Use these easy methods to prepare frozen broccoli so that it is flavorful and tender rather than soggy. Here’s how to microwave, steam, saute, roast, and add to a variety of recipes.
Even on the busiest days, frozen vegetables are the ideal shortcut for preparing healthy meals. They are more reasonably priced, oh so handy, and just as nutrient-dense as their fresh counterparts!
As they keep well in the freezer for months, I also love that they contribute to reducing food waste.
Frozen broccoli can be eaten in a variety of ways, including as a delicious side dish or as an ingredient in your preferred main dish. Let me show you!.
Choosing the best frozen broccoli presents a challenge because you can’t see the vegetables inside the bag.
When it comes to quality and flavor, different brands are different from one another. Therefore, it’s beneficial to pick up a bag from each store that you visit. Additionally, store brands are excellent, so don’t feel like you must only look for name-brand bags.
You want pieces of broccoli that are uniformly sized and bright green, and the only ingredient should be broccoli.
For any of these cooking techniques, the broccoli doesn’t need to be thawed. Just add straight from the freezer!.
If preparing as a side dish, this is my go-to cooking technique. The broccoli will still have a nice bite to it and you can flavor it just the same even though it won’t get as crispy as freshly roasted broccoli!
Because it’s easier to chew, your toddler might prefer this to fresh broccoli if you have any.
As the broccoli needs to be very soft, I suggest steam roasting or steaming (see below) for infants.
Although many advise thawing the broccoli first, I’ve found that using this method results in the best texture and is easier.
Here are some ideas for using frozen broccoli in recipes that call for soft broccoli, including soups and casseroles.
For the best texture, I advise eating the cooked frozen broccoli right away. But with two young children who love broccoli one day and throw it out the next, leftovers are unavoidable as a parent.
Then, let the vegetables cool before putting them in an airtight container. It can last up to five days in the fridge.
You can either eat it cold, which is what we do most of the time, or you can reheat it briefly in the microwave or on the stove.
To preserve the majority of the nutrients, eradicate bacteria, and prevent spoilage, frozen broccoli is harvested at its ripest, blanched, and quickly frozen. One distinction is that frozen food won’t have a crisp texture because it has already been partially cooked.
You don’t have to, but if there is a lot of ice on top, give it a quick rinse under running water. There may be suggestions to thaw (especially for sauteeing) to get rid of extra moisture. But use my advice for each of the cooking techniques and bid farewell to mushy, tasteless frozen broccoli!
If you tried this recipe, please rate it and let me know how you liked it; your comments are very helpful to me.
How do you steam frozen broccoli in the microwave?
You must steam your frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with a glass lid if you don’t have a “steamable” bag of frozen broccoli that can be cooked directly in the bag.
In a dish that can be microwaved, put about 2 cups of frozen broccoli (or a 10 to 12 oz bag). Put some water in the dish’s bottom, about an inch. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on HIGH in the microwave under a glass lid. 8 minutes for crisper broccoli, 10 minutes for more tender.
I simply stir in a pat or two of butter and a dash of salt after the broccoli has finished cooking. Before serving, I let the butter melt and stirred everything together.
What’s the difference between Broccoli Cuts and Florets?
I always make sure to buy broccoli florets. It’s the crowns. You won’t end up with pretty florets or “trees,” as we like to refer to the cut up broccoli, if the bag simply says “broccoli cuts.”
When making a casserole like broccoli cheese casserole or simply adding broccoli that will be mashed up into a dish, broccoli cuts are a good purchase. I dislike using it as a side dish with broccoli.
I always purchase broccoli florets, and “baby broccoli” is the best if you prefer the tender variety like we do. Baby broccoli in the form of small florets that steam to a really nice and tender consistency is available in bags at Picsweet.
What To Do With Frozen Broccoli?
I like to keep frozen broccoli simple. For a fast vegetable lunch option, steam the frozen broccoli in the microwave, instant pot, or steamer before seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Although you can combine your frozen broccoli seasoning with some garlic powder, tarragon if you’re serving it with chicken, or even cajun seasoning.