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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Microwave Brussels Sprouts

    Published: Nov 15, 2022 by Kate

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    Wooden table with a dish of sprouts, and text: Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts.
    A plate of sprouts and text: Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts.

    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!

    Serving dish of microwaved brussels sprouts on a table.
    Microwave Brussels Sprouts

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Why Make This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Cook's Tips
    • How to Prep Brussels Sprouts
    • Flavorings for Brussels Sprouts
    • Microwave Recipes
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    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. 

    Bowl of sprouts with water, salt and pepper.

    Add to a dish: Add them to a large microwave-safe dish, add the water and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    Bowl of brussels sprouts in a microwave.

    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.

    Stirring a bowl of brussels sprouts in front of a microwave.

    Drain away any water from the dish. If adding flavorings, stir them in now.

    Serve and enjoy!

    Cooked brussels sprouts in front of a microwave.

    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

    1. Wash your sprouts.
    2. Peel off the loose outer layers if they're looking a bit torn or browned.
    3. Trim the bases.
    4. 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.

    • Microwave Green Bean Casserole
    • Microwave S'mores
    • Easy Microwave Acorn Squash
    • Microwave Baked Potato

    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.

    Serving dish full of microwaved brussels sprouts.

    FAQs

    Can I cook brussels sprouts in the microwave?

    Yes! Follow these instructions for how to cook them to perfection in a microwave in minutes, with no microwave steamer or special gadgets.

    How long should I microwave brussels sprouts for?

    The time taken to microwave brussels sprouts will depend on the wattage of your microwave, but generally between 5-7 minutes.

    Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Serving dish of microwaved brussels sprouts on a table.

    Microwave Brussels Sprouts

    Make these easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts in minutes! Follow our tips so they're tender, not soggy, with no extra equipment.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: how to microwave brussels sprouts, Microwave brussels sprouts
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 49kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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!
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 855IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

    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.

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Mashed Potato Recipes
    • Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
    • Pineapple Stuffing
    • Microwave Green Bean Casserole

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dannii

      November 15, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      My favourite way to cook brussels sprouts and perfect for saving space on the hob.

      Reply
    2. Beth

      November 15, 2022 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      I've seen Brussels sprouts done a lot of ways, but I've never seen a microwave recipe. i Love how easy this is.

      Reply
    3. Tara

      November 15, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easily these Brussels sprouts come together in the microwave! Such great variations for addition flavor too.

      Reply
    4. Toni

      November 15, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love this! Such a great idea to use microwave for this! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Dana

      November 15, 2022 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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