Table of Contents

Instant Pot Bacon Lemon Brussels Sprouts: A Culinary Revelation

I’ll never forget the first time I truly enjoyed Brussels sprouts. It wasn’t at some stuffy, formal dinner, but rather a casual summer barbecue. My aunt, a woman renowned for her effortless yet exquisite cooking, presented a bowl of vibrant green sprouts glistening with a lemony sheen, punctuated by the smoky allure of bacon. The aroma alone was intoxicating, and that first bite was a revelation. The bitterness I associated with sprouts was gone, replaced by a sweet, savory, and tangy symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. Since then, I’ve experimented with countless ways to prepare this humble vegetable, and this Instant Pot version, with its incredible speed and flavor intensity, has become a household favorite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes (pressure cooking) + ~10 minutes (sautéing)
Total Time: ~27 minutes (including pressure release time)
Servings: 6
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Can be adapted to be Dairy-Free and Paleo

Ingredients

2 lbs Brussels sprouts, cut in half
1 1/2 cups water
6 slices bacon, diced
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment Needed

6-quart or larger Instant Pot
Steamer basket (that fits inside the Instant Pot)
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula

Instructions

Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts. Wash them thoroughly and trim off the ends. Then, cut each sprout in half. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to penetrate more effectively.
Place a steamer basket inside of your Instant Pot. Pour in the water. This creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the steamer basket.
Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it is properly locked. Verify that the vent is set to the seal position. This is crucial for pressure to build correctly.
Cook on high pressure for exactly 2 minutes. This short cooking time ensures that the sprouts are tender-crisp, not mushy.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a manual pressure release. Carefully turn the vent to the venting position to release the steam rapidly. It is vital to release the pressure manually to prevent the sprouts from overcooking and becoming soft. Letting the pressure release naturally will result in mushy sprouts.
Once all the steam has been released and the lid has unlocked, carefully open the Instant Pot. Remove the steamer basket containing the Brussels sprouts and set it aside. This allows them to stop cooking.
Drain the water from the inner bowl of the Instant Pot. Return the empty bowl to the pressure cooker.
Press the sauté function on your Instant Pot. This will allow you to cook the bacon and other ingredients directly in the pot.
Add the diced bacon to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently with a spoon or spatula, until the bacon is browned and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The rendered bacon fat will add incredible flavor to the dish.
Stir in the thinly sliced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the shallots are softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the steamed Brussels sprouts to the pot with the bacon, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for another minute, allowing the sprouts to absorb the flavors from the bacon and aromatics.
Season the Brussels sprouts with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
Turn off the Instant Pot and serve the Bacon Lemon Brussels Sprouts immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the sprouts: The 2-minute pressure cooking time is crucial. Overcooking will result in mushy, unappetizing sprouts.
Bacon Variety: Experiment with different types of bacon for varied flavor profiles. Smoked bacon, maple bacon, or even thick-cut bacon can all add a unique twist.
Shallot Substitute: If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute them with yellow onion, but use a smaller amount as onions have a stronger flavor.
Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the lemon juice intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a bright, aromatic note.
Crispier Sprouts: For even crispier sprouts, after sautéing in the Instant Pot, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Instant Pot Bacon Lemon Brussels Sprouts immediately while they are warm and at their best. They make an excellent side dish for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled fish. You can also serve them as a part of a larger holiday spread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but for better results, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

I don’t recommend freezing cooked Brussels sprouts as they tend to become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the raw Brussels sprouts after trimming and halving them for later use.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	164.9 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	108 kcal	–
Total Fat	12.1 g	18%
Saturated Fat	6.2 g	31%
Cholesterol	25.8 mg	8%
Sodium	295.8 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	12.2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	4 g	15%
Sugars	2.7 g	–
Protein	5.1 g	10%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free option.
Vegetarian: Omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version. You can add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Consider adding toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and richness.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sprouts while sautéing for a hint of spice.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished sprouts for a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the saltiness of the bacon and the acidity of the lemon.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese after cooking for a salty, savory finish (not dairy-free).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: While you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, they tend to be more watery than fresh ones. If using frozen, reduce the pressure cooking time to 1 minute and ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (trimming and halving the sprouts, dicing the bacon, slicing the shallots, mincing the garlic). Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Cooking the dish completely ahead of time is not recommended as the sprouts may lose their texture upon reheating.

Q: My sprouts turned out mushy. What did I do wrong?
A: Overcooking is the most common cause of mushy sprouts. Ensure you are using the correct pressure cooking time (2 minutes) and performing a manual pressure release immediately after cooking.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
A: Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: What other seasonings can I add?
A: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a touch of Dijon mustard can all add unique flavors to the dish.

Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot Bacon Lemon Brussels Sprouts are more than just a side dish; they’re a culinary experience that transforms the often-misunderstood Brussels sprout into a star. The speed and ease of the Instant Pot, combined with the harmonious blend of salty bacon, tangy lemon, and savory aromatics, make this recipe a weeknight winner. I urge you to try this recipe and discover the magic of perfectly cooked, flavorful Brussels sprouts. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and any variations you create – happy cooking!

Instant Pot Bacon Lemon Brussels Sprouts Recipe