Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to boil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Yes, you can cook fresh Brussels sprouts without boiling them. You can roast, sauté, grill, or even microwave them for alternative cooking methods that can enhance their flavor and texture.

Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process.

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.

Season with salt and pepper. Cook Brussels sprouts 2 to 3 minutes to begin to soften, then add broth. Bring broth to a bubble, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 10 minutes, until tender.

Steaming and boiling use moist heat, and moist heat can make Brussel Sprouts mushy and stinky—not a good combo. Give them the treatment they deserve by roasting them instead.

While you can make roasted Brussels sprouts whole or halved, I recommend trimming and halving them for this easy recipe. To trim: Using a knife, trim off the bottom of the tough stem end of each Brussels sprout.

Brussels sprouts make a healthy addition to any diet and are easy to incorporate into side dishes and entrees. People often enjoy them roasted, boiled, sauteed, or baked.

Because PTC is prevalent in Brussels sprouts, these so-called "Supertasters" perceive them as intensely bitter. This is all connected to a taste-related gene called TAS2R38, which has a variant called AVI and one called PAV.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts chewy? ›

According to Eating Well, it all comes down to the oil. Unless you roast your Brussels sprouts with oil, the heat of the oven sucks out their moisture. Oil allows them to both brown and soften, achieving the perfect texture that's neither soggy nor dry.

By cutting the Brussels sprouts in half, the long way and through the core, you create a flat surface on either side of the divided sprout . This is the part of the Brussels sprout that you should place face-down on the cooking pan.

The flavor components that contribute to a bitter flavor are concentrated in the center of the Brussels sprout. If you slice the the veggie in half, it helps to release some of those compounds during the cooking process. Smaller is better when it comes to tenderness and flavor.

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

Boiling them renders them easier to digest, making the nutrient-rich sprouts more tolerable for sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, the boiling process significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with raw sprouts, ensuring safer consumption.

Method. Tip the brussels sprouts into a pan and add a couple of cm water and a pinch of salt – a large pan works better so they're not piled up too high. Cover and bring the water to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 3- 5 mins depending on size.