How to Prepare Frozen Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent source of many different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for our health. Whether you choose to purchase fresh or frozen broccoli, you will still be getting all of the same fantastic nutrients since frozen broccoli is picked at peak ripeness and frozen shortly after. This helps to lock in and preserve all of the nutrients. Frozen broccoli can also be a great option because it’s more affordable, and you don’t have to worry about food waste since it will keep for much longer.

If you have frozen broccoli and aren’t sure how to prepare it, look no further! Here are a few tips for preparing frozen broccoli to eat as a side dish or as a tasty addition to your favorite main dish. See the featured recipes below to try your hand at a few of these frozen broccoli tips.

Roast

Roasted broccoli is a great side dish that adds extra texture and flavor to any meal you prepare. Roast frozen broccoli the same way you would fresh broccoli. Toss the broccoli in olive oil with your favorite seasonings, and roast on a baking sheet at 425°F until the broccoli is slightly browned and fully cooked.

Thaw in Hot Water

Suppose you’re planning on adding frozen broccoli to another dish, such as a stir-fry, frittata, or casserole. In that case, it can be helpful to thaw the frozen broccoli so that it’s at the same temperature as the rest of the ingredients. You can place the broccoli in a bowl and fill it with hot tap water. If you’d like to speed up this process, change the water as soon as it gets cold. Repeat until the broccoli is at the desired temperature.

Microwave

Microwaving broccoli is a tried-and-true method for preparing a nutritious side dish. It tastes great with a little bit of salt, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or some melted cheese. To microwave, pour the broccoli into a microwave-safe dish with a lid and add about ¼ cup of water. Microwave on high for five minutes or until the broccoli is the desired texture. If you don’t have a microwave-safe dish with a lid, you can also cover a microwave-safe bowl with plastic wrap. Just be sure to poke a few holes in it so the steam can escape!

Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Cook with Pasta or Add to Soup

A wonderful way to eat broccoli is to add it to a bowl of pasta or in soup. This is a convenient method because you can add the frozen broccoli to the pot of boiling pasta when there are about 3 minutes left on the cooking time of the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander, and serve with whatever toppings you prefer. For soup, add the frozen broccoli to any soup recipe, and be sure it simmers until the broccoli is tender.