Brussels sprouts are in our crisper drawer for the long haul. But we’re getting a little tired of eating them the same way every time. Enter shredded Brussels, a refreshing take on this veggie that turns them into fluffy strands with a coleslaw-like texture. It may sound fancier than just halving them and calling it a day, but it’s really easy to pull off. Here’s how to shred Brussels sprouts without any fancy tools.
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts (Even If You Don’t Have a Food Processor)
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Published Jun 11, 2020
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts
Shaved Brussels are a great base for a salad, stir-fry or any veggie side. And they’re so versatile: You can eat them raw just like kale and lettuce or cook them in any way, from roasting to baking to sautéing. Because they’re thinner than halved sprouts, they get soft and evenly flavored when cooked or dressed without their tough cores. The easiest way to shred Brussels (besides buying them pre-shaved, of course) is in a food processor with a slicing or shredding attachment. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you don’t have one.
Want to be as hands-off as possible? Use a blender. A mandoline also shreds halved sprouts like a charm, as does a sturdy cheese grater in a pinch. But slicing them up by hand is also pretty low-lift if you know how to do it efficiently.
Here’s how to shred Brussels sprouts without any fancy tools—all you need is a knife. Just be sure to wash the sprouts before cutting them and rub off any surface dirt that you see. You can also give the shredded sprouts another rinse once you’re finished to make sure they’re clean.
Sofia Kraushaar
1. Cut Off Their Stems
These are the relatively flat, tough ends of the sprouts. Discarding them helps the shredded layers come apart later on. Try to slice off as little as possible so the Brussels sprouts stay together in single pieces.
Sofia Kraushaar
2. Remove Any Brown, Bruised Or Tough Outer Leaves
They should peel right off once the stems are removed.
Sofia Kraushaar
3. Slice The Sprouts In Half
Cut them longways down the middle on a cutting board with a sharp knife.
Sofia Kraushaar
4. Slice The Sprouts Thinly
Start by placing the sprouts horizontally and flat side-down on the cutting board. Then julienne them all the way across from root to top.
Sofia Kraushaar
5. Separate The Shreds
The sprouts’ layers may be a bit stuck together, so just tease apart and gently separate each of the layers until they’re all loose. Then they’re ready to eat raw or add to a recipe.
Ready to cook? Here are some of our favorite recipes that call for shredded Brussels sprouts.
Give cabbage the night off. Swap it (and clumpy mayonnaise) for kale and shredded sprouts to make Kale and Brussels Sprout Caesar Slaw. Next time you’re craving takeout, whip up a few Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken and Shredded Brussels Bowls, a low-carb dish packed with protein, veggies and not a single grain of rice. Your kids will love our Brussels Sprouts Latkes so much that they won’t even miss the potatoes. The star of your next dinner party is this sophisticated take on a classic no-utensils app, Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos. And Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with avocado, candied walnuts and an easy red-wine vinaigrette is the lunch upgrade you’ve been looking for.
