How Science Can Make Brussels Sprouts Taste Good | Brussels Sprouts | What’s Eating Dan?



Since we were kids, Brussels sprouts have been the butt of many food jokes. Today that is changing. Dan is here to show you the most flavorful way to prepare them by way of understanding their scientific make up.

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38 Comments

  1. When science can make Brussel sprouts taste like fried chicken and waffles let me know. Till then, Brussel sprouts can go extinct. Which may make it difficult to make them taste like fried chicken and waffles, but I'm prepared to make that sacrifice.

  2. The problem isn't the way brussels sprouts taste. The problem isn't how you cook them. The problem is that the modern (especially US) palate isn't educated to accept any bitterness at all. Everything should be either sweet or salty. The current "great gourmet idea" therefore, is to caramelise everything that looks like a vegetable.

  3. My great-grandmother shared her technique and recipe. Always choose tiny Brussel sprouts as opposed to large. Then, cut them in half and snip out center (v shape). Then, placed them on a flat stone (like those used to make pizza) that was brushed with olive oil. Finally, broiled them in the oven until they turn brown, sprinkle with salt and pepper and tiny dollop of plain yogurt.

  4. Brussels Sprouts don't just have to be browned, as far as I'm concerned. The way I cook them is very simple and they taste awesome. I cut them in half, put them in a bowl with maybe a half cup of water, some pats of butter, some granulated garlic, onion powder (or minced onion), and some cayenne powder, and steam them (covered) in the microwave for 6-8 minutes. They come out nice and tender, and very tasty with a little kick of heat from the cayenne powder. I just happen to like them cooked this way since they turn out more tender and there's no burned taste to them at all. 🙂

  5. Hated Brussel sprouts growing up. My mom would just boil them. They were little bitter cabbages. Now it's a family favorite. I still tend to the oven method for large gatherings. It's just easier to make a big batch.

  6. D'oh! You just explained why this recipe, which is so simple, makes Brussels sprouts taste very different than when sprouts are cut – and people who say they don't like them will eat this:
    Remove the leaves from 1 lb large Brussels sprouts – tedious, but worth it for the change of taste
    Cook on medium-high heat with 2 to 3 cloves of crushed or sliced garlic and a little olive oil just until wilted.
    Cover and cook on low heat just until soft. Stir / mix with tongs once or twice to cook evenly.
    Toss with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.

  7. I always loved brussel sprouts. Hearing they taste bitter is a first for me. My mum used to cook them in a pressure steamer, with potatos in the water at the bottom and the sprouts in a sieve above. The always had this sweet and melty taste they were absolutely delicious!

  8. My method is to place uncut brussel sprouts into a fry pan with some chicken broth with the level up to their middle. Put the lid on and poach them at medium low. Check them with a fork to determine their tenderness and when they seem to be very tender, place a salmon steak or filet into the middle of the pan and put the lid back on. You should season the salmon with salt and pepper at the very least. You should also add what seasoning you prefer to the salmon before cooking. The fat from the salmon cooking with the Brussels Sprouts are a perfect combination. I like the Brussels sprouts to be melt in my mouth tender. Ground black pepper is perfect here. Salmon and tender sprouts together in the mouth is excellent.

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