Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

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The BEST quick and easy Sauteed Brussels Sprouts recipe with garlic and parmesan. These tender Brussels sprouts are delicious plain, or with a balsamic drizzle.

Want more stovetop recipes? You’ve come to the right place. Try making these Sauteed Garlic Butter Mushrooms, this Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry, or this recipe.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (1)

Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap over the years, don’t you think? That’s probably due to the way they used to be cooked, which was to the point of mush. At least in my experience, every time I had Brussels sprouts they were bitter and mushy and gross. It’s no wonder I didn’t try them again till I was an adult.

But then, because I was an adult, I thought I had to start eating like an adult and that meant trying things that were outside my comfort zone or things I didn’t like as a child. It was time for a do-over, I felt. So, the next time I was presented with these lovely little green mini-cabbages in the form of a sauteed brussels sprouts recipe at a lovely friend’s house, I vowed then and there to give them a go. After all, there was nary a mushy one to be found. I could distinguish every sprout from the next and they were still green even! Let’s just say after the first tentative bite, I was hooked! Who knew that sauteed Brussels sprouts were the way to go?

So if you’re thinking of your Thanksgiving veggies sides or looking for a new, nutritious dish to serve any old night and you’re in the mood to experiment with a veggie you used to despise or you’re already #teamsprout but are looking for a new way to enjoy these beautiful little bulbs, then man, you’re going to be soooooo glad you’re here!

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2)

What do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?

If you would have asked me this question 20 years ago, I would have said simply “gross.” I would have said bitter, mushy…slimy even. But as I know now, that’s the cooking method to blame and not the sprouts themselves.

The way they’re supposed to taste, when cooked properly, is simply delicious. They’ll have a bit of a savory nutty flavor on their own. They should still be crunchy (and some of those stray, single leaves can even be downright crispy) on the outside and soft on the inside.

The taste of the sprouts in this particular recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan is that of all of the above, plus a topping of mouth watering garlic and cheesy, nutty Parmesan as well. Sauteeing sprouts also allows the natural sugars present in them to come out, resulting in some sweet caramelization that you won’t get from boiling, steaming or (gag) microwaving.

I mean, have I convinced you to try these sauteed sprouts yet? If not, what else can I say to make you a believer?

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (3)

How Good are Brussels Sprouts for You?

Not only are Brussels sprouts delicious, but they also happen to be oh-so-good for you, too! They contain vitamins (such as C, A, B6, and K) and minerals (like manganese, folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium).

Brussels sprouts are also low-calorie, fat-free (on their own, not with added oil), and fiber, which is great for keeping your digestive system running smoothly. The vitamins and minerals in Brussels sprouts are also good for your immune system, heart, and bones. They also contain Omega-3s (an odd fact I did not expect uncovering in my research), plus antioxidants.

You’d better believe that with the flavor AND the nutrition I’m a Brussels sprouts’ #1 fan from here on out!

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (4)

How do you Cut Brussels Sprouts?

First of all, I will tell you that I haven’t bought Brussels sprouts on the stem. That seems like a little too much work to me, trimming off all the sprouts and then cutting those, too. But give it a try if you want to!

I purchase the sprouts whole, but trimmed off the stem. I first rinse them all off in a colander, then lay them on a kitchen towel to dry off a bit. One at a time, I cut off the very end of the sprout, then cut them in half and discard any outer leaves that are brown or discolored. If you come across one of those monster sprouts, feel free to quarter it.

I put them all in a bowl as I finish cutting each one and then go about cooking them up as instructed below.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (5)

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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (6)

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Garlic and Parmesan

The BEST quick and easy Sauteed Brussels Sprouts recipe with garlic and parmesan. These tender Brussels sprouts are delicious plan, or with a balsamic drizzle.

4.96 from 86 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt - or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper - or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.

  • Season with salt and pepper. Cook, undisturbed, for about 6-8 minutes, then stir and cook another 6-8 minutes until Brussels sprouts are fork-tender.

  • Add butter and garlic to the pan. Stir until butter is fully melted and garlic is fragrant.

  • Stir in parmesan cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes longer. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to take these brussels sprouts to the next level! Trust me on this.

Nutrition

Calories: 677 kcal, Carbohydrates: 66 g, Protein: 34 g, Fat: 38 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 25 mg, Sodium: 2911 mg, Potassium: 2750 mg, Fiber: 26 g, Sugar: 17 g, Vitamin A: 5399 IU, Vitamin C: 580 mg, Calcium: 612 mg, Iron: 10 mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Tiffany

Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @cremedelacrumb1 on Instagram and hashtag it #cremedelacrumb!

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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I blanch brussel sprouts before sauteing? ›

Parboiling Brussels sprouts before frying is a good technique to ensure they cook evenly and become tender on the inside while allowing for a crispy exterior when fried. However, it's not always necessary but we think it works here to create a soft middle and crisp exterior in the pan.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

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.

Should I boil my brussel sprouts before frying? ›

The trick is to simply know how to cook them properly and what flavors work with them. 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.

How do you get the bitterness out of brussel sprouts? ›

The sweetness works with the bitterness, and the sugar helps to caramelize the sprouts and bring out their own sweetness. A bit of brown sugar will also work. Acid can be useful as well. A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts.

What is the trick with Brussels sprouts? ›

The key is to start with a cold skillet.

Put the butter and olive oil into the cold skillet, turn the heat to high, and when your nose picks up the brown-butter smell and the butter starts turning golden brown, toss the ribbons of Brussels sprouts into the skillet. They'll come out crunchy and delicious.

How many minutes to blanch Brussels sprouts? ›

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Blanch small Brussels sprouts for 3 minutes, medium for 4 minutes, and large for 5 minutes. Plunge the blanched sprouts in the ice water to stop the cooking process then move them to a clean towel and pat dry.

Should you cut Brussels sprouts in half before cooking? ›

Cut in Half to Roast.

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

Do you cook brussel sprouts up or down? ›

Place them face down and resist the urge to move them around. A searing hot baking sheet with the brussels cut side down is the key to crispy brussel perfection.

Are Brussels sprouts better steamed or boiled? ›

Steaming Brussels sprouts preserves more of the nutrients and antioxidants than any other cooking method. And they turn out tasting like crisp-tender, sweet little nuggets. Plus they're just about the quickest veggie side dish you can cook.

What gives Brussels sprouts a better taste? ›

In the late 1990s scientists identified specific chemicals, called glucosinolates, that made Brussels sprouts taste bitter. Plant breeders started growing old seeds, previously discarded for producing paltry harvests, to identify tastier versions with lower levels of these compounds.

Why aren't Brussels sprouts bitter anymore? ›

Over the last twenty years, farmers have mellowed the "unpleasant" flavor of brussels sprouts by breeding a vegetable that contains fewer bitter compounds or glucosinolates. So, brussels sprouts just taste better than they used to when we were kids. The rub is that glucosinolates help protect sprouts against pests.

Should you blanch vegetables before sautéing? ›

The time-saving strategy is to blanch — boil very briefly — the veggies before sauteeing.

Is it better to parboil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

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.

What happens if you don t blanch brussel sprouts before freezing? ›

Can you freeze raw Brussels sprouts without blanching? You can you freeze uncooked Brussels sprouts, but you'll need to be aware that they may be a little softer than if you blanched them (so keep an eye on the cooking time). Plus, they won't keep in the freezer for as long.

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