How to Trim and Cut Brussel Sprouts Like a Chef

Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables you probably had a few times as a kid and didn't like because your parents cooked them too long. When cooked the right way, these veggies are flavorful and delicious. Though you need to know how to trim and cut them based on the recipes you pick, you can also learn how to select and even store Brussels sprouts.

A bowl filled with fresh Brussels sprouts on a cloth-lined table, with a few loose sprouts scattered around.

How to Pick Fresh Brussel Sprouts

Major grocery stores offer fresh brussel sprouts that come on a long stalk, but you'll also find bundles sold with the sprouts already separated. No matter how you purchase them, you must consider a few things. If you buy sprouts on the stalk, always check the stalk for any dark spots or signs of wetness. The stalk should also be compact and have leaves closed tightly around it. Avoid any stalks or sprouts with mold or mildew. Also, look for leaves that are light to dark green. Of course, you will also need to clean your brussel sprouts.

Essential Tools Needed

Look at the essential tools needed as you learn how to trim brussel sprouts to ensure you have the right ones on hand. With a set like our 5-Piece Japanese Master Chef Knife Set, you have the right knives to trim your sprouts and handle any other prep work you do.

Chef Knife

A chef knife is a must-have for any home cook or budding chef. Known as the ultimate knife in restaurants and commercial kitchens, a chef knife has a long, thin blade that's usually around 8 inches long. It also has a thick and durable handle that helps you keep a good grip on the knife. A chef knife helps you easily remove sprouts from the stalk and slice through them.

Damascus chef knife set with blue marbled handles on cutting board

Cutting Board

Cutting and prepping ingredients right on your counter is a risk because there's a chance of cross-contamination. Having a cutting board gives you a better way to prep brussel sprouts. Consider an option like the Gourmet Acacia End Grain Cutting Board, which lets you keep a grip on the sprouts as you cut them.

Paring Knife

Those who want to know how to cut brussel sprouts should also consider investing in a paring knife. Paring knives are smaller and thinner than chef's knives, giving you more control over where their blades go. A paring knife helps you remove the small bits of stalk stuck to the base of the sprout and peel away the outer leaves you don't intend to eat.

Three paring knives with black handles on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by sliced Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, and jalapenos

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How to Trim Brussel Sprouts

Preparing brussel sprouts is easier than you might think. With a Gyuto Executive Chef Knife, Red, or a similar knife, you can quickly get the sprouts off the stalk.

Remove Sprouts

To remove the sprouts, place the stalk on your cutting board and slowly run your chef knife along the base of the sprouts, cutting them off where they touch the stalk. It's helpful to focus on one side and then rotate the stalk to focus on the next side. Repeat this step until you have the sprouts free.

Fresh Brussels sprouts on a wooden surface with a serrated knife and loose leaves

Trim the Ends

Trim the ends with your paring knife. Slowly slide the knife under the sprout, removing the root end. It's smart to check for any discolored leaves at the same time.

A step-by-step process of trimming and preparing Brussels sprouts with a knife

Different Methods to Cut Brussel Sprouts

The two best ways to cut brussel sprouts include slicing or halving them. To halve them, cut the end to make the sprout flat. Place it on the flat end and run a paring knife through the center to cut the sprout in half. You can use a paring knife to slice the sprouts too. Cut them as thin as possible for salads or slaws. You can use a chef's knife like the Epokishi AUS-10 Gyuto to slice or cut the sprouts, but it's often easier to use a mandoline.

Damascus steel chef knife with a patterned blade and green handle on a wooden cutting board with fresh vegetables

Recipe Ideas and Storage

Roasted brussel sprouts serve as a delicious side dish. Toss the sprouts with salt and pepper or any other spices you love, and coat them in olive oil before you roast them slowly in the oven, though this recipe also works in an air fryer. Try making your favorite slaw recipe with shaved or thinly sliced sprouts, too. To store them, toss the prepped sprouts in a container and add enough water to fill the bottom by an inch.

From Stem to Gourmet: Perfect Your Brussels Sprouts Prep

We offer a wide range of knives that help you become a prep master in your home kitchen. Use chef's knives and paring knives for ease in cutting and trimming brussel sprouts for all the recipes you want to make.

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