How Long To Boil Brussels Sprouts
Wondering How Long To Boil Brussels Sprouts on your stovetop? Boiling brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to ensure they’re perfectly cooked every time and can be enjoyed as a side dish alongside your favorite protein or in a stir fry. You could even add them to your salad or quinoa bowl to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your meal!
❔How Long Does It Take To Boil Brussels Sprouts?
The time it takes to boil brussels sprouts will depend on the size of these tasty veggies. Generally, they will be tender and ready to eat in 5 minutes, if boiled properly.
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that looks similar to a small cabbage head. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support overall health. When cooked properly, they can be a delicious side dish with an earthy flavor and crispy texture that make a great side dish!
While you may choose to enjoy your brussels sprouts roasted or sauteed, boiling is a quick and easy way to prepare your brussels sprouts in a time crunch.
No matter the method, it is recommended that you cook your brussels sprouts before eating because raw sprouts are difficult for your body to digest. Nutrients may not be as easily absorbed by the body when you consume raw brussels sprouts as compared to cooked brussels sprouts.
📖How To Boil Brussels Sprouts
1️⃣Prepare the brussels sprouts: Begin by removing any bruised or brown leaves from one pound of brussels sprouts. Then, you will chop each brussels sprout into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Remember, you want to make sure each brussels sprout piece is about the same size to ensure they require the same amount of time for cooking.
2️⃣Boil water: Next, fill a large pot with 10 cups of cold water and bring the water to a boil. Add salt for extra flavor if you prefer.
3️⃣Add brussels sprouts: Once the water is boiling, carefully add brussels sprouts to the pot and boil for 5 minutes or until they are bright green and tender when pierced with a fork.
4️⃣Blanch brussels sprouts: Once your brussels sprouts have reached their desired tenderness, drain the hot water and place your veggies in a bowl of cold water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
Enjoy!
How long to boil frozen brussels sprouts: If brussels sprouts are whole and completely frozen, boil for 6-9 minutes. If they are cut and completely frozen, boil for 7-8 minutes or until thawed and fork tender.
👩🍳Cooking Tips
- How long to boil brussels sprouts depends on their size. For smaller brussels sprouts or ones that are cut in half or quartered, you may only need 2-3 minutes of boiling time.
- Don’t let brussels sprouts overcook, or they will become too soft and mushy.
- Add enough water that your brussels sprouts are completely submerged but not so much that they will splash or spill out when boiling or adding brussels sprouts to the pot of boiling water.
- Always start with cold water, as hot water can contain minerals from your hot water heater. Cold water also has more oxygen which will actually boil faster than warm water to start.
- Seasoning Ideas: Season the water with salt and spices which complement the rest of your meal, or use vegetable or chicken stock for more flavor.
❔FAQ
Is it better to steam or boil brussels sprouts?
This depends on personal preference for texture. Boiling will produce a more tender sprout, whereas steaming can keep them crisper.
Do you cut brussels sprouts before boiling?
Cutting brussels sprouts before boiling helps to ensure each piece is of similar size and will require the same amount of cooking time.
How do you know when brussels sprouts are done boiling?
Brussels sprouts are done boiling when they are bright green and can be easily pierced with a fork.
🥗More Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts (Copycat Recipe)
- Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Sous Vide Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Aioli
- Asian Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
How Long To Boil Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Large Pot
- large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts halved or quartered
- 10 cups Water
Instructions
- Prepare the brussels sprouts by removing any bruised or brown leaves. Chop into halves or quarters depending on their size.
- Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Add salt if desired.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the boiling water and boil for 5 minutes or until the brussels sprouts are bright green and fork tender.
- Drain off the hot water, and place the brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process. Enjoy!
- For frozen brussels sprouts: For brussels sprouts that are whole and completely frozen, boil for 6-9 minutes. For cut frozen brussels sprouts, boil for 7-8 minutes or until thawed and fork tender.
