How to Shred Brussels Sprouts (Even If You Don’t Have a Food Processor)

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.

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.

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.