Instant Pot Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Instant Pot Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar gives the Brussels sprouts a sweet and tangy glaze that crisps up beautifully in the Instant Pot. With just a handful of ingredients—Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Parmesan—you can whip up a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy. Plus, it’s all done in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners.
What’s great about this recipe is how the Brussels sprouts get a nice caramelized finish. By sautéing them after pressure cooking, you create a crispy, flavorful coating that contrasts perfectly with the tender inside. This recipe is guaranteed to convert even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptic!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its simplicity, speed, and bold flavors. The Instant Pot makes cooking Brussels sprouts a breeze, cutting down on time while delivering perfectly tender results. The combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar adds a delicious glaze that crisps up beautifully when sautéed, creating a caramelized texture that’s irresistible. Plus, with minimal ingredients and prep, it’s a healthy, flavorful side dish that can be ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut Brussels Sprouts Evenly: Make sure to halve the sprouts evenly so they cook at the same rate. If you have particularly large ones, you may want to quarter them to ensure they get tender in the Instant Pot.
- Crispiness Factor: For that perfect caramelized glaze, be sure to lay the Brussels sprouts cut-side down when sautéing after the pressure cooking phase. Let them sit for a minute or two to develop that crispy, golden-brown surface.
- Adjust the Balsamic Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter or tangier glaze, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or balsamic vinegar. A touch of maple syrup can also be a great substitute for honey if you want to experiment with flavors.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overpressure cook the Brussels sprouts, as they can become too soft. Quick-releasing the pressure after 3 minutes ensures they maintain a firm texture before sautéing.
- Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts just before serving, adding texture and an earthy flavor to balance the sweet and tangy glaze.
FAQ’S
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, they may not get as crispy during the sauté step as fresh ones would. You can try roasting them in the oven after pressure cooking for a few minutes to add more texture.
- How long should I pressure cook the Brussels sprouts? The recommended cooking time is 3 minutes on high pressure. This ensures they stay tender but not mushy. Make sure to do a quick release right after the time is up.
- What can I substitute for honey? If you’re looking for a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a substitute. You can also adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less.
- Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot? Absolutely! You can steam the Brussels sprouts on the stovetop or roast them in the oven. Afterward, toss them in the balsamic and honey mixture and finish with a quick sauté in a pan for that crispy, glazed effect.
- How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from getting soggy? The key is to quick-release the pressure right after cooking and to use the sauté function to crisp up the Brussels sprouts. Keeping the sauté time short will help maintain a nice texture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the Brussels sprouts ahead by trimming and washing them. The actual cooking process is best done just before serving so they stay crisp and fresh. However, you can keep leftovers for up to 2 days in the fridge and reheat on a skillet to regain some crispiness.
Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts
A delicious instant pot version of balsamic brussel sprouts. Start to finish took about 15 minutes tops to make this entire dish. The brussel sprouts were perfectly cooked and the glaze was delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussel sprouts, trimmed and washed
- 1 C water
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat pressure cooker by selecting the saute option.
- Pour the water into the pot.
- Arrange the brussel sprouts onto the steam rack or steamer basket and lower them into the pot.
- Press the manual button and adjust the timer to 3 minutes.
- Once the unit has pressure cooked and counted down, do a quick release
- Remove the brussel sprouts with the steam rack.
- Dump the water out of the pot and put back.
- Turn on Saute feature
- MIx honey, balsamic, & salt together.. quickly whisk.
- Once heated add balsamic/honey mixture
- Add in brussel sprouts. I like to get a nice blackened crispy glaze on the cut side.. so lay them flat on the bottom and let saute for a minute or two before flipping to crisp the other side.
- Finish to your preferred crispiness.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 66Sodium: 469mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
