Cooking frozen broccoli is one of the easiest and most nutritious meals you can prepare. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without having to shop for fresh ingredients. But if you don't know how to cook it properly, it can turn into a soggy broccoli, flavorless mess.

What Are the Best Ways to Cook Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli is a great way to have nutritious vegetables on hand without having to go shopping for fresh ingredients. It's usually sold in florets, which are the edible parts of the plant that resemble small trees or bunches of flowers.

Frozen broccoli is flash-frozen at its peak ripeness, making it a healthy and convenient option when you need a quick meal. Some of the best ways to cook frozen broccoli include sautéing, steaming, microwaving, and blanching in boiling water or adding to soups and stews.

Cooking Methods

Frozen vegetables should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer where they will keep fresh for up to 6 months. The following cooking methods are some of the best ways to cook frozen broccoli:

1. Oven Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted frozen broccoli is a delicious and easy side dish that will make your dinner complete. The following would help you execute this:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking oil.
• Place the piece of broccoli florets on the rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and sprinkle them with garlic or onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, parmesan cheese, and kosher salt to taste.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through but still crisp and tender. For an extra flavor boost, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the roasted broccoli cuts before serving.

This vegetable side dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, so consider adding it to your weekly meal prep rotation for a quick dinner option! Enjoy this tasty treat hot from the oven for maximum flavor.

2. Sauté

Sautéing frozen broccoli is a great way to make a delicious and nutritious side dish. You can first begin by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the frozen broccoli florets to the pan. The cook time is for 5 minutes, stirring often and adding a little bit of water if needed.

Once the broccoli is cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste, as well as any herbs or spices you like. For an extra punch of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest before serving. Sautéed frozen broccoli makes a great side dish for all kinds of meals and can be prepared in minutes!

3. Steam

Another great and simple way to cook these frozen veggies is by steaming is a great way to cook frozen broccoli and retain their nutrients. Begin by filling a large pot with an inch of water and adding it to the steamer basket.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the frozen broccoli florets. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium, and steam for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and/or red pepper flakes if desired.

For an extra punch of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving. Steamed frozen broccoli makes for a delicious vegetable side dish that comes together in minutes.

4. Microwave

Microwaving frozen broccoli is an easy and convenient way to quickly cook this nutritious fresh vegetable. With little to no prep time, you may look at the following steps:

• To begin, place ½ pound of frozen broccoli florets and two tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or another microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for two minutes. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
• Once cooked, strain any excess water and season as desired – salt, pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, etc.
• Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra punch of flavor.

Microwaved frozen broccoli is ready in just five minutes and makes for a delicious side dish or addition to salads or grain bowls.

5. Blanch in Boiling Water

Blanching frozen broccoli in boiling water is the most common way to quickly and easily cook this nutritious vegetable. To start, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add ½ pound of frozen broccoli florets and blanch for two to four minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

Once cooked, remove from heat and strain away any excess water. For added flavor, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Blanching frozen broccoli in boiling water is one of the fastest ways to get it from the freezer to the table and makes for a great side dish or addition to salads or grain bowls.

(See more: 14 Recipes That Start with a Bag of Frozen Broccoli )

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Broccoli

Not hooked on the idea yet, here are the following benefits that would surely get you to try this delicious broccoli:

• Cooking frozen broccoli is a great way to get your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Frozen broccoli is flash-frozen at its peak ripeness, making it an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A and high in fiber.
• Cooking with frozen broccoli is a great way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable side dish without the hassle of dealing with fresh broccoli.
• Frozen broccoli florets are already pre-cut and ready to go, and they require minimal preparation time. Plus, you can enjoy the same nutritional benefits as fresh broccoli since it’s just been flash-frozen at its peak freshness.

Cooking frozen broccoli is not only convenient but also incredibly easy and delicious! With these simple methods, you can have a nutritious vegetable side dish ready in no time. So grab that recipe card out of your kitchen drawer and get cooking!