Microwave Brussel Sprouts

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.

How Long to Cook Brussel Sprouts in Microwave

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.

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 is NO other way to do it faster. Even Instant Pot brussel sproutstake longer because it needs to come to pressure. By that time these are done.

How Long 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.

Should you microwave brussel sprouts before roasting?

Yes you will yield the best results if you get them nice and tender before roasting in order for the insides to be fork tender while the outsides get crispy. If you don’t do this the outsides will likely become too browned before the center is tender.

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.

When to Add Balsamic

If you want to add more flavor I would wait until the end to drizzle on your favorite balsamic vinegar. A little goes a long way to have a light hand. Then you can go on to include other things like chopped up bacon and/or dried cranberries too.

FAQ

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.

Other vegetables you can cook in a microwave

After you fall in love with these you should try these roasted brussel sprouts and cauliflower!

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.