Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts (fresh + frozen)

Instant Pot brussels sprouts are steamed, then sautéed in butter and sprinkled with sliced almonds. A quick and easy side dish!

I use my Instant Pot to cook tons of main course options all the time, but it's also surprisingly great to cook up quick side dishes as well! Instant Pot broccoli and honey glazed carrots are both quick options, as are these brussels sprouts!

This is a simple yet tasty recipe that can be on your table in under 20 minutes! The sprouts are tender, but not mushy, and are full of flavor thanks to butter, flaky salt, and almond slices.

Recipe video

Watch the video below to see how to prep this recipe! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

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Ingredient notes

• brussels sprouts- you can use fresh or frozen brussels sprouts using this method. If using frozen, leave them whole!
• butter- I tested this recipe with salted butter, so if you use unsalted butter, you may want to add a smidge of extra salt (taste and season accordingly)
• almonds- optional, but adds extra texture and a nutty flavor that goes well with the butter. Swap for pine nuts or chopped hazelnuts.
• salt- we add table salt to the butter, then sprinkle the sprouts with flaky sea salt to serve.

Preparing the brussels sprouts

Start by washing the sprouts and patting them dry. Slice the bottom ¼ inch of the stem off each sprout, and remove any leaves if brown or discolored.

Brussels sprouts come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the size of your sprouts, you'll want to cut them differently:

• small, organic brussels sprouts (1 ½ inches and smaller)- leave whole
• medium (1 ½- 2 inches)- cut in half
• large (2 inches and larger)- cut in half
• frozen- leave whole

Step by step directions

Scroll to the recipe card for ingredient quantities.

1. Prepare the Instant Pot- place 1 cup (6 quart) or 1.5 cups (8 quart) water into the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet on top, and (if you have one) a steamer basket on top of the trivet. Add the brussels sprouts to the steamer basket.
2. Cook the sprouts- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the steam release handle to the 'sealing' position, and pressure cook on high pressure for 1 minute (see notes below). When the cooking cycle has completed, perform a quick pressure release: carefully transfer the steam release handle to the 'venting' position to release the pressure.
3. Melt the butter- Using oven mitts, transfer the trivet and steamer basket containing the brussels sprouts aside. Carefully decant the water from the stainless steel insert, then return to the Instant Pot. Select the 'sauté' function, and add the butter and salt to the stainless steel insert.
4. Sauté the sprouts- Once the butter is melted, add the brussels sprouts to the Instant Pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, until sprouts are evenly coated in the butter. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and (optional) flaky sea salt, remove the stainless steel insert from the Instant Pot so the sprouts don't burn, and enjoy.

Use a steamer basket

A steamer basket ensures that your brussels sprouts will not have direct contact with the water, which could cause them to get mushy or cook unevenly. I do recommend using a steamer basket, particularly for organic or small frozen brussels sprouts, as they may fall through the trivet. It is possible that larger sprouts will not fall through and would be OK placed directly onto the trivet.

I recommend this steamer basket, which is specifically designed for the Instant Pot. Place it directly onto the trivet.

Quick pressure release is essential

The caveat to the Instant Pot is that it can overcook some tender vegetables. For this recipe, we do a 1 minute cook time (*) with a quick pressure release. The brussels sprouts cook while the pot comes to pressure, and while the pressure is released. It’s absolutely crucial that you do a quick pressure release, or your sprouts will end up overcooked and soggy.

*if you have extremely small, organic brussels sprouts (fresh or frozen), use a 0 minute cook time with quick pressure release.

Getting creative with brussels sprouts

Here are some other ways you can add flavor to your sprouts:

• sprinkle with parmesan or feta cheese
• drizzle with this 2-ingredient balsamic reduction
• top with this miso butter
• drizzle with maple tahini sauce
• add a few cloves of garlic or some herbs to the steaming water
• sprinkle with one of these 7 spice blends

Storage + reheating

Brussels sprouts are best served immediately after they are cooked, however you can store them and reheat through the week. In fact, they are surprisingly good topped with eggs for breakfast!

• fridge- cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• reheat- brussels sprouts are best reheated in an open frying pan or in the air fryer to help prevent them from getting soft. Heat at 350°F or medium heat for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
• Instant Pot Hard and Soft Boiled Eggs
• Creamy Instant Pot Applesauce
• Perfect Instant Pot Black Beans
• Instant Pot Recipes You Need to Know
• Instant Pot 101: a Guide For Beginners