9 Ideal Substitutes for Brussel Sprouts with Ratio and How to Use Them

Brussels sprouts are a tasty vegetable that can be found in different types of cuisines and dishes.

For some, Brussels sprouts are a beloved vegetable, but for others, they fall under the category of “hated.” If you fall into the latter group, don’t worry.

You can still enjoy the same savors and textures with these 7 excellent Brussels sprouts substitutes. 

Whether you’re looking for a similar taste or texture or simply want to try something new, these vegetables are sure to become your new go-to ingredients. So, let’s get ready to taste all these one by one.

In short, " What can I use instead of brussel sprouts?"

Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Green Beans, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Radicchio, Bok Choy, Celeriac.

What are Brussels sprouts, and what do Brussels sprouts taste like?

Brussels sprouts are small, leafy green vegetables that belong to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cabbage and broccoli.

They resemble miniature cabbages, with tightly packed leaves that form a round shape. Brussels sprouts have a distinct taste that can be described as mildly sweet and nutty, with a subtle bitterness.

When cooked, Brussels sprouts develop a tender texture, and their flavor intensifies. Some people compare the taste of Brussels sprouts to that of cabbage but with a slightly stronger and earthier profile.

The taste can vary depending on the cooking method. Roasting Brussels sprouts can enhance their natural sweetness and bring out caramelized notes while steaming or boiling them can result in a milder flavor.

It’s worth noting that Brussels sprouts can be quite versatile and take on different flavors when paired with complementary ingredients or seasonings.

They can be enjoyed raw in salads, sautéed with garlic and spices, roasted with herbs, or even grilled for added smokiness.

Exploring various cooking methods and flavor combinations can help enhance the taste of Brussels sprouts and make them more enjoyable for different palates.

Uses of brussel sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be cooked in various ways.

Brussel sprouts can be boiled or steamed to bring out their natural sweetness, or they can be roasted to add flavor and crunchy texture.

When cooked properly, brussels sprouts take on a nutty flavor with sweet undertones that are enjoyable for most people.

They can use as a side dish with main course meals such as poultry or fish, but they’re also tasty when added to salads or stir-fry recipes.

Additionally, brussel sprouts make a great snack when combined with other ingredients like nuts and dried cranberries for an energy-packed pick-me-up.

Where to buy brussel sprouts?

If you are looking for brussel sprouts where to buy, you can go to a few different places. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of brussel sprouts.

Best substitutes for brussel sprouts with measurement

1. Broccoli

broccoli is good substitute for brussel sprouts

Broccoli is a green vegetable from the same family as Brussels sprouts. Its florets can easily replace Brussels sprouts in most recipes.

Ratio or measurement: When using it as a replacement, keep the ratio 1:1.

It means if you require a cup of Brussels sprouts, swap it with a cup of broccoli, chop them into similar sizes, and proceed with the recipe.

2. Cabbage

Cabbage is another cruciferous vegetable that has a slightly different flavor than Brussels sprouts but can be substituted in a pinch.

It is sweeter and milder, so add some vinegar or lemon juice to add tartness.

Ratio or measurement: When substituting Brussels sprouts with cabbage, keep the ratio a 1.5:1, i.e., 1.5 cups of cabbage for every cup of Brussels sprouts required.

3. Kale

kale is good replacement for brussel sprouts

Kale is a green, leafy vegetable that has a robust taste that can hold its own against the robust Brussels sprouts.

Ratio or measurement: When using kale in place of Brussels sprouts, the ratio is 1.5:1.5.

This means one and a half cups of kale can replace one cup of Brussels sprouts.

4. Green Beans

Suppose you want a milder, crunchier veggie than Brussels sprouts in your recipe. In that case, green beans are a great substitute.

Look for tender, fresh ones and cut them into similarly sized pieces to sprout.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio for green beans is 1.5:1.5, which means if a recipe calls for one cup of Brussels sprouts, use 1.5 cups of the beans.

5. Asparagus

asparagus is nice substitute for brussel sprouts

Asparagus is another crunchy vegetable with a slightly different flavor profile from the Brussels sprouts, making it an excellent substitute in many recipes.

Ratio or measurement: When using Asparagus, keep the ratio at 1:1 with brussel sprouts. Blanch them first before utilizing them in a recipe.

6. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the same family member as Brussels sprouts and is an ideal substitute for them. It is milder and sweeter than Brussels sprouts but has a similar texture.

Ratio or measurement: When substituting cauliflower for Brussels sprouts, the ratio is 1.5:1.

7. Radicchio

radicchio is nice alternate for brussel sprouts

Radicchio is a crunchy, bitter, and colorful lettuce-like vegetable that can replace Brussels sprouts in different recipes like salads, dips, and more.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio for radicchio is 1.5:1, and remember to cut them into similarly sized pieces.

8. Bok Choy

Bok choy has a distinct flavor but a delicate texture, making it an excellent substitute for Brussels sprouts. It has a subtle crunch and smells sweet as you cook it.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio of bok choy to Brussels sprouts is 1 cup of sliced bok choy, which equals 1 cup of Brussels sprouts.

It is an excellent addition to stir-fries, soups, and stews.

9. Celeriac

celeriac is great substitute for brussel sprouts

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is another great substitute for Brussels sprouts. This root vegetable has a unique nutty flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

It can be boiled, roasted, or mashed, just as you would with Brussels sprouts.

Ratio or measurement: The ratio of celeriac to Brussels sprouts is 2 cups of chopped celeriac, which equals 1 cup of Brussels sprouts.

Substitute for brussel sprouts in salad

One of the best substitutes for Brussels sprouts in a salad is kale. Kale is an incredibly nutrient-dense leafy green that adds a slightly bitter flavor to salads, much like the taste of Brussels sprouts.

Kale also provides many essential vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Furthermore, kale is rich in fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels and can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Another great substitute for Brussels sprouts in a salad is cabbage. Cabbage comes in many different varieties and colors and can add a delicious crunchy texture to your salad.

It, too, is full of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber. Cabbage also contains sulforaphane which has been studied for its potential cancer-fighting effects.

The third great substitute for Brussels sprouts in a salad is broccoli rabe (rapini). Broccoli rabe is a cruciferous vegetable with an intense flavor that adds complexity to any salad dish.

It’s high in many vital nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron, also dietary fiber. The bitterness of broccoli rabe also contrasts nicely with sweet or acidic flavors from other ingredients in the salad.

balsamic vinegar substitute for brussel sprouts

When cooking brussel sprouts, a popular substitute for balsamic vinegar is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a sweet and sour taste that can help to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

It is also much less concentrated than balsamic vinegar and, therefore, won’t overpower the flavor of the brussel sprouts.

Additionally, it contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics that can help to keep your gut healthy.

To use it as a substitute, a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts olive oil, seasonings of your choice, and a pinch of sugar or honey for sweetness. 

This mixture will provide the same acidic flavor as balsamic vinegar would without overpowering the taste of the brussel sprouts.

5 Nutritionally similar vegetables to brussel sprouts

1. Broccoli

Perhaps the most nutritionally similar to Brussels sprouts, broccoli is high in dietary fiber and a fine source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and potassium.

It also contains phytochemicals that may provide some cancer-fighting properties.

2. Cauliflower

Another cruciferous vegetable like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower is low in calories yet still rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

It is an extraordinary source of antioxidants and vitamins C, K and B6. Cauliflower also contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.

3. Kale

Packed with nutrients like iron, potassium, folate and magnesium, kale also contains carotenoids which can help protect against certain cancers and other diseases.

It’s an excellent source of fiber which can aid digestion health and help keep you fuller for longer periods of time.

4. Radishes

While not as well known as their cruciferous counterparts, radishes are still very nutritious due to their elevated levels of vitamin C and antioxidants such as anthocyanins which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

They are low in calories but still contain some fiber making them a great addition to any diet plan.

5. Turnips

Not only are turnips packed with essential vitamins A, C and E, but they also contain dietary fiber, which can assist in decreasing cholesterol levels in the body while aiding digestion health at the same time.

They are also a nice source of folate which can play an important role in cell maintenance for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.

Explore more: Ideal Parsley Substitutes for Garlic Bread with Exact Measurements

Conclusion on substitute for brussel sprouts

When a recipe calls for Brussels sprouts, and you cannot access them or find them disagreeable, there is no need to panic. 

You now have 7 perfect substitutions for Brussels sprouts, each with a unique flavor profile, texture, and preparation method. 

You can quickly swap them using the recommended ratios in this blog post and enjoy creating your favorite dishes. 

Experiment with substituting these vegetables, and who knows, you might end up liking the new flavors even more than the original. Happy Cooking!

FAQs on substitute for brussel sprouts

Q1. What is similar to brussel sprouts?

Brussel sprouts are similar to other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and kohlrabi. They also have similarities to garlic and onions in terms of flavor profile.

Additionally, Brussels sprouts can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting or sautéing with olive oil or buttery spread. In some recipes, they may even replace potatoes as a side dish!

Q2. Can cabbage substitute for Brussels sprouts?

Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are both members of the cruciferous vegetable family, so they do have a few similarities. However, when it comes to taste or texture, cabbage and Brussels sprouts can’t quite be considered substitutes for each other.

Cabbage has a milder flavor than Brussels sprouts and is more tender in texture, with crunchy leaves that can be shaved into salads or cooked down into stews. On the other hand, Brussels sprouts are much smaller and denser, with a more intense flavor that some liken to broccoli.

Though they may appear similar on the outside, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, have many distinctive differences when it comes to taste or texture. Therefore, while both vegetables are nutritious choices, cabbage cannot fully substitute for Brussels sprouts in recipes.

Q3. Can you substitute broccoli for Brussels sprouts?

Yes, broccoli can be substituted for Brussels sprouts in many recipes. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable similar to Brussels sprouts but with a slightly different flavor and texture. Broccoli has a milder, slightly sweet taste and can easily substitute for the small cabbage-like Brussels sprouts.

When using broccoli as a substitution for Brussels sprouts, it’s important to cut the florets into pieces of the same size as the Brussels so that they will cook evenly. Additionally, since broccoli cooks more quickly than Brussels sprouts, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes when substituting it in recipes.

While broccoli and Brussels sprouts have some similarities in taste and texture, there are also distinct differences between them that will affect how dishes turn out when substituting one for the other.

Q4. Can you substitute brussel sprouts for cabbage in soup

Sure, you can substitute Brussels sprouts for cabbage in soup. Both are hearty vegetables that are packed with nutrition and add a great texture and flavor to any soup dish. In terms of taste, brussel sprouts have a slightly nuttier flavor than cabbage, adding an extra depth of flavor to the soup.

Nutritionally, both vegetables contain fiber as well as vitamins A, C and K; however, brussel sprouts offer more beneficial compounds like sulforaphane which has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation. Additionally, replacing cabbage with brussel sprouts is a good option if you’re looking to reduce your carb intake since they have fewer carbohydrates.

Q5. What spice for brussel sprouts

When it comes to spicing up brussel sprouts, there are many options available. One of the most popular choices is garlic, which adds a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the vegetable.

Other spices that work well with brussel sprouts include thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg—all of which provide an earthy flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetable. You can also try a bit of cayenne pepper for a mild kick or curry powder for an exotic twist.

For even more unique flavor combinations, try sautéing your brussel sprouts in butter and crushed red chili flakes or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to bring out its smoky flavor. No matter which spices you choose to use, just be sure to add them sparingly so as not to overpower your dish!

Q6. Can you substitute brussel sprouts for broccoli

Yes, you can substitute Brussels sprouts for broccoli in many recipes. Both vegetables have similar tastes and textures, but brussel sprouts are more nutritionally dense than broccoli in minerals and vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin K, folate, iron, potassium, and manganese.

Additionally, brussel sprouts have significantly higher fiber content per serving compared to broccoli. The same cooking methods used for broccoli (roasting, steaming, stir-frying) are suitable for brussel sprouts as well. Simply cut the small cabbage-like heads into halves or quarters and prepare according to your recipe.

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