How to Microwave Brussel Sprouts

This is how to microwave brussel sprouts before roasting with balsamic vinegar sauce for lots of flavor. Steamed quickly fresh or frozen. If you don’t have time for Brussel Sprouts at 450 in the oven this healthy side dish is a game changer.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts in Microwave

To steam frozen vegetables in microwave they all basically work the same way. You’ll want a microwave safe bowl, I like glass, with a plate or lid on top. I don’t like using plastic when cooking so I use a plate, easy. Just a bit of water inside will create very hot steam and voila, you’re set.

There are tons of ways to cook brussel sprouts out there and I have tried many. They all have their benefits, this one is how quick they become fork tender. There is NO other way to do it faster. Even Instant Pot brussel sprouts take longer because it needs to come to pressure. By that time these are done.

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1. Always use microwave safe dishes with lids to cook, plastic is no good.
2. Cook times may vary slightly if you have a very small unit with less than 1000 watts.
3. Remember to use pot holders to remove food from inside as it may be very hot when done cooking.

How Long to Steam Brussel Sprouts in Microwave

This is essentially what you’re doing, but without a pot or basket. You just need a bowl with some sort of lid to get fork tender in about 8 minutes. We did this first when prepping our brussel sprouts on the grill. They were much too difficult to pierce the skewer through as is so slightly softening was the trick. Worked great!

From there I figured this would make an easy side dish for sure and it did. Best by far is to cut the ends off as always and then slice in half lengthwise. That way it cooks more evenly. Yes you can throw them in whole but the downside is the outside gets a bit too soft by the time the middle is just right. Just a tip.

How to Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts in Microwave

We share all different ways of how to cook frozen brussel sprouts here. There are many options but this would be the fastest overall. It just takes a few minutes longer than if you waited until they were defrosted or thawed out, unless they are whole.

The biggest difference is that if they whole as you see here below it takes a bit more work. Ideally you can find or have them already sliced. You don’t want to try and cut if they are rock hard, you’ll likely hurt yourself as they roll around on your cutting board. If halved just follow the same instructions as below, but stir halfway thru and add a bit more time. So instead of 8 you’re looking at closer to 10 minutes but still super fast. For whole stir every 4 minutes for a total of about 12 until softened.

Do you Need Water to Microwave Frozen Vegetables?

Yes a bit is necessary. You would only need 1/4 of the bottom of your bowl filled to essentially steam them to tender. Smaller mixed vegetables in a bag straight out of your freezer take about 4-5 minutes. These take less time because they’re smaller and not quite as firm.

Can I Microwave Vegetables Instead of Blanching?

Kind of. I mean it will soften them more than if you didn’t at all. Use the same idea with a bit of water and covered so it can steam. I’d say that you should instead follow our how to blanch vegetables instructions for best results though.

How to Microwave Brussels Before Roasting

1. First prep them by cutting the ends off and then slice each one in half lengthwise.
2. Rinse and lay on paper towels, roll up and press to remove moisture from outsides (if you’re adding a sauce, if not it isn’t necessary to dry). Pour into a bowl.
3. Melt some butter (or olive oil) and combine with balsamic vinegar. Pour half of this on bright green brussels, season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. Add water or broth into the bottom of your large glass or microwave safe dish / bowl. Add brussels paired with seasonings. Cover bowl with a plate.
5. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until as tender as you’d like. Drain liquid, pour remaining butter mixture over the top and stir to coat.
6. Roast in the oven or air fryer at this time to add a crisp if you’d like.

Can add dried cranberries and/or chopped nuts into mix too. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder then enjoy your personalized recipe. After you fall in love with these you should try these roasted brussel sprouts and cauliflower in oven!

What is good to put on brussel sprouts?

It’s all about the toppings and mix ins right? Especially when you want your kids to actually try them I would suggest goodies like; dried cranberries, candied pecans, chopped walnuts, a quick squeeze of lemon, even a light sprinkle of brown sugar can be good.

Other vegetables you can cook in a microwave you’ll love

Same thing goes when you microwave carrots. Better to cut those into thicker sticks instead of big chunks. Even for larger pieces of produce I wouldn’t leave whole. For something bigger like acorn squash in microwave I cut in half for perfection.