Frozen vegetables are the quintessential shortcut for getting healthy meals on the table even on the busiest days. They are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, more affordable, and oh so convenient! I also love that they help reduce food waste as they are good in the freezer for months. There are endless ways to enjoy frozen broccoli, whether as a side dish or as a delicious addition to your favorite main. Let me show you! And if you’re looking for more, here’s how to cook frozen green beans, frozen Brussels sprouts, and frozen peas.
Selecting the Best Frozen Broccoli
The challenge to grabbing the most optimal frozen broccoli is that you can’t see the veggies inside the bag. There is a difference among brands when it comes to quality and taste. So it’s worthwhile to grab a bag from different stores as you visit them. Also, store brands are great, so don’t feel like you have to seek after name-brand bags only. My top favorites are 365 by Whole Foods, Costco, HEB, and Trader Joe’s. What you’re looking for is evenly-sized, bright green broccoli pieces, and the only ingredient should be broccoli. You will find the broccoli labeled as:
Broccoli florets – contains mostly florets or the top of broccoli. Mini trees is what we call them. These are best for roasting and what we gravitate most towards. Broccoli cuts – contains both florets and stems and is great for soups and casseroles.
Ingredients
Frozen broccoli – You can purchase either broccoli florets or cuts. However, stick to the florets if intending to roast. Oil – Needed for roasting and sauteeing. Any neutral oil will work, like olive oil or avocado oil. I also love sesame oil for sauteeing. Seasonings – Simply adding your favorite herbs and spices can really enhance the broccoli flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Garlic, ginger, oregano, cumin, Italian seasoning, curry powder, parsley, chili powder…endless options!
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli
There is no need to thaw the broccoli for any of these cooking methods. Just add straight from the freezer!
Roasted Frozen Broccoli
Saute
Steam
Microwave
Place 1/2 pound of broccoli and 2 tablespoons water into a microwave safe dish. Cover with a lid or microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir and cook for 2-3 additional minutes. It will take about 5 minutes. Strain and season.
Frozen Broccoli Recipes
Frozen broccoli works great in soups, casseroles, and any recipe that requires it to be soft! Here are some suggestions! If you have a toddler, you may find that they prefer this over the fresh broccoli because it’s easier to chew.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli Chicken Quinoa Casserole (add to step 4 with sweet potatoes) Veggie-loaded Bolognese Iron-rich Pasta Sauce Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Storage
I recommend enjoying the cooked frozen broccoli immediately for best texture. But as a mom of two littles who love broccoli one day and toss it the next, leftovers are bound to happen. In that case, allow the vegetables to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat briefly in the microwave or on the stove or enjoy cold, which is what we do most of the time. You can also chop and add to easy meals like:
Savory French Toast Oatmeal Broccoli Hummus Dip Baked Salmon Patties Veggie Nuggets Pizza Quesadilla Pizza Eggs
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