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One thing is clear about Brussels sprouts, you either love them or hate them. However, if you're willing to give them a try, they are very versatile and can be a delicious addition to any meal. With a knife and a bit of time and effort, you can trim Brussels sprouts with ease. They are a great vegetarian source of protein, rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, and are low in calories.[1]
Steps
Cutting off the Stalks
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1Pull off any outer layers that are dried, turning brown or have blemishes. These leaves will have lost their fresh flavour and may be contaminated by bacteria and other micro-organisms that you don’t want to be eating.[2]
- Some stores may sell Brussels sprouts attached to the stalk. If you have this, pick the sprouts off the stalk first, then discard or compost the stalk. Don't pick them until you're ready to use them as Brussels sprouts will keep fresh for longer on the stalk.[3]
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2Use a kitchen knife to trim off the stalks carefully. Aim for the point where the stalk and the base of the sprout's leaves meet. Try to cut off as much of the remaining stalk on the sprouts as possible, as they can be tough to eat.[4]Advertisement
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3Wash the sprouts with cold water to remove any dirt. Even after removing any unwanted outer layers, you should make sure that the remaining leaves are clean. Check each sprout separately to be extra safe.[7]
- If you have bought pre-washed Brussels sprouts, it’s up to you whether to give them an additional wash or not. Just be certain to keep away any sources of cross-contamination such as raw meat products and other unwashed and uncooked vegetables.[8]
Cutting the Sprouts
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1
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2Cut larger sprouts into halves or quarters. Cut vertically, from the top to the base of the sprout through the core. This distributes the core among each of the pieces so the leaves stay together.[11]
- If you have sprouts of varying sizes, this ensures that your sprouts will cook evenly, whichever your preferred cooking method. You can keep the smaller sprouts whole.[12]
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3
Preparing Brussels Sprouts
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1Toss the leaves in a coleslaw or salad. Peel off the leaves individually. Give them a rinse with cold water and pat dry before mixing with your preferred vegetables and your favourite dressing.[15]
- You can also blanch the leaves beforehand by boiling them for less than 2 minutes and soaking them in ice water.[16]
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2Roast the sprouts in the oven. Place them in a baking dish with a little olive oil and season with salt. Let them brown and turn tender.[17]
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3Sauté the sprouts in a skillet or a wok. Simply fry with oil and delicious seasonings.[18] You can also try adding in other ingredients such as onions and bacon.[19]
Warnings
- When exposed to heat, Brussels sprouts produce hydrogen sulphide gas, similar to broccoli and cabbage. Not enough to be toxic, but this can create a stinky odour, especially when boiled.[21] The best way to reduce the smell is to not overcook the sprouts. The longer they cook, the stronger the odour. If you are roasting them, open a window or two to air out the kitchen.[22]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284765.php
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-roast-brussels-sprouts-4112094
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://healthykitchen101.com/types-of-kitchen-knives/
- ↑ https://thecookful.com/how-to-trim-and-cut-brussels-sprouts/
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/bagged_produce.html
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-roast-brussels-sprouts-241842
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://greatist.com/eat/knife-skills
- ↑ https://www.cutco.com/learn/how-to-cut-brussels-sprouts/
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://pamelasalzman.com/brussels-sprout-leaf-salad/
- ↑ https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-roast-brussels-sprouts-4112094
- ↑ https://thekitchenprofessor.com/blog/clean-cut-brussels-sprouts
- ↑ https://www.cutco.com/learn/how-to-cut-brussels-sprouts/
- ↑ https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-roast-brussels-sprouts-4112094
- ↑ https://thecookful.com/how-to-avoid-smelly-brussels-sprouts/
- ↑ https://www.finecooking.com/article/deodorizing-brussels-sprouts
About This Article
To trim and cut Brussels sprouts, start by peeling off any dried-out, browning outer leaves. Then, use a kitchen knife to cut off as much of the stalk as possible, right where the stalk and the base of the leaves meet. Rinse the sprouts in cold water, then, if you want to cook your sprouts whole, prepare them by cutting a small “x” into the bottom so the heat can distribute more evenly during the cooking process. To cook the sprouts faster, cut them in half vertically, then cut them into thin vertical slices. To learn some recipes you can use your Brussels sprouts in, keep reading!
