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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

Microwave Brussels Sprouts

Nov 1, 2024 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 14 Comments

300 shares
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Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegetarian
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Microwave Brussles sprouts with a text title overlay.
Microwave Brussles sprouts with a text title overlay.

Cooking Brussels sprouts in the microwave is the quickest and easiest way to cook them. this easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts recipe 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.

A bowl of cooked Brussels sprouts next to a checked towel.

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 delicious Brussels Sprouts Gratin, quick Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, convenient Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts or our crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love Them
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Microwave - Step by Step
  • Why Use a Microwave to Cook Brussels Sprouts?
  • What to Serve with Microwave Brussels Sprouts
  • Storage
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Microwave Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

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

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • 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.

More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Microwave - Step by Step

A bowl of Brussels sprouts that have been cut in half.
  1. Step 1: Trim the stalks off the sprouts, remove any loose leaves and cut the sprouts in half.
Halved sprouts in a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap.
  1. Step 2: Put the sprouts into a microwave safe bowl. Pour over the water and cover with cling film (saran wrap). Pierce a hole to vent.
A bowl of Brussels sprouts in a microwave.
  1. Step 3: Cook in the microwave on high power for 6 minutes.
Cooked Brussels sprouts in a collander.
  1. Step 4: Remove the sprouts from the microwave and drain.
A bowl of cooked Brussles sprouts with butter and seasoning.
  1. Step 5: 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
Two pats of butter melting on top of some cooked Brussels sprouts.

Storage

Store: You can store leftover microwave Brussels sprouts in an airtight 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.

Extra 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 cheese 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.
A bowl of Brussels sprouts in front of a towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose Brussels sprouts

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.

More Microwave Recipes

  • Microwave broccoli in a bowl with a spoon.
    Microwave Broccoli
  • Microwave mashed potato topped with chopped herbs and a pat of butter.
    Microwave Mashed Potatoes
  • Microwave scrambled eggs on a plate with avocado and toast.
    Fluffy Microwave Scrambled Eggs
  • A bowl of microwave rice.
    Perfect Microwave Rice

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

A bowl of microwave Brussels sprouts.

Microwave Brussels Sprouts

By: Dannii Martin
Microwave Brussels Sprouts gives you the most deliciously tender sprouts in just 6 minutes. Perfect Brussels sprouts every time.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 13 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Belgian, British
Prep: 2 minutes mins
Cook: 6 minutes mins
Total: 8 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 90kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy

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 ground 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 ground 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

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1067IU | Vitamin C: 106mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg

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.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. John Noland says

    January 04, 2025 at 2:30 am

    Turned out great! Never made Brussel Sprouts before. I used a Hawaiian salt mixture (Ono: salt, ginger, garlic and alae salt) and a non-dairy butter. They were very flavorful and tender.

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      January 07, 2025 at 4:32 pm

      That seasoning sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing your tip!

      Reply
  2. Annissa says

    December 15, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing this healthy and hearty recipe!

    Reply
  3. Helen says

    December 15, 2022 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    So easy! Totally agree about avoiding boiled sprouts but will be giving these ones a try.

    Reply
  4. Katherine says

    December 15, 2022 at 9:59 am

    5 stars
    Great idea to free up stove and oven space by cooking sprouts in the microwave!

    Reply
  5. kushigalu says

    December 15, 2022 at 9:22 am

    I love this microwave version of brussels sprouts. So delicious. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  6. Tara says

    December 15, 2022 at 7:42 am

    5 stars
    Perfectly seasoned with the black pepper and sea salt! This side dish is easy, delicious and pairs with just about anything.

    Reply
  7. Jill says

    December 14, 2022 at 12:27 am

    5 stars
    Such an easy way to make brussels sprouts quickly. We all loved these. Will be making these again.

    Reply
  8. Kathryn says

    December 13, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    5 stars
    These are the quickest and easiest to make! It makes putting together a side dish so easy and goes great with any meal.

    Reply
    • Laurence Dagley says

      December 24, 2024 at 8:06 am

      How much water do you use excuse if already published i have read it over and over again so if you could please tell me how much water to use ?

      Reply
      • Dannii Martin says

        December 24, 2024 at 11:01 pm

        Everything is there in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 60 ml (0.25 cups) Water.

        Reply
  9. Liza says

    December 13, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  10. Sharon says

    December 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    5 stars
    Brussels sprouts in the microwave are a quick alternative to roasting. Perfect for when you want an easy side dish.

    Reply
  11. Irena says

    December 13, 2022 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    Yep, I concur, these are super easy and quick, great for that last-minute side dish.

    Reply
5 from 13 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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