How to Boil Brussel Sprouts

There are a lot of ways to cook brussel sprouts. You can bake them, steam them, fry them, and broil them, just to name a few. However, today, we’re going to take a look at the quickest, cleanest, and easiest way to cook brussel sprouts: boiling. We’re going to show you how to boil brussel sprouts. Don’t know how long to boil brussel sprouts? We’ve got you covered. Don’t know what ingredients to add for the perfect sprout? No problem. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to boil brussel sprouts.

Estimated Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Step by step instruction on how to boil brussel sprouts

Step One: Add Your Water

Pour 1.5 liters of water into a large pot. The water should come no higher than a few inches within the top of the pot, to prevent any over-boiling. It is best to use cool, fresh water. This will help the water to boil faster. Also, using filtered water will make for fresher and better-tasting brussel sprouts. Tap water may contain unwanted minerals and bacteria which could adversely affect the flavor of your sprouts. The best way to avoid dirty water is to use a charcoal filter for tap water, or use bottled water. The water’s job is to boil your sprouts, not flavor them!

Step Two: Add Your Salt

Before you put your pot on the stove, add some salt to your water. For 1.5 liters of water, add about 1 teaspoon of salt. If you are using a different amount of water, adjust your salt by using this ratio. Salting your water will do a couple of things. First of all, it will add to the flavor profile of your brussel sprouts, as the boiling process will allow the salt to really sink into the brussel sprouts. Another benefit of adding salt is that it will bring your water to boil a little quicker, which cuts down your total cooking time! You can add regular table salt, or you can get a little fancy and use sea salt or pink Himalayan salt for some extra added minerals.

Step Three: Boil Your Water

Now that you’ve got the proper amount of water and salt in your pot, it’s time to get down to business. Cover your pot and put it on the stove over a medium-high heat. Let it come to a boil. This may take a few minutes, so you can get your brussel sprouts ready while the water is boiling. You can also prepare your lemon juice during this time if you want to get ahead of the game. Once the water is at a rolling boil, you can remove your pot from the stove to prepare for the next step.

Step Four: Add Your Brussel Sprouts

With your pot removed from the heat, carefully add your brussel sprouts. Put in about 300 grams of frozen brussel sprouts. The water will be very hot, so try not to splash too much. For safety, keep your face as far from the water as possible while putting the sprouts in. Of course, make sure that no children are around while you do this, as there is no telling where the water may splash. Replace the cover and place your pot back on the heat.

Step Five: Boil Your Sprouts

Once your pot is back on the heat, allow the brussel sprouts to boil for about 10 minutes. This will cook the sprouts most of the way through. As you near the 10-minute mark, check your sprouts regularly. Use a fork to test their firmness. When they are easy to pierce, but still firm in the middle, it is time to remove them from the heat. Don’t worry, that last little bit will be cooked later.

Step Six: Add Your Lemon Juice

To get a little more flavor into your brussel sprouts, add some lemon juice. Using a spoon, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of lemon juice into the water. There’s no need to stir, as when you return the pot to the heat, the boiling water will spread the juice evenly. You can use lemon juice from a bottle, but we recommend freshly squeezed lemon juice. Either will do, but the fresh lemon juice has that summery tang that you just can’t quite replicate!

Step Seven: Return to Boil

Now with the lemon juice, return your brussel sprouts to the heat and boil for an additional two minutes. This will disperse the lemon juice into the brussel sprouts. The extra time will also cook your sprouts that last little bit, bringing them to the perfect tenderness. Again, you can use a fork to test their firmness. It should now pass easily through the outer part of the sprout and meet just a little resistance through the center. Remove the pot from the heat.

Step Eight: Serve and Enjoy!

After you’ve removed your pot from the heat and allowed the water to cool for a few minutes, it’s time for the best part. Using a slotted ladle, serve your brussel sprouts. They work great on their own or as a nice pairing with steak or salmon.

So there you have it, perfectly boiled brussel sprouts in just about 20 minutes. Now you can have a fresh and delicious side to any meal which is ready to go in no time. Better yet, you’ll always know what dish you’re bringing to the family holidays and gatherings!