Shredding brussels sprouts is a quick and easy way to prepare them for a salad or your favorite side dish. From manually with a knife to using a mandolin we have all the hacks to speed up making shredded brussels sprouts.
This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Brussels sprouts have layers, like tiny cabbages, and when you slice them thin you get lovely shreds of lettuce like leafy greens. There are plenty of ways you can use shredded Brussels sprouts to add flavor and texture to your meals.
Whether you’re tossing them into a salad, roasting them in the oven, or sautéing them in a hot pan, shredded Brussels sprouts are always sure to add some deliciousness to your dinner table.
Jump to:
🌡️How to Select and Store Brussels Sprouts
It is best to purchase them during peak season from October through March. Brussels sprouts may still be on the stalk or removed and sold in bulk or in bags.
When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for bright green, tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have blemishes on the leaves.
Whole brussels sprouts should be stored in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They should be good for 5 to 7 days provided you do not wash them before storing them.
After cutting, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will help keep them fresh and flavorful for your recipes.
🔪How to Clean and Prep
To start, remove any loose or damaged outer leaves and discard them. Rinse the sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
If the sprouts are very large, you may also want to slice them in half lengthwise to make them more evenly sized and easier to handle.
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts in a Food Processor
The easiest and quickest way to shred Brussels sprouts is in a food processor. It is also my favorite and what I use when making my favorite shaved brussels sprout salad.
Install the slicing attachment to your food processor. It should be like a big silver disc with a mandolin blade. Place it on the top cover and turn until it clicks.
Trim the very end of the root end of the bulb where the sprout met the stalk. Start adding the sprouts to the chute and turn the processor on. Continue to add the sprouts until they are all shredded.
If your sprouts are large they might not fit into the feed tube. In this case, cut them in half before adding them.
Dump the shredded pieces into a large bowl and use your hands to separate the pieces.
Make sure not to overprocess, or you will end up with mushy shaved sprouts!
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts with a Knife
If you don’t have a food processor, shredding Brussels sprouts with a knife is an easy alternative. Then trim the stems off the bottom of each sprout and cut them in half lengthwise.
Place the trimmed and halved sprouts cut side down on your cutting board. Then firmly hold the root end with your fingertips tucked under. Use a sharp chef's knife (i.e. not serrated) to make very thin slices through each of the Brussels sprouts.
Continue slicing until all of the sprouts are shredded into thin strips. Use your hands to separate the layers of the sprout.
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts with a Mandolin
A mandolin is an excellent tool for quickly and easily shredding Brussels sprouts. Do not trim the ends off of the sprouts, you can use the root end as a handle.
Start by holding the whole or halved sprouts onto the base of your mandolin. Move back and forth to slice the sprout, and discard the root end. Then, using the thinnest setting, guide each of the halves through the blade to achieve thin strips.
Be cautious when working with this kitchen tool, as it can be quite sharp! I prefer to use the provided safety piece or safety glove when using a mandolin.
This is the Mandolin I use. This inexpensive mandolin comes with a grating attachment and julienne attachment (2 sizes!) and can make vegetable noodles. Plus it is less than $30!
Now you’re ready to enjoy freshly shredded Brussels sprouts in all their glory! So get creative and enjoy this versatile vegetable today!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
For the best results, be sure to use a sharp knife when shredding brussels sprouts with a knife. A dull blade can put too much pressure on the sprouts as you slice resulting in torn cuts. This allows more water to seep out and make your vegetable mushy.
How to Use In Recipes
Shredded sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. The mild flavor pairs well with sweet and savory flavors, making it a great addition to salads, side dishes, and main courses. Here are some delicious examples:
Salads – Shaved Brussels sprouts make a great salad base or topping! Toss them with your favorite greens for a unique twist on the classic green salad. Top with crunchy nuts crumbled cheese like parmesan cheese or feta, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for added flavor.
Side Dishes – For a simple yet delicious side dish, sauté shaved Brussels sprouts in extra virgin olive oil until they’re lightly browned and tender. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Or add garlic, herbs, and a squirt of lemon juice for extra flavor. You can follow our sauteed greens recipe for more detailed instructions.
Main Courses – Add shaved Brussels sprouts to your favorite stir-fries or pasta dishes for extra crunch. They’re also great incorporated into soups and stews or as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
With so many delicious ways to use shaved Brussels sprouts, you can easily incorporate them into your meals all year round! Now that you know how easy it is to make this healthy vegetable at home, why not give it a try?
💬Frequently Asked Questions
Shaving Brussels sprouts is a technique that requires slicing the sprouts into thin strips. Shaving and shredding brussels sprouts are the same thing. This can be accomplished with a knife, food processor, or mandolin slicer.
No, I don't recommend using a box grater to shred brussels sprouts, the pieces will be too thin and small. They will disintegrate when cooked and won't have that classic crunch if eaten raw.
No, it’s not recommended to shred Brussels sprouts in a blender, as it will turn them into a mushy consistency. Instead, using a knife, food processor, or mandolin slicer for the most even and thin slices is best.
Yes, you can eat raw Brussels sprouts! They have a mild flavor that pairs well with other vegetables, dressings, and vinaigrettes.
Learn More Knife Skills
📖 Recipe
How to Shred Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Food Processor optional
- Mandolin optional
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts
Instructions
- To start, remove any loose or damaged outer leaves and discard them. Rinse the sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim the root end.1 pound brussels sprouts
- Food Processor: Using the cutting disc attachment, place the whole or halved sprouts down the tube. Once they are all shredded use your hands to break up the pieces.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Cut the trimmed brussels sprouts in half lengthwise. Place the cut side down and slice each half into thin slices, less than ⅛ inch.
- Mandolin: Do not trim the sprouts, use the dry root end to help the sporut and use the slicing attachment to shave the brussels sprouts into thin slices.Discard the root end.
Notes
- Whole brussels sprouts should be stored in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to 7 days.
- Do not wash before storing them.
- After cutting, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Join the Discussion