What Do Brussel Sprouts Taste Like? (The Truth Bitterness!)

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When you hear the word “Brussel Sprouts”, the first thing that may come to your mind is its awful bitter taste. Well, a large number of people think the same way.

But they may taste different when you know how to cook them properly. So, what do Brussel Sprouts taste like?

Short answer:

Brussels sprouts taste like broccoli and cabbage. They can be bitter sometimes. But, with the right cooking process, they can have a sweet, nutty flavor that compliments several other dishes.

Brussels sprouts can be one of your favorite dishes when you learn to cook them properly. It can be hard to resist their sweet, nutty and smoky flavor – why don’t you give it a try?

Let’s dig deep to discover more about the following points:

  • What Brussels sprouts are
  • What Brussels sprouts taste like
  • How to cook Brussels sprouts
  • Tips on how to make a good-tasting Brussels sprouts dish

What Are Brussel Sprouts?

A member of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea), Brussels sprouts are leafy vegetables that look like small cabbages and have been popular in Brussels, Belgium, for years.

Brussels sprouts are good sources of fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, and minerals.

Consuming this veggie can be helpful in maintaining good bone health.

Also, they help in improving immune function.  

What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?

Guess what? The answers are subjective!

Brussels sprouts may taste differently to other people depending on the type of cooking procedure applied.

To some people, Brussels sprouts taste slightly bitter, while others really love their sweet, nutty flavor.

Generally, the taste of Brussels sprouts is akin to cabbage and broccoli with a stronger flavor.

With their pleasantly sweet, nutty flavor, they can be served as a side dish with bacon, chestnuts, parmesan cheese, brown butter, walnuts, salty meats, etc.

They may have a bitter flavor when you bake and boil them.

Thus, we advise that you should remove the outer leaves so that you can enjoy the best out of them.

Again, how this leafy vegetable taste depends on the cooking process.

Brussels sprouts can be cooked in various ways. You can boil, roast, grill, and steam them.

Why don’t you try a recipe and see what they taste like to you?

Fun fact:

Apart from the cooking procedure, the size of Brussels sprouts determines their taste. The smaller ones taste sweeter than the mature ones.

The Best Way to Cook Brussels Sprouts

From roasting to baking, there are several methods to prepare Brussels sprouts.

However, the main technique involves cooking them gently within a short time.

Also, it is necessary to avoid overcooking because it may affect their nutrients.

Here are some simple ways of preparing your favorite Brussels sprouts:

1. Roasting 

One of the best ways to prepare Brussels sprouts is to roast them so that you can maximize their flavor.

The cooking process involves roasting them in a little oil and then adding them to a baking dish.

Roast the sprouts at 200 degrees Celsius for half an hour until you get the crispy and caramelized flavor.

2. Sauteing 

Brussel sprouts go well with nuts.

To try this recipe, you need the following ingredients – sprouts, walnuts, pine nuts, and pecans.

Here’s what you should need to do:

  • Take a pan and stir the sprouts with chopped raw nuts.
  • Keep on stirring until the nuts get toasted.

The secret to preparing caramelized sweet Brussel sprouts is to avoid overcrowding them in the pan. 

3. Deep Frying 

Want to taste crunchy Brussels sprouts? This method is just for you!

  • Take a large heavy-bottomed saucepan and fill the one-third portion with oil.
  • Set the temperature to 190 C and heat the pan with oil.
  • Fry the sprouts for 3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
  • After deep-frying, drain them on kitchen paper.
  • Finally, the crispy sprouts are ready to be served with sea salt.

4. Steaming 

Steamed Brussels sprouts are for those who are pretty health-conscious. Here’s how to steam your Brussels sprouts:

  • Get a steamer and pour the sprouts into a pan of simmering water.
  • Also, you can use a microwave to prepare steamed Brussel sprouts, and it will take only five minutes.
  • Before serving them, season the streamed sprouts with butter and orange squeeze.

Apart from the mentioned, there are several other ways to cook Brussel sprouts. (*)

How long it will take to prepare the sprouts depends on their size and the oven temperature.

Warning:

You should avoid overcooking your Brussel sprouts in order to preserve their nutritional value. Overcooking them can also give off a foul taste and odor.

Tips On How to Make Brussels Sprouts Taste Good

Brussel sprouts can really taste good – trust us!

To make them taste delicious, you need to know the perfect recipes.

Below are some handy tips for cooking mouthwatering Brussel sprouts.

1. Stop overcrowding

Then roasting sprouts, spread them out on the pan properly.

Also, don’t overcrowd the pan because it may cause them to be steamed.

2. Seasoning is the secret!

To enhance the flavor of Brussel sprouts, consider seasoning them well with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Furthermore, they also taste great with a mixture of lemon and butter. Why don’t you try it yourself!

3. Brussel sprouts and honey for your sweet tooth

Try this idea to get rid of their sharp and bitter taste.

Just add honey, fruit juice, or maple syrup to your Brussel sprouts!

4. Brussel sprouts go well with bacon

To enjoy the salty, smoky flavor of Brussel sprouts, add them to bacon or sausage.

Our Favourite Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Get Recipe: buildyourbite.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Away

Hopefully, you have got to know – what Brussels sprouts taste like by now.

This vegetable can benefit your health in many ways – from improving bone health to managing several health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Also, they taste awesome if cooked perfectly and served with bacon, onions, sweet potatoes, and other veggies.

Give it a try and see whether you enjoy the taste of this veggie.

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Up Next:

  • What does asparagus taste like?

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