They’re featured on restaurant menus all over the country, but how do you know if you’re going to like them or not? In this article, we’re talking about Brussels sprout taste, texture and serving tips so you can order like a pro.
Let’s dive right in…
What Do Brussel Sprouts Taste Like?
Part of the brassica family along with cabbage, broccoli and kale, Brussels sprouts are quite similar to broccoli in flavor. They’re slightly sulfurous and sharp like broccoli but generally pretty mild.
There is a bitterness to Brussels sprouts that some people don’t enjoy, but even if you remember hating Brussels sprouts as a kid, give them another try. You might be surprised at how mild and even pleasant that taste can be.
Brussel Sprout Texture
Brussels sprouts share the same texture as cabbage. That is, Brussels sprouts have thick, almost rubbery layers that snap and crunch when you bite into them.
The more you cook your Brussels sprouts, the softer they’ll get. Careful not to overcook them, though, or they’ll get mushy.
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Do Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts Taste the Same?
Even though cabbage and Brussels sprouts share an outward appearance and texture, they do not taste exactly the same. They’re both mild with that certain sulfurous quality commonly detected in cruciferous vegetables.
If you like cabbage, and especially if you like broccoli, chances are good that you’ll like Brussels sprouts, too.
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How Do You Cook Brussel Sprouts So They are Not Bitter?
Some folks like to boil their sprouts, but if you’re not a fan of bitter flavor, don’t cook them this way. The best way to ensure that they won’t be bitter is to cook them with the right ingredients.
Throwing in some coconut sugar or even a splash of maple syrup while they’re sauteing is a great way to vary the flavors and add some sweetness to the savory profile.
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What’s a Good Way to Cook Brussel Sprouts?
While you can cook Brussels sprouts the way you’d cook just about any other versatile veggie, two of the most popular ways to do them up is by roasting and sauteing. Drizzle them in olive oil, salt and pepper and stick them in the oven for an easy, family-style side dish.
You may have come across deep-fried Brussels sprouts before, too. While this is not the healthiest cooking option, it does create a super crunchy texture people love. If you want to skip the excess frying, broiling is the best method to approximate that crispness.
Brussel Sprouts Serving Tips
Brussels sprouts are often served as side dishes or appetizers, but they can be prepared so expertly that they can steal the whole show.
Combining cooking and a little comedy, this entertaining duo will show you three different ways of making Brussels sprouts for dinner. There’s a roasted recipe that includes bell peppers and onions, a savory saute recipe with ginger, garlic, chili and sesame oil, and a Christmasy Brussels sprout, roasted chestnut and cranberry sauce fusion.
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In this video, you’ll learn to make creamy, dreamy vegan pasta with nice, crisp Brussels sprouts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brussels sprouts
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Shallots
- Vegan butter
- Vegan milk
- Veggie broth
- Garlic
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
If you haven’t yet gotten into incorporating Brussels sprouts into main meals, this recipe will show you the ropes.
Wrap Up
Sometimes shunned by kids but loved by adults, Brussels sprouts are delicious veggies somewhere between cabbage and broccoli in flavor and texture. Roasting them up will make them nice and crispy while sauteing with a little sweetener will complement their deep flavor and reduce bitterness. They’re a perfect side dish, but they’ll enhance any meal from pasta to curry. Next time you’re whipping up vegan pizza, top it with pan-fried Brussels sprouts. You won’t be sorry.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
