Cooking Brussels sprouts in the microwave is the quickest and easiest way to cook them. Microwave Brussels Sprouts gives you the most deliciously tender sprouts in just 6 minutes. No need to boil water first, they don't stink out your kitchen and it saves room on the hob too. Perfect Brussels sprouts every time.
We NEVER boil Brussels sprouts. It just brings up too many dramatic memories of boiled sprouts from childhood! If we aren't air frying or roasting them, then we will cook them in the microwave. It's so quick and easy and it's the ideal cooking method if you are cooking a roast dinner and want to save some space in the oven or on the hob. You can also make them in advance too.
If you are looking for some other ways to cook Brussels sprouts, then why not try our Brussels Sprouts Gratin, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Jump to:
Why you will love them
- Quick - This recipe takes just 6 minutes. No need to boil water first, so it's actually a quicker option.
- Space saving - If you are cooking a big roast dinner, then using the microwave for one of the side dishes is a good way to save space in the oven or on the hob.
- Delicious - Yep, we said it! We think Brussels sprouts are delicious and cooking them in the microwave results in perfect sprouts every time. No mushy over-boiled sprouts here!
- Healthier - Cooking vegetables in the microwave is usually healthier because boiling them removes a lot of the nutrients. Cooking Brussels sprouts in the microwave helps to hold on to the nutrients.
- Cheaper - Using a microwave is cheaper than a gas hob, especially if you are just cooking small portions.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Brussels Sprouts - Make sure to choose fresh Brussels sprouts, as this will make all the difference to the finished dish. There are more tips on how to choose them below.
- Water - This is what the sprouts steam in.
- Butter - This adds lots of extra flavour to the finished dish. You could drizzle them with olive oil instead if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave - Step by step
One: Trim the stalks off the sprouts, remove any loose leaves and cut the sprouts in half.
Two: Put the sprouts into a microwave safe bowl. Pour over the water and cover with cling film (saran wrap). Pierce a hole to vent.
Three: Cook in the microwave on high power for 6 minutes.
Four: Remove the sprouts from the microwave and drain.
Five: Return the drained sprouts to a bowl and add the butter, salt and pepper. Mix carefully until the butter has melted and coated all the sprouts.
Why use a microwave to cook Brussels sprouts?
Microwaves have received a bad reputation over the years. They have been called lazy and they have been called dangerous. But, if you are looking at these recipes then I am guessing that you don't believe either of those, and neither do we. Let's dispel those myths.
Firstly, there is no real evidence that shows that microwaves are dangerous to your health. You will find a lot of information on the internet to say they are, but nothing scientifically proven. Studies have shown that using a microwave might be better at preserving nutrients than other cooking methods.
Microwaves are for lazy people? Nope! That is such an ableist thing to say. There are many reasons why people might use a microwave as a convenient method of cooking, such as not being able to stand at the cooker for any length of time.
Also, microwaves tend to cook things much quicker, which is perfect for those with less time in the kitchen and you also don't usually need to do any stirring, which is perfect if you need something you can just put in and leave.
Sometimes the microwave can be a bit of a life saver. If your oven breaks, or you are having your kitchen renovated, you need to be able to make meals with just a microwave. Maybe you are living in accommodation with no/limited cooking facilities like a hotel/studio/student halls. We want to show just what you can do with a microwave. We also love them for smaller portions.
We have a full section of microwave recipes for you to try.
What to serve with microwave Brussels sprouts
These are a must with any roast dinner. So, here are some of our favourite roast meats and side dishes for you to try:
- Easy Roast Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder
- Broccoli Cheese
- Slow Cooker Green Beans
- Cranberry Chicken
- Slow Cooker Roast Beef
- Turkey Pie
- Perfect Roast Chicken
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Storage
Store: You can store leftover microwave Brussels sprouts in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a day. It wouldn't be very fresh any longer than that.
Freeze: We wouldn't recommend freezing these.
Reheat: To reheat, put it back in the microwave for about a minute until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
They key to delicious tasting Brussels sprouts is choosing the best ones. So, here are some of our top tips for choosing them at the supermarket.
You want to look for bright green heads that are firm to touch and heavy for their size. The leaves should be tightly packed too. Avoid Brussels sprouts that have yellowing leaves (this is a sign of old sprouts) or black spots, which could indicate fungus. Smaller Brussels sprouts are usually sweeter and more tender than larger ones, so choose those if you don't like any bitterness.
Brussels sprouts are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a nutritious side dish this Christmas. They can also reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation and improve blood sugar control.
Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. They are a good source of vitamin C, which helps to promote iron absorption and is involved in tissue repair and immune function.
They also contain small amounts of potassium, thiamine, vitamin B6, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.
More microwave recipes
If you’ve tried cooking Brussels sprouts in the microwave, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Microwave Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) Brussels sprouts - stalks removed, halved
- 60 ml (0.25 cups) Water
- 20 g (1.5 tablespoon) Butter
- 2 pinch Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the stalks off the sprouts, remove any loose leaves and cut the sprouts in half.500 g Brussels sprouts
- Put the sprouts into a microwave safe bowl. Pour over the water and cover with cling film (saran wrap). Pierce a hole to vent.60 ml Water
- Cook in the microwave on high power for 6 minutes.
- Remove the sprouts from the microwave and drain.
- Return the drained sprouts to a bowl and add the butter, salt and pepper. Mix carefully until the butter has melted and coated all the sprouts.20 g Butter, 2 pinch Sea salt and black pepper
Recipe tips
- We served our microwave Brussels sprouts with some butter and a generous amount of salt and pepper. However you could also add some Parmesan and red chilli flakes.
- A big splash of soy sauce is a nice way to flavour them, and they are delicious on top of some noodles this way.
- We used fresh sprouts for this recipe. If you are using frozen then you will need to use less water and cook for longer.
- You don't want overcooked and mushy sprouts. Every microwave varies, so cook it for 4 minutes and then cook for 30 seconds at a time more until the desired doneness.
- Add some paprika and cayenne is nice if you want a smoky flavour.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Annissa
Thanks for sharing this healthy and hearty recipe!
Helen
So easy! Totally agree about avoiding boiled sprouts but will be giving these ones a try.
Katherine
Great idea to free up stove and oven space by cooking sprouts in the microwave!
kushigalu
I love this microwave version of brussels sprouts. So delicious. Thanks for sharing
Tara
Perfectly seasoned with the black pepper and sea salt! This side dish is easy, delicious and pairs with just about anything.
Jill
Such an easy way to make brussels sprouts quickly. We all loved these. Will be making these again.
Kathryn
These are the quickest and easiest to make! It makes putting together a side dish so easy and goes great with any meal.
Liza
I had no idea you could cook Brussels sprouts so quickly and easily in the microwave. Now we can enjoy them whenever we like! Great, simple recipe.
Sharon
Brussels sprouts in the microwave are a quick alternative to roasting. Perfect for when you want an easy side dish.
Irena
Yep, I concur, these are super easy and quick, great for that last-minute side dish.