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.
Ok so you want a quick and easy meal, we’re here to help. When you microwave brussel sprouts it is faster than any other method out there. Then you can crisp if you want or enjoy as is as an easy microwave recipe with chicken or beef. (affiliate links present)
Brussel Sprouts in Microwave Before Roasting
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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- Always use microwave safe dishes with lids to cook, plastic is no good.
- Cook times may vary slightly if you have a very small unit with less than 1000 watts.
- 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. From there I figured this would make an easy side dish for sure and it did.
Those would be frozen so you’d still follow our same directions below but add a few to about 10 – 12 minutes. All you need is a bowl, plate and a bit of water. Other store brands beyond Walmart would work the same way.
In the microwave would be the fastest with a quick cook time and very little prep. You just need a bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to steam inside with a bit of water or broth. A great way to get tender before roasting or grilling, or serve as a side just with some salt and pepper.
How to Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts in Microwave
We share all different ways of how to cook frozen brussel sprouts here. 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
- Cut fresh brussel sprouts ends off and slice in half lengthwise.
- Rinse and lay on paper towels, roll up and press to remove moisture from outsides. Pour into a bowl.
- 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.
- Add water or broth into the bottom of your large glass or microwave safe dish / bowl. Add contents, cover bowl with a plate.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
How to Microwave Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
- 1 Bowl microwave safe with lid or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussel sprouts
- 1/4 c water, or broth
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut ends off brussels and then slice in half lengthwise. Rinse and lay on paper towels (if you are adding our butter and balsamic sauce, if just adding salt and pepper no need to dry), roll up and press to remove moisture from outsides. Pour into a bowl.
- Melt butter and combine with balsamic. Pour half of this on brussels, season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Pour 1/4 c. water or broth into large glass or microwave safe bowl. Add brussels. Cover bowl with a plate.
- Microwave for 6-8 minutes or until as tender as you'd like. Drain liquid from bowl. Pour remaining butter mixture over the top and stir to coat. Can add dried cranberries and/or chopped nuts into mix too. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
