Shaved Brussel Sprouts Recipe: There’s something magical about turning a humble veggie like Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side dish or salad base that wows everyone at the table. If you’ve never tried shaved Brussels sprouts, prepare to meet your new favorite recipe! Whether you like them sautéed, roasted, or raw in salads, this guide has got you covered.
Shaved Brussels sprouts are crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. And the best part? They cook faster and taste better than their whole counterparts. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare them like a pro, what ingredients to use, and all the tasty ways you can enjoy them.
Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Recipe
There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this dish. First off, it’s insanely quick to make. You don’t need any fancy tools (unless you want to shave off some prep time with a mandoline or food processor). And the flavor? Oh, it’s a savory, nutty, caramelized dream that pairs perfectly with just about anything.
Also, this recipe is flexible. You can keep it super simple with salt, pepper, and olive oil, or jazz it up with garlic, lemon, cheese, bacon bits, or even dried cranberries. It’s healthy without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor, and it fits almost any diet, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday dinner or need a weekday veggie upgrade, this shaved Brussels sprouts recipe is an easy win.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Let’s be honest—Brussels sprouts didn’t always have the best reputation. But now, they’re one of the trendiest veggies on the plate. And for good reason. These little green guys are packed with nutrients.
Here are just a few of their health perks:
- High in Fiber: Great for digestion and keeping you full longer.
- Loaded with Vitamins: Especially Vitamin C and K.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Helps protect your body from inflammation.
- Supports Heart Health: With omega-3 fatty acids and potassium.
- May Reduce Cancer Risk: Thanks to their sulforaphane content.
So not only are you eating something delicious, but you’re also giving your body a serious nutritional boost. Win-win!
What Are Shaved Brussels Sprouts?
Shaved Brussels sprouts are just Brussels sprouts that have been thinly sliced into ribbons or shreds. Think of it like turning them into leafy slaw—perfect for salads, stir-fries, or crispy sides.
They cook faster, absorb flavors better, and have a lighter texture. That bitterness some people don’t love in whole sprouts? It mellows out beautifully when they’re shaved and cooked right.
Whether raw or cooked, shaved Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. Use them in place of lettuce, cabbage, or even pasta for a low-carb option.
Best Ways to Shave Brussels Sprouts
You’ve got a few options when it comes to shaving Brussels sprouts. Let’s break them down:
Using a Sharp Knife
- Best for small batches
- Simply cut each sprout in half lengthwise, place it flat-side down, and slice as thinly as you can.
Using a Mandoline Slicer
- Fast and uniform
- Be careful—it’s sharp! Use the hand guard to protect your fingers.
- Gives you beautifully even slices, ideal for salads.
Using a Food Processor
- Great for large amounts
- Use the slicing attachment (not the grating one).
- Just trim and drop in the sprouts—it’s super efficient.
Choose whatever method suits your time and comfort level. The goal is thin, even slices so they cook evenly and look great.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the base recipe for sautéed or roasted shaved Brussels sprouts:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shaved
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped bacon or pancetta
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Balsamic glaze
You can tailor it based on your taste or what’s already in your kitchen. These simple ingredients come together to create big flavor!
Optional Add-Ins to Elevate Flavor
Want to take it to the next level? Try adding:
- Crispy bacon bits – salty, smoky goodness
- Toasted nuts – almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts for crunch
- Dried fruit – cranberries or golden raisins for a sweet contrast
- Shredded cheese – Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese for creaminess
- Zest and juice of a lemon – a citrusy pop of flavor
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze – sweet and tangy balance
The beauty of shaved Brussels sprouts is how well they soak up other flavors. You can make them sweet, savory, spicy, or tangy depending on your mood.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. Here’s your full breakdown of how to make perfect shaved Brussels sprouts.
Step 1: Wash and Trim the Brussels Sprouts
Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tough stem ends and peel away any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
Step 2: Shave the Sprouts
Thinly slice the sprouts. You can use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor with a slicing blade. Aim for fine shreds so they cook evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Heat
For stovetop cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil or butter. If roasting, preheat the oven to about 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
Step 4: Sauté or Roast (Choose Your Cooking Style)
To sauté: Add the shaved sprouts to the hot pan, cook 5–7 minutes, tossing until tender and lightly caramelized.
To roast: Spread the sprouts on the sheet, drizzle with oil, and roast 12–15 minutes, stirring once, until crisp-edged.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar for brightness. Optional add-ins: garlic, Parmesan, chili flakes, nuts, or dried fruit. Serve warm as a side or toss into salads, bowls, or pasta.
Tips for Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Want to make this dish like a total pro? Here are some insider tips to level up your results:
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet: Overcrowding = steaming, not caramelizing.
- Add acid at the end: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar balances the earthy flavor beautifully.
- Season throughout: Salt a little while cooking, then adjust at the end.
- Play with textures: Crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds add amazing contrast.
These little tricks make a big difference in flavor, texture, and appearance.
Best Ways to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprouts
There’s no wrong way to enjoy them, but here are some of the best:
As a Side Dish
Pair with roasted meats, fish, or even pasta. They go especially well with:
- Roast chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Grilled salmon
In Salads
Raw shaved sprouts are a perfect base for slaws and salads. Toss with:
- Olive oil + lemon
- Shaved Parmesan
- Croutons or nuts
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
With Pasta
Stir sautéed sprouts into:
- Creamy pasta sauces
- Buttered noodles
- Gnocchi with bacon
It adds flavor, fiber, and freshness.
On Toast
Yep—try this trendy twist. Top sourdough with:
- Smashed avocado
- A mound of sautéed sprouts
- A fried egg
Trust me, it’s brunch goals.
How to Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Sauté in a pan for a few minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds.
They won’t be quite as crisp, but they still taste amazing.
Can You Freeze Shaved Brussels Sprouts?
Technically, yes—but with a few caveats.
- Raw shaved sprouts freeze better than cooked.
- Blanch them quickly in boiling water, then cool and freeze in freezer bags.
- For cooked sprouts, freezing might change the texture and make them soggy when reheated.
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but if you must freeze, go for raw and blanch first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these rookie mistakes for the best results:
- Not trimming properly – Those tough ends make for a bitter bite.
- Overcooking – Mushy sprouts = no fun. Keep that texture alive!
- Skipping seasoning – Salt, acid, and cheese make the flavors pop.
- Not slicing thin enough – Thicker slices won’t cook evenly and lose that delicate texture.
- Crowding the pan – Let them breathe for even browning.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Adjustments
Good news—this recipe is already gluten-free and can be 100% vegan with one small tweak:
- Vegan: Skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan.
- Low-carb/Keto: You’re good to go as-is.
- Paleo: Just avoid cheese and bacon with additives.
You can customize it for almost any dietary preference without losing flavor.
FAQs about Shaved Brussel Sprouts Recipe
1. Can I eat shaved Brussels sprouts raw?
Yes! They’re excellent raw in salads or slaws, especially with a lemony vinaigrette.
2. What do shaved Brussels sprouts taste like?
They have a mild, slightly nutty and sweet flavor when cooked. Raw, they’re fresh and crunchy.
3. How thin should I slice them?
As thin as possible—like cabbage slaw. Uniform slices help with even cooking and texture.
4. How do I prevent them from being bitter?
Cook them properly (don’t burn), add lemon or balsamic, and remove any yellow leaves before cooking.
5. Are shaved Brussels sprouts kid-friendly?
Surprisingly, yes! Try adding a bit of cheese and bacon—they’ll be asking for seconds.
Conclusion
Shaved Brussels sprouts are one of those side dishes that effortlessly go from casual weeknight dinners to holiday table stars. They’re quick, healthy, insanely flavorful, and customizable in a hundred ways.
Whether you sauté, roast, or toss them raw in a salad, these little green ribbons are the veggie upgrade your meals have been waiting for.
So next time you’re staring at a bag of Brussels sprouts wondering what to do—now you know. Shave, season, and savor.
