Cooking Frozen Broccoli: Easy Methods Without A Steamer

Frozen broccoli is a convenient and nutritious option that can be easily cooked without a steamer. Here are some alternative methods to achieve perfectly cooked broccoli using common kitchen tools.

One simple method is to use a pot with a lid and a colander for draining. Add water to the pot, place the broccoli in the colander, cover with a lid, and simmer over medium heat until the broccoli is tender. You can also use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, then stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes as needed. Alternatively, you can roast frozen broccoli in the oven by spreading it on a baking sheet, drizzling with oil, and roasting at 425°F for about 20 minutes. For a stir-fry, heat a large nonstick pan, add frozen broccoli, cover and cook for 5 minutes, then uncover, drizzle with oil, season, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Roasting in the oven

Roasting Frozen Broccoli in the Oven

Roasting frozen broccoli in the oven is a great way to get a tasty side dish with minimal effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F. While the oven is heating up, take out a baking sheet and a roll of parchment paper. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the size of your baking sheet. This will make cleaning up easier later. You can also use non-stick cooking spray instead of parchment paper.

Toss the Broccoli in Oil and Seasoning

Take a mixing bowl and add 1/2 pound of frozen broccoli. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the frozen florets. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil. Now, add your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic, and garlic salt. Use a spoon to toss the broccoli until it's well coated with oil and seasoning.

Spread the Broccoli on the Baking Sheet

Take the contents of the bowl, including any excess oil, and spread them out on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space around each piece of broccoli to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming and mushy broccoli.

Roast the Broccoli

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set a timer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to flip the broccoli. Try to redistribute the excess oil and seasonings as you flip.

Return the Broccoli to the Oven to Brown

Put the baking sheet back into the oven and set the timer for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli. You're looking for it to develop some brown spots. If, after 10 minutes, it hasn't browned enough, return it to the oven and monitor closely to prevent burning. Once it's nicely speckled with brown spots, remove it from the oven and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• You can add some grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra flavour kick.
• If you're cooking for babies, it's best to steam the broccoli or steam-roast it to ensure it's very soft.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote even roasting.
• Frozen broccoli is already parboiled, so it will cook faster than fresh broccoli. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Sautéeing on the stovetop

Sautéing on the stovetop is a great way to cook frozen broccoli without a steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

There's no need to thaw the broccoli before cooking. Simply take it straight from the freezer and place it in a large skillet or frying pan. You may need to cook the broccoli in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would cause the broccoli to steam instead of sauté.

Step 2: Add Water and Cook

Add a small amount of water to the pan—approximately 1/4 cup of water for every 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of broccoli. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until the ice from the broccoli melts, which should take around 2 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and Wipe Down the Pan

Transfer the broccoli to a colander and shake off any excess moisture. It's important to drain the broccoli at this stage to prevent oil splatter when you return it to the pan. After draining, wipe down the pan to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 4: Add Oil and Sauté

Add a drizzle of oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Return the drained broccoli to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Avoid tossing the broccoli too much so that the florets can get a chance to brown.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Add your choice of seasonings and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavours. Popular seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil. Place the sautéed broccoli in a serving dish and enjoy!

Tips:

• Cut any large florets into smaller pieces so that they are all uniform in size. This will help ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the broccoli to prevent it from becoming soggy. Frozen broccoli is already partially cooked, so it will cook faster than fresh broccoli.
• Experiment with different seasonings and flavours to find what you like best. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or get creative with herbs, spices, and sauces.

Steaming in the microwave

Steaming frozen broccoli in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook this nutritious vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect steamed broccoli without a steamer:

• Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli: Place about half a pound of frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. There is no need to thaw the broccoli beforehand; you can add it straight from the freezer!
• Step 2: Add Water: Add a small amount of water to the dish, approximately 1-2 tablespoons. This water will turn into vapour and steam the broccoli.
• Step 3: Cover and Microwave: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Place the dish in the microwave and set it to high power. Steam the broccoli for 2 minutes.
• Step 4: Stir and Microwave Again: After the initial 2 minutes, remove the dish from the microwave and stir the broccoli to ensure even cooking. Recover the dish and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 5 minutes.
• Step 5: Check for Doneness: Open the microwave and carefully remove the dish, as it will be hot. Check if the broccoli is heated through and tender. If it is still cold, return it to the microwave and cook in 1-minute intervals until done.
• Step 6: Strain and Serve: Pour the steamed broccoli into a colander to remove excess water. Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish and season with salt, pepper, butter, or your favourite herbs and spices. Enjoy your perfectly steamed broccoli!

Remember to be cautious when handling the hot dish, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your nutritious and tasty steamed broccoli!

Boiling on the stovetop

If you have a pot and access to boiling water, this method is a great option for cooking frozen broccoli.

First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. You don't need to add salt to the water, but you can if you want to.

Next, add the frozen broccoli to the boiling water and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes tender. You can test this with a fork.

Then, using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the broccoli from the pot and transfer it to a colander to drain.

Finally, run cold water over the broccoli to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color. Season the broccoli with your favorite seasonings and serve it hot.

Some popular seasoning options include salt, pepper, olive oil, and/or garlic salt. You can also try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This will help prevent the broccoli florets from sticking to the basket.

Step 2: Add Broccoli to the Air Fryer

Place the frozen broccoli florets into the air fryer basket. It is best not to thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this can affect the texture and make it soggy.

Step 3: Season the Broccoli

Spray the broccoli with olive oil or avocado oil spray, and then add your chosen seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. Give the basket a good shake or stir to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated.

Step 4: Air Fry the Broccoli

Set the air fryer to 400°F and air fry the broccoli for 10-20 minutes, stirring at least once during cooking. Keep a close eye on it, especially after the 10-minute mark, to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, serve it immediately. You can sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for an extra kick of flavour.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the broccoli regularly to avoid burning.
• For extra crunch, add some panko breadcrumbs before air frying.

Frequently asked questions