Description
Learn the simple and effective method to boil fresh Brussels sprouts to tender perfection. This easy recipe ensures your sprouts turn out bright green and flavorful, ready to eat as a healthy side dish or to be used in other recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- Water, for boiling
- Ice, for optional ice bath
Instructions
- Prepare the Sprouts: Trim and remove the stem ends from all of the Brussels sprouts. You can keep them whole or cut them in half according to your preference.
- Boil in Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and cook for 6-10 minutes, until they turn bright green and are tender when pierced with a fork. If your sprouts are cut in half or will be cooked further in another recipe, reduce the cooking time; if whole and to be eaten as is, cook longer for tenderness.
- Optional Ice Bath: To stop the cooking process and maintain a vibrant green color, drain the cooked sprouts in a colander and immediately immerse them in a bowl of ice water. Let them cool until they are no longer warm to the touch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before serving or using in recipes.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for best results.
- Trimming stems and removing any yellow or damaged leaves enhance flavor and texture.
- The ice bath step is optional but recommended for salads or if you want to prepare sprouts in advance.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the sprouts and whether you’ll cook them further.
- Season with salt, butter, or your favorite herbs after boiling for added taste.
