As a chef, I have experimented with a variety of substitutes for Brussels sprouts over the years and have come up with a list of delicious alternatives that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
I understand that Brussels Sprouts are a love-or-hate vegetable, but with these substitutes, you can enjoy the same health benefits and delicious taste.
With a slightly nutty flavor and packed with nutrients, they can be roasted, steamed, or added to salads and stir-fries.
But if Brussels Sprouts are not your thing, no worries! There are plenty of other green vegetables to choose from.
So don’t hesitate, to check out the options below and ready, steady, cook!
Key Overview
- Broccoli: similar flavor and texture to Brussels sprouts, high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients.
- Cauliflower: mild, slightly sweet flavor, high in fiber and vitamins C and K, great roasted.
- Cabbage: similar crunchy texture, can be prepared the same way, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, tasty addition to salads or roasted vegetables.
- Kale: similar flavor and texture to Brussels sprouts, versatile vegetable, can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed, high in fiber and vitamins A and C.
- Bok Choy: similar flavor and texture to Brussels sprouts, an excellent source of vitamin C and rich in dietary fiber, versatile, great for stir-frying or steaming.
- Collard Greens: similar flavor with a slightly bitter taste, can be sautéed, boiled, or roasted, packed with important vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin C, and iron.
- Savoy Cabbage: similar flavor and texture to Brussels sprouts, can be boiled, roasted, or sautéed, high in vitamins C and K as well as calcium and iron.
- Swiss Chard: similar leafy green appearance to Brussels sprouts, slightly sweet flavor, high in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Radicchio: slightly bitter flavor, crisp texture, can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like Brussels sprouts, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins A and K.
- Endive: crunchy texture, slightly bitter taste, can be eaten raw or cooked, a good source of vitamins A, K, and C, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Substituting The Brussels Sprouts Taste
When looking for substitutes for Brussels sprouts, you should consider their flavor and health benefits.
Brussels sprouts have a unique nutty and slightly bitter flavor that can be difficult to replicate.
However, many other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli have similar flavors and textures.
Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, and antioxidants according to Medical News Today’s nutritional article.
You should look for substitutes that offer similar nutritional benefits and similar flavors.
The Best Substitutes For Brussels Sprouts
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts as it has a similar flavor and texture.
It is also high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients.
Broccoli can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, casseroles, stir-fries, and soups.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with other vegetables and herbs.
Roasting cauliflower brings out its sweetness and enhances its nutty flavor.
It’s also high in fiber and vitamins C and K.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts.
It has a similar crunchy texture and can be prepared the same way.
It’s also packed with vitamins A, C, and K and is a tasty addition to salads or roasted vegetables.
4. Kale
Kale is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts because it has a similar flavor and texture.
It can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed for a delicious side dish.
Kale is also very nutritious, and high in fiber and vitamins A and C.
5. Bok Choy
Bok choy is a perfect substitute for Brussels sprouts, as it has a similar flavor and texture.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C and is rich in fiber.
Bok choy can be cooked in many different ways, such as stir-frying or steaming, making it a versatile vegetable to incorporate into any meal.
6. Collard Greens
Collard greens are an excellent substitute for Brussels sprouts as they have a similar flavor with a slightly bitter taste.
Collard greens can be sautéed, boiled, or roasted and are packed with important vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin C, and iron.
7. Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts due to its similar flavor and texture.
It can be boiled, roasted, or sautéed and is perfect for adding to salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Savoy cabbage also has high levels of vitamins C and K as well as calcium and iron.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts due to its similar leafy green appearance.
It has a slightly sweet flavor and can be cooked in the same way as Brussels sprouts.
Swiss chard is also high in vitamins A, C, and K.
9. Radicchio
Radicchio is a great alternative to Brussels sprouts.
It has a slightly bitter flavor that is complemented by its crisp texture. Radicchio can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like Brussels sprouts.
It’s also high in fiber and a good source of vitamins A and K.
10. Endive
Endive is a great substitute for Brussels sprouts due to its crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste.
It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is a good source of vitamins A, K, and C.
Endive also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it beneficial for your health.
FAQs
What Can I Replace Brussels Sprouts With?
You could replace Brussels sprouts with kale, collard greens, or cabbage, among other options.
What Other Vegetables Looks Like Brussels Sprouts?
Romanesco is a vegetable that looks similar to Brussels sprouts.
What Is Better Than Brussels Sprouts?
Vegetables like kale, broccoli, and bok choy offer similar nutritional benefits and can be a tasty alternative to Brussels sprouts.
Are Brussels Sprouts Seasonal?
Brussels sprouts are more common throughout colder months due to this specific vegetable growing best during cooler weather. It’s why the brussels sprouts are so popular at Christmas!
Summary
In summary, there are many great substitutes for Brussels sprouts that can be used in a variety of dishes. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, collard greens, savoy cabbage, Swiss chard, radicchio, and endive are all excellent options to consider.
These vegetables have similar flavors and textures to Brussels sprouts and are also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.
Whether you’re looking to switch things up in the kitchen or simply want to try something new, these substitute options are definitely worth giving a try.
With the right preparation and cooking methods, these substitutes for brussels sprouts can be just as delicious and nutritious!
