Grilled Brussels Sprouts | Here’s the Secret

Grilled Brussels Sprouts could be just what you need to level up your vegetable game. But there’s a little trick to getting those perfectly tender, charred, smokey sprouts without turning them into mush.

My traditional Brussels Sprouts Recipe has always been a huge hit with the family. But I was ready for a change-up. So I figured Brussels sprouts on the grill was just the thing. And it didn’t disappoint!

Do You Need to Soak Brussels Sprouts Before Cooking?

This is the secret to success! Especially when you’re having grilled Brussels Sprouts! These little morsels of yumminess are very dense and require quite a bit of cooking to become tender all the way through.

They key is to parboil the sprouts before finishing them off on the grill. Parboiling is a simple technique used to ensure perfectly cooked vegetables. All it means is to partially boil the vegetable to begin the cooking process. Then finish off as desired – in this case grilling Brussels sprouts.

The best way to parboil Brussels sprouts is to trim off the bottom of each sprout (leaving the leaves in tact). Then slice the base across the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Peel off the loose leaves, then place them in salted, boiling water for 10 minutes then drain them. Now they’re perfectly ready for all of that awesome grilling! (see full recipe below)

Watch me make them on location while RVing in Colorado in my YouTube video!

How Do You Get the Bitterness Out of Them?

Don’t overcook them! Many people have an aversion to this wonderfully healthful veggie due to bitterness. This is likely due to overcooking. Brussels sprouts turn bitter when they get mushy and overcooked. This is why the parboiling plus grilling technique is a winner.

Another reason Brussels sprouts can be bitter is if they are not very fresh. It is best to buy them in season, which is in the fall. And buy sprouts that are about a small walnut size. It is easy to think the bigger ones will taste better, but the larger ones are not packed as tightly together, which can be a sign of older sprouts. Avoid those.

What’s the Healthiest Way to Eat Brussels Sprouts?

Just eat them! That’s how to benefit most from all of the wholesome goodness packed into each little gem! These grilled Brussels sprouts are one of the most healthful ways to get all of that fabulous nutrition. They’re rich in fiber, high in calcium, and loaded with antioxidants. What’s not to love??

And grilling them adds a wonderful touch of smokiness and depth that you won’t get with other methods of preparing them. So let’s get going!

How to Make Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Trim the bottoms and put a small slice through the base of each sprout. Then peel off any loose leaves. Parboil the Brussels sprouts by placing them in salted, boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain. Coat with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Place on a hot grill for 12 minutes, rotating them every 4 minutes. (see full recipe below)

This is one of my favorite veggies to serve when we go out camping. They travel well, last a long time in the fridge or even on the countertop before cooking. And they don’t take up a ton of space.

Grilled Brussels sprouts are pretty much the perfect camping side dish. Most of us have a portable grill we take with us when we hit the RV road (here’s the one I’ve used for years!), so tossing these nutritious gems on that hot grill is a natural.

Plus they go really well with these Instant Pot Ribs and Creamed Corn I make in my RV all the time.

So no matter whether you’re making them for an at home treat or when you’re on the road in your RV or otherwise camping, be sure to add Grilled Brussels Sprouts to the menu. They will be a surprise hit!