What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like
on Mar 28, 2022
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Named after the city of Brussels, Belgium, where they originated, Brussels sprouts are a small round cruciferous vegetable that looks like a mini cabbage. They can be enjoyed fresh in salads, or cooked as a side or in a variety of dishes. They pair well with other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and winter squash.
What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?
Properly cooked, Brussels sprouts are absolutely delicious. The key to their great flavor is to cook them just until tender. You want the outside to have a nice crunch and the inside to be tender.
If cooked properly, Brussels sprouts have a lovely nutty flavor that’s also a bit smokey, sweet, and slightly bitter.
Do Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts Taste the Same?
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts come from the same family of vegetables and are similar in taste. However, the flavor of Brussels sprouts is slightly more bitter and distinct enough to tell the difference.
Why are Brussels Sprouts Bitter?
Brussels sprouts contain a high amount of chemicals known as glucosinolates which causes a slightly bitter flavor.
How Do You Remove the Bitterness out of Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts seem to be one of those vegetables that are either loved or hated. If you’ve eaten Brussels sprouts that were overcooked, no one would blame you for avoiding them because the bitterness is more pronounced when cooked for too long.
Much of the bitterness can be reduced by cutting them in half, and cooking for a short amount of time. They are deliciously roasted in the oven or grilled on the barbeque with a splash of olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
You can also saute them on the stove-top or boil them for a few minutes, and then season to your liking.
How to Cook Brussels Sprouts
There are many ways to cook Brussels sprouts. The most important thing to remember is to avoid overcooking.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Remove any tough outer leaves and the bottom of the core. Cut larger sprouts in half.
- Toss the sprouts in a mixture of olive oil, pepper, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spread them onto a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until barely tender. Use tongs or a spatula to turn the sprouts after 10 minutes. Check them for doneness after 15 minutes. The outer leaves should be golden and crispy, and a knife should be able to pierce the sprout.
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts on the Stove
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add one tablespoon of bacon fat and one tablespoon of olive oil. If you don’t have bacon fat, use two tablespoons of olive oil. Saute a couple of cloves of minced garlic for 30 seconds and add the prepared sprouts and ½ cup of chopped onions. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cook for a minute and then stir.
- Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the sprouts turn bright green. Add ½ cup of sliced apple slices, reduce the heat and let the mixture sit for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and top with chopped pecans, dried cherries or cranberries, and chopped crispy bacon. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette and enjoy!
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What Does Brussels Sprout Taste Like (Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Remove any tough outer leaves and the bottom of the core. Cut larger sprouts in half.
- Toss the sprouts in a mixture of olive oil, pepper, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spread them onto a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until barely tender. Use tongs or a spatula to turn the sprouts after 10 minutes. Check them for doneness after 15 minutes. The outer leaves should be golden and crispy, and a knife should be able to pierce the sprout.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
