How to Microwave Brussels Sprouts
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to enjoy a few quiet minutes
Equally vibrant in color and taste, Brussels sprouts have made quite the comeback as a beloved favorite side or appetizer. We recommend steaming them in the microwave — these little cabbages will retain their natural flavor and prevent them from turning brown, mushy, and stinky. Sear the sprouts in a hot pan or finish them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get some char.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 teaspoons water
Preparation
- Place the halved Brussels sprouts in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
- After straining, add the water and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are fork-tender.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Grapes and pecan: Mix with sliced green grapes, crispy shallots, and toasted pecans
- Nutty feta: Mix with pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, and feta cheese
- Garlic ginger soy: Mix with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger
- Caesar-style: Chop roughly, top with Caesar dressing and garlic croutons
Recipe notes
- You can cook frozen Brussels sprouts for the same amount of suggested cooking time.
- Cut the Brussels sprouts in half before microwaving to make sure the core is cooked through.
- Par-cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave for half the amount of indicated time and finish them in a hot pan for a satisfying char.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Brussels Sprouts
See for yourself — microwaving Brussels sprouts is simply faster, start to finish. *Includes preheat time
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 2-4 mins |
| Oven* | 20-25 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15-20 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Brussels Sprouts
How long does take to cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved | 2 teaspoons water | 3 mins |
| 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved | 2 teaspoons water | 3 mins |
| 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved | 1 tablespoon water | 5-6 mins |
| 6 cups Brussels sprouts, halved | 1 1/2 tablespoons water | 10-11 mins |
| 8 cups Brussels sprouts, halved | 2 tablespoons water | 14-15 mins |
It typically takes around 1-2 minutes per cup of Brussels sprouts to cook in the microwave. To tell when Brussels sprouts are cooked through, look for tender, vibrant green sprouts. You can also test them by piercing a sprout with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.
Is steaming a good way to cook Brussels sprouts?
Steaming Brussels sprouts in the microwave a great way to cook Brussels sprouts! It’s a healthy and convenient cooking method that helps preserve both their nutritional value and delicious taste.
How to microwave frozen Brussels sprouts?
Microwaving frozen Brussels sprouts is easy and fast! Place the frozen sprouts in an Anyday, cover with the lid, and microwave for the suggested time for fresh sprouts. If the frozen sprouts are whole, don’t worry about cutting them in half. They should cook in the same amount of time, but check tenderness with a fork before serving.
Should I wash the sprouts before cooking them?
It is always a good idea to rinse the sprouts properly before cooking them in the microwave. Plus, the extra moisture will help speed up the cooking process and prevent shriveling.