How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are infamous for being a mushy, flavorless, unpleasant vegetable, but many people enjoy eating this seasonal vegetable when it’s made correctly. Brussels sprouts become incredibly tender when cooked, can be seasoned with your favorite spices and can be served for lots of different occasions, like:

• Holidays
• Special occasions
• Weeknight dinners
• Easy lunches
• Potlucks and carry-ins
• Dinner parties

And more!

The trick to making your brussels sprouts tender and delicious is learning how to boil them correctly. It’s all in the timing. Keep reading to find out how long to boil brussels sprouts so you can enjoy these nutritious vegetables any time.

How Long Does it Take to Boil Brussels Sprouts?

Boiling brussels sprouts is quick and easy. You can make fresh boiled brussels sprouts in under ten minutes by following these steps:

1. Trim the stems of the sprouts and discard the outer leaves.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
3. Carefully add the brussels sprouts to the boiling water, and allow them to boil for the recommended amount of time.
4. Check the sprouts for doneness by piercing one or two with a fork. The fork should easily break through the flesh of the brussels sprouts all the way to the center. If the sprouts aren’t tender enough, boil for an additional 1-2 minutes and check again.
5. Once the sprouts are done to your liking, drain them into a colander or mesh strainer, season and serve alongside your favorite entree and sides.

Here’s Exactly How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts

If you’re using fresh brussels sprouts, they take almost no time to cook. Boiling allows them to cook evenly and uniformly, unlike other methods where the sprouts may be exposed to different amounts of heat and cook unevenly.

Once you’ve prepared your brussels sprouts for the pot, boil them for 5 minutes before checking to see if they’re tender. If they’re not done through, continue boiling them in 2-minute increments until done, checking for tenderness each time.

How Long to Boil Frozen Brussels Sprouts

You may be surprised to learn that you can cook frozen brussels sprouts in the same amount of time as fresh ones, without the need to thaw them first! Boil frozen brussels sprouts for 5 minutes or until done all the way through.

How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts Before Roasting

Boiling your brussels sprouts before roasting them helps soften them inside. It also helps retain their vibrant green color throughout the cooking process. You only need to boil your brussels sprouts for 2 minutes before roasting them in the oven.

How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts Before Pan Frying

Though it’s not necessary to boil your brussels sprouts before frying or sauteing them, it helps them stay green and ensures that they are cooked all the way through. Boil brussels sprouts for 2 minutes before pan frying.

How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts Before Deep Frying

Boil brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes in a large pot of salted water before deep frying to ensure that the sprouts are fully cooked.

How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts

Type of brussels sprouts	How long to boil (in minutes)
Fresh brussels sprouts	5 minutes
Frozen brussels sprouts	5 minutes
Roasted brussels sprouts	2 minutes
Pan fried brussels sprouts	2 minutes
Deep fried brussels sprouts	3-4 minutes