Brussels sprouts are a very nutritious but notoriously bitter tasting vegetable. Many people find they dislike the strong taste of brussels sprouts, but there are several methods you can use to make them more palatable. Using different cooking techniques and seasonings can bring out the sweet, nutty flavors of the brussels sprouts and minimize the bitterness. In this article, we will explore what makes brussels sprouts taste bitter, and provide tips on how to make them taste better.
What Causes the Bitter Taste in Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica family of vegetables, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. All of these vegetables contain chemical compounds called glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing chemicals that give these “cruciferous” veggies their pungent, bitter taste.
When the vegetable is chewed or chopped, the glucosinolates mix with enzymes and break down into other sulfuric compounds like isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are responsible for the characteristic bitter, sulfurous flavor.
So in short, the main culprit behind the bitter taste of brussels sprouts is the high glucosinolate content. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make them tasty! Here are some techniques to mellow out the bitterness and bring out the naturally sweet, nutty notes:
Cooking Methods to Reduce Bitterness
Roast Them
Roasting brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper is one of the absolute best ways to caramelize their natural sugars and counteract any bitterness. Roasting brings out the nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Brussels sprouts should be roasted at a high heat, ideally 400°F to 450°F. Cut the sprouts in half first so they cook evenly. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until deeply browned and fork-tender. Shake the pan periodically for even cooking.
Boil Before Roasting
For an extra tender and sweet sprout, try blanching or boiling them for 1-3 minutes before roasting. This pre-cooks them slightly so they caramelize faster in the oven. The short boil also helps reduce some of the sulfurous compounds. Just be sure not to overcook at this stage or the sprouts will be mushy.
Sauté Them
Sautéing brussels sprouts over high heat will lend them a nice roasted flavor without turning on the oven. Melt butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add halved sprouts flat-side down and let them sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned. Continue sautéing another 5 minutes stirring occasionally. The high heat helps bring out the natural sweetness.
Slow Cook Them
For super tender sprouts, slow cooking is the way to go. This low and slow cooking method breaks down the cell structure and mellows the flavor. Slow cooked brussels sprouts turn buttery soft and sweet. Slow cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or cook on high pressure in an Instant Pot for just 10 minutes.
Seasonings and Ingredients to Improve Taste
Adding complementary ingredients and seasonings to brussels sprouts can help mask any lingering bitterness and add lots of flavor. Here are some tasty mix-ins to try:
Lemon
Bright, acidic lemon juice helps cut through the bitterness of brussels sprouts. A fresh squeeze of lemon at the end of cooking is perfect. You can also roast sprouts with lemon slices or add grated lemon zest.
Bacon
The smoky, savory taste of bacon goes so well with brussels sprouts. Chop up bacon and roast the sprouts with the bacon pieces to infuse everything with that bacon flavor. You can also sauté brussels sprouts with bacon fat instead of oil.
Garlic
Garlic has a pungent bite that disguises any bitter notes in brussels sprouts. Roasted garlic cloves, minced raw garlic, or even just garlic powder all enhance the taste.
Onions
Cook brussels sprouts together with sliced onions or shallots to add some natural sweetness and moisture. Caramelized onions are also delicious.
Nuts
For texture and flavor contrast, add chopped toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans or almonds. Their subtle crunch and nuttiness balances the sprouts.
Cheese
Rich, salty cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar or goat cheese make a flavorful topping for roasted or sautéed brussels sprouts. The creaminess helps counter the bitterness.
Vinegar
A splash of red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar brightens up the flavor of brussels sprouts. The tanginess helps cut through the bitter taste.
Spices and Herbs
Pungent seasonings like cumin, mustard powder, curry powder, rosemary, thyme and sage can all make excellent additions when roasting or sautéing brussels sprouts. Paprika and chili powder add smokiness and a little kick.
Cutting and Storage to Reduce Bitterness
Besides cooking methods and seasonings, a couple other tricks related to storage and prep can also help mellow out the bitter side of brussels sprouts:
- Cut brussels sprouts into smaller pieces to reduce bitterness. More cut surfaces means less individual bitterness in each bite.
- Soak brussels sprouts in water for 30 minutes before cooking to help remove any dirt and drain away some bitterness.
- Cook brussels sprouts as soon as possible after cutting and don’t store them long after cutting. Time causes the glucosinolates to break down more.
- Remove any damaged outer leaves which tend to be more bitter.
- Buy smaller brussels sprouts as larger ones can be more bitter and fibrous.
Conclusion
While brussels sprouts will always have an inherent bitterness from their natural compounds, there are many techniques you can use to bring out their sweet, nutty side and make them much tastier. High heat cooking methods like roasting, sautéing, and caramelizing are key for balancing their flavor. Boost them with acidic, creamy, herbal, spicy, and umami ingredients. Pay attention to cutting, prep and storage to minimize excessive bitterness. With the right techniques, you can turn these little cabbage cousins into a delicious addition to your meal. What’s your favorite way to make brussels sprouts taste great?
References
Here are some references used as sources for this article:
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| The Spruce Eats – What Makes Brussels Sprouts Taste Bitter? | https://www.thespruceeats.com/why-are-brussels-sprouts-bitter-2217393 |
| Food52 – How to Make Brussels Sprouts Taste Good, According to 11 Geniuses | https://food52.com/blog/17908-how-to-make-brussels-sprouts-taste-good |
| Epicurious – 3 Clever Ways to Tame Bitter Brussels Sprouts | https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-brussels-sprouts-taste-better-article |
| The Kitchen Community – Why Are Brussels Sprouts Bitter? | https://thekitchencommunity.org/why-are-brussels-sprouts-bitter/ |