How to Trim a Brussels Sprout

Prepare Brussels sprouts carefully for cooking.

Although the idea of Brussels sprouts on the menu might send some people for take-out, cooked properly, Brussels sprouts can be tender and tasty. When a meal needs a delicate green vegetable, consider adding Brussels sprouts to complement your entree and other side dishes. Before preparing these tiny little cabbages, trim Brussels sprouts carefully with a sharp knife. Proper preparation and attentive cooking will result in delicious Brussels sprouts.

Things You'll Need

• Colander
• Bowl
• Paring knife

Instructions

1. Place the Brussels sprouts into the colander to wash and trim them. Set the colander near the sink, and place the bowl nearby to hold the washed and trimmed Brussels sprouts.

2. Rinse a Brussels sprout gently under cool water.

3. Trim the end of the stem with the paring knife. Leave the stem extending slightly from the bottom of the Brussels sprout, however, because the outer leaves might fall off the vegetable if you cut the stem off evenly.

4. Remove any outer leaves from the Brussels sprout that appear discolored or wilted.

5. Insert the tip of the paring knife into the bottom of the Brussels sprout stem, about 1/4 inch, and then pull it back out. Rotate the tip of the knife and make a second cut perpendicular to the first cut to create a tiny "X" in the stem of the Brussels sprout. These small cuts will enable steam to enter the core of the vegetable as it cooks.

6. Place the prepared Brussels sprout into the bowl.

7. Repeat the process with each Brussels sprout to finish washing and trimming them.

Tips & Warnings

• Boil about 1/2-inch of water in the bottom of a pot. Place a steamer inset over the hot water, and place the Brussels sprouts into the steamer inset. Cover the steamer, and reduce the heat to medium-high. Steam the Brussels sprouts for about two minutes, and uncover the steamer for a few seconds to release sulfurs that fill the pot. Replace the lid, and steam the Brussels sprouts for about five to seven more minutes. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the steamer when they appear bright green and they feel tender when you prick them with a fork.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Brussels Sprouts
• Food Reference: Brussels Sprouts