4 Ways To Cook Frozen Broccoli - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cook Frozen Broccoli PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Reheating Frozen Broccoli on Stovetop 2 Steaming Frozen Broccoli on the Stove Top 3 Steaming Frozen Broccoli in the Microwave 4 Roasting Frozen Broccoli in the Oven Recipes + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN

Last Updated: April 15, 2024 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN. Jennifer Lease is a Registered Dietitian and Trained Chef based in Denver, Colorado. With nine years of experience in the food and nutrition fields, she specializes in a plant-forward approach to applying nutrition information to cooking. Jennifer holds a BS in Dietetics and a Dietetic Internship Certificate from The University of Delaware. She also received her professional chef training from The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 203,420 times.

Frozen broccoli is a nutritious, cost-effective alternative to fresh broccoli. Since frozen broccoli is already cut, cleaned, and blanched, using it in your meals can also save you time. You can prepare frozen broccoli on a stovetop, in a microwave, or in an oven.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Reheating Frozen Broccoli on Stovetop

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  1. Step 1 Bring a pot of saltwater to a boil. 1 Bring a pot of saltwater to a boil. Fill a pot with water. Stir in a heaping tablespoon of salt. Place the pot on a burner over high heat. Wait for the saltwater to come to a boil.
    • Before broccoli is frozen it is blanched (cooked in boiling water and then placed in an ice bath to stop the cooking process). Since the frozen broccoli is precooked, you only need to reheat the broccoli.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 2 Heat the frozen broccoli in the boiling water for 2 to 4 minutes. Add the broccoli to the pot of boiling water. Within 2 to 4 minutes, the broccoli will become bright green and tender. At this point, turn off the burner and remove the pan from the heat.[2] Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 3 Strain, season, and serve the broccoli. Retrieve a colander and place it over a sink. Pour the contents of the pan into the colander. Transfer the strained broccoli into a serving dish. Season the reheated broccoli to taste and serve hot.
    • Popular seasoning options include: salt, pepper, butter, and garlic salt.[3] [4]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Steaming Frozen Broccoli on the Stove Top

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 1 Bring a pot of water to a simmer. Cover the bottom of the pot with a few inches of water—the steamer basket or sieve must fit snugly inside the pot and should not touch the water. Place the pot on a burner over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a simmer.
    • To check the water level, insert the steamer basket or sieve into the pan before bringing the water to a boil. If the water level is too high, pour out some water.
    • You must use at least 1 cup water.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 2 Fill the steamer basket or sieve with the broccoli. Once the water comes to a simmer, place the steamer insert or sieve over the water. Pour the frozen broccoli into the steamer. Cover the pot with a lid.[5]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 3 Steam the broccoli until tender. Steam the frozen broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the lid and use a fork to assess the vegetable’s tenderness. If the broccoli is tender, turn off the burner and remove the pot from the heat.
    • If the broccoli is not tender, recover the pot and steam for 1 more minute.[6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 4 Season and serve the broccoli. Remove the lid and set it to the side. Use hot pads or cooking mitts to take the steamer basket or sieve out of the pot of simmering water. Transfer the broccoli into a serving dish. Season to taste and serve.
    • Popular seasoning options include: salt, pepper, olive oil, and/or garlic salt.[7]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Steaming Frozen Broccoli in the Microwave

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 1 Prepare the broccoli for steaming. Pour approximately ½ pound frozen broccoli into a microwave safe dish. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid.[8]
    • If your microwave safe dish does not have a lid, cover it with a microwave safe plate.
    • As the water heats up, it will turn into vapor and steam the veggies.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 2 Microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes, then stir. Place the dish in the microwave. Set the device's power level to HIGH and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes. Once done, remove the dish from the microwave, take off the lid, and stir the vegetables.
    • When you uncover the dish, be aware that steam will escape. To protect yourself from the steam, wear oven mitts or use hot pads.[9]
  3. Step 3 Microwave the broccoli for 2 additional minutes. 3 Microwave the broccoli for 2 additional minutes. Recover the dish and return it to the microwave. Steam the broccoli for 2 additional minutes. Open the door, remove the dish, and check to see if the broccoli is heated through.
    • If it is still cold, return the dish to the microwave and steam the broccoli for 1 minute intervals until heated through.[10]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 4 Strain and serve the broccoli. Grab a colander and place it over a sink. Pour the contents of the dish into a strainer. Once the excess water is removed, transfer the frozen broccoli into a serving dish. Season the broccoli to taste and serve.
    • Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and/or butter.[11]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Roasting Frozen Broccoli in the Oven

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  1. Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400˚F and prep the baking sheet. 1 Preheat the oven to 400˚F and prep the baking sheet. After turning on your oven, pull out a baking sheet and a roll of parchment paper. Tear off a sheet of parchment paper the size of the baking sheet. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Instead of parchment paper, you may cover the pan with non-stick cooking spray.[12]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Broccoli 2 Toss the frozen broccoli in oil and seasoning. Once the oven is preheated, place ½ pound frozen broccoli into a mixing bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the frozen florets and season to taste. Use a spoon to toss the broccoli in the oil and seasoning. Spread the contents of the bowl—including the excess oil—onto the baking sheet.
    • Seasoning options include: salt, pepper, garlic, and/or garlic salt.[13]
  3. Step 3 Roast the broccoli for 20 minutes then flip. 3 Roast the broccoli for 20 minutes then flip. Place the broccoli in the oven and set a timer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Use a spatula to turn the broccoli.
    • As you flip the broccoli, do your best to redistribute the excess oil and seasonings as well.[14]
  4. Step 4 Return the broccoli to the oven to brown. 4 Return the broccoli to the oven to brown. Reinsert the pan into the oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, assess the broccoli’s color. If the broccoli has minor brown batches, remove it from the oven and serve hot.
    • If the broccoli hasn’t browned, return the pan to the oven. Monitor the broccoli to ensure that it does not burn. Once it is speckled with brown spots, remove the pan from the oven and serve hot.[15]
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Recipes

Sample Stovetop Frozen Broccoli Recipe Sample Steamed Frozen Broccoli Recipe Sample Microwave Garlic Parmasean Frozen Broccoli Recipe Sample Roasted Frozen Broccoli Recipe

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can I saute thawed frozen broccoli? Zachary William Joubert Zachary William Joubert Community Answer The texture will suffer minimally, but any change will be barely noticeable if too much water was not present on the broccoli. You can saute almost all veggies during winter months that are frozen late fall. Okra, onions, garlic and broccoli are all good to use from the freezer, given proper storage. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
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Video

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Tips

  • Keep your broccoli frozen until you are ready to use it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • When microwaving broccoli, the dish used tends to become very hot. Use caution when removing dish from microwave. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

Reheating Frozen Broccoli on Stovetop

  • Frozen broccoli
  • Water
  • Pot with lid
  • Colander
  • Salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and/or garlic powder

Steaming Frozen Broccoli on the Stove Top

  • Frozen broccoli
  • Water
  • Pot with lid
  • Steamer basket or sieve
  • Colander
  • Fork
  • Salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and/or garlic powder

Steaming Frozen Broccoli in the Microwave

  • Frozen broccoli
  • Water
  • Microwave-safe dish with lid
  • Oven mitts or hot pads
  • Spoon
  • Colander
  • Salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and/or garlic powder

Roasting Frozen Broccoli in the Oven

  • Frozen broccoli
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and/or garlic powder
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Spoon
  • Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray

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References

  1. https://www.yahoo.com/style/how-to-use-frozen-brocolli-in-quick-nutritious-140641981.html
  2. https://www.yahoo.com/style/how-to-use-frozen-brocolli-in-quick-nutritious-140641981.html
  3. Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN. Registered Dietitian & Trained Chef. Expert Interview
  4. https://www.yahoo.com/style/how-to-use-frozen-brocolli-in-quick-nutritious-140641981.html
  5. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-broccoli-5-ways-167323
  6. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-broccoli-5-ways-167323
  7. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-broccoli-5-ways-167323
  8. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-broccoli-in-the-m-47176
  9. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-broccoli-in-the-m-47176
More References (6)
  1. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-broccoli-5-ways-167323
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8OsTzcJM7U
  3. https://slimsanity.com/roasted-frozen-broccoli/
  4. https://www.budgetbytes.com/2015/12/oven-roasted-frozen-broccoli/
  5. https://www.budgetbytes.com/2015/12/oven-roasted-frozen-broccoli/
  6. https://www.budgetbytes.com/2015/12/oven-roasted-frozen-broccoli/

About This Article

Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN Co-authored by: Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN Registered Dietitian & Trained Chef This article was co-authored by Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN. Jennifer Lease is a Registered Dietitian and Trained Chef based in Denver, Colorado. With nine years of experience in the food and nutrition fields, she specializes in a plant-forward approach to applying nutrition information to cooking. Jennifer holds a BS in Dietetics and a Dietetic Internship Certificate from The University of Delaware. She also received her professional chef training from The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. This article has been viewed 203,420 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 12 Updated: April 15, 2024 Views: 203,420 Categories: Featured Articles | Cruciferous Vegetables | Basic Cooking Skills Article SummaryX

To cook frozen broccoli on the stovetop, start by filling a pot with water and stirring in a heaping tablespoon of salt. Once the salt water comes to a boil, add the broccoli and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until it becomes bright green and tender. Alternatively, to steam frozen broccoli in the microwave, put a few tablespoons of water and your broccoli in a microwave safe dish, cover it with a lid or plate, and heat on High. After 2 minutes, stir the broccoli and heat for another 2 minutes, or until it’s heated through. To learn how to roast your frozen broccoli in the oven, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Charles Handren

    Charles Handren

    Jan 4, 2018

    "I eat frozen broccoli several times per week, and was looking for alternatives to microwaving it. I found three..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN Co-authored by: Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN Registered Dietitian & Trained Chef 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12 Updated: April 15, 2024 Views: 203,420 Charles Handren

Charles Handren

Jan 4, 2018

"I eat frozen broccoli several times per week, and was looking for alternatives to microwaving it. I found three..." more Rated this article: Jacqueline Baruch

Jacqueline Baruch

Jan 29, 2019

"I have a lot of frozen broccoli and wanted to serve it roasted. Now I know how to do it." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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