
There's no need to overboil them when there are so many other ways to prepare Brussels sprouts. Plus, they're great with so many flavorings, seasonings, and toppings.
But if you're looking for a super quick and easy way to make them taste great, let me tell you exactly how to microwave brussels sprouts! You don't need to buy a microwave steamer - just a microwavable dish and, or course, your microwave!
Even just served with a little salt and pepper, and maybe a pat of butter, they're totally delicious and make an awesome healthy winter side dish.
Serve them up with Glazed Roasted Duck, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, or Dutch Oven Whole Chicken for simple tasty Thanksgiving or Christmas meals!
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Why Make This Recipe
- Free up space on your stovetop or oven when cooking holiday dinner.
- Microwaved brussels sprouts are tender, but still hold their shape and aren't soggy (like boiling can do).
- They're ready in just a few minutes!
- Sprouts are a great vehicle for many toppings, from cheese sauce to balsamic reduction.
- You can easily just cook however many you need.
- Use fresh or frozen brussels sprouts.
- Microwaving is one of the best ways to cook brussel sprouts because it's so darned easy!
- They're the perfect classic side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts - use fresh or frozen for this dish! There's no need to score the base, just trim off any brown bits.
- Water - just a little water ensures that they steam in the microwave and don't go soggy.
- Salt and pepper - the classic seasonings really lift your sprouts.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Microwave Brussel Sprouts recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prep the sprouts: Wash the sprouts. Then trim the ends, discard any wilting outer leaves, and cut larger ones in half.
Add to a dish: Add them to a large microwave-safe dish, add the water and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Microwave: Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a lid (not on fully) and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until tender, stirring every 2 minutes and checking if they're cooked through by poking one with a fork or knife. They should be tender but not mushy.
If necessary, cook for a further minute and check again.
Drain away any water from the dish. If adding flavorings, stir them in now.
Serve and enjoy!
Cook's Tips
Cooking times depend on your microwave. These cooking times are based on a standard 1000watt microwave. If yours has higher or lower wattage, you'll need to adjust the time your microwave your sprouts for.
Don't overcook your Brussels sprouts in the microwave. Check them with a knife during the cooking time - they should be tender but not mushy.
If making ahead, undercook them slightly and place them into a bowl of iced water after microwaving to stop them from cooking further. Drain, cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave for a minute or two before serving.
Add your favorite toppings and seasonings before serving.
How to Prep Brussels Sprouts
- Wash your sprouts.
- Peel off the loose outer layers if they're looking a bit torn or browned.
- Trim the bases.
- If some are much larger than others, cut them in half through the base end.
TIP: Scoring a cross in the base is not necessary. It will make them cook in the middle too quickly and they'll become mushy and soggy.
Flavorings for Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be great on their own, with just a little salt, pepper and a pat of butter. But you can take them to the next level with some flavor add-ins!
Lemon juice
Parmesan
Tajin seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning
Balsamic reduction
Wingstop Ranch
Chipotle Southwest Sauce
White Country Gravy (Milk Gravy)
Microwave Recipes
Microwaves are just so handy - and quick! Be sure to try these other recipes using yours.
Or check out these 25 Mind-Blowing Microwave Recipes!
Storage
Microwaved sprouts are best served immediately, but can be reheated in the microwave.
To make ahead: undercook them slightly and place them into a bowl of iced water after microwaving to stop them from cooking further. Drain, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave, with ¼ cup water, for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
Yes! Follow these instructions for how to cook them to perfection in a microwave in minutes, with no microwave steamer or special gadgets.
The time taken to microwave brussels sprouts will depend on the wattage of your microwave, but generally between 5-7 minutes.
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📖 Recipe
Microwave Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Microwave
- Microwave safe dish
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional flavorings for example: pinch of dried chili flakes, 1 tablespoon balsamic dressing, 2 rashers of cooked crumbled bacon, 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash the sprouts. Then trim the ends, discard any wilting outer leaves, and cut larger ones in half.
- Add them to a large microwave-safe dish, add the water and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a lid (not on fully) and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until tender, stirring every 2 minutes.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, check if they're cooked through by poking one with a fork or knife. They should be tender but not mushy.
- If necessary, cook for a further minute and check again.
- Drain away any water from the dish. If adding flavorings, stir them in now.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Dannii says
My favourite way to cook brussels sprouts and perfect for saving space on the hob.
Beth says
I've seen Brussels sprouts done a lot of ways, but I've never seen a microwave recipe. i Love how easy this is.
Tara says
I love how easily these Brussels sprouts come together in the microwave! Such great variations for addition flavor too.
Toni says
I love this! Such a great idea to use microwave for this! Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
Great to know how to do these in the microwave if need be! Especially as a quick veg side when the main needs the focus.