Use a big pot with lots of water. Crowding them drops the temperature, and then they stew instead of boil. Stewed sprouts are sad sprouts.
Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda? No. That keeps them green but makes them mushy. Salt only. Salt is your friend.
How to cook Brussels sprouts - Which?
After 5 minutes, plunge them into ice water or rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking instantly. It’s called “shocking,” and it’s dramatic and effective.
The Ultimate Boil Chart (Because We Love Lists)
Whole sprouts: 5-6 minutes. Halved sprouts: 3-4 minutes. Frozen whole: 6-7 minutes. Massive ones: 7-8 minutes, but seriously, buy smaller ones.
Test one after 5 minutes. Cut it in half. If the centre is opaque and the leaf layers separate easily, you’re golden. If it squeaks when you bite it, you’ve nailed it.
