Steaming Frozen Veggies: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Cooking frozen vegetables is easy, and steaming is one of the best ways to prepare them. It's a moist-heat cooking technique that involves exposing vegetables to steam rising from hot water. Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to enjoy more vegetables at mealtime. It keeps them bright, fresh-tasting, and nutritious. They come out tender and delicious, and it's a fast and convenient way to have an easy vegetable side on the table in minutes.

How to steam frozen vegetables on the stove

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their flavour and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam frozen vegetables on a stove:

Step 1: Prepare your pot and water

Firstly, you will need a pot with a lid. Fill the bottom of the pot with water, adding about 1-3 inches of water. Place the pot on your stove and turn the heat to high.

Step 2: Prepare your steamer basket and vegetables

While the water is heating up, prepare your steamer basket. You can use a steamer insert, a collapsible steamer basket, or a colander that fits inside the pot. Make sure the steamer sits above the water and doesn't touch it. If it does, carefully remove some water. Now, slowly pour your chosen frozen vegetables into the steamer.

Step 3: Steam the vegetables

Cover the pot with a lid. The vegetables should be steamed until they are tender. This can take anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable. For example, artichoke hearts and asparagus will take 2-4 minutes, whereas carrots can take 7-10 minutes. Check the vegetables regularly to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Season and serve

Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the steamer and place them in a serving bowl or on a plate. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices of your choice. You can also add some extra virgin olive oil or melted butter for extra flavour.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the steamer to prevent sogginess.
• Check the vegetables a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
• If steaming different vegetables together, ensure they are a similar size and have a comparable level of firmness.
• There is no need to defrost frozen vegetables before steaming, as this can make them mushy.
• To steam without a steamer basket, you can use a strainer or colander, or create a makeshift basket with aluminium foil balls and a heat-safe plate.

How to steam frozen vegetables in the microwave

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them, as it preserves their flavour, texture, and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming frozen vegetables in the microwave:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Water

Place the desired amount of frozen vegetables into a microwave-safe bowl. There is no need to thaw the vegetables first. Spread them out evenly in the bowl to ensure even cooking.

Add water to the bowl, but only enough to cover the bottom. Approximately 1/4 cup of water is sufficient. It is important not to add too much water, as this can make the vegetables soggy.

Step 2: Cover and Microwave

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Ensure that there is a small crack or opening to allow steam to escape, preventing pressure build-up.

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 3-5 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and amount of vegetables.

Step 3: Check and Adjust

After the initial cooking time, check the vegetables. If they are not completely cooked or thawed, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they are warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the vegetables mushy.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully drain any excess water from the bowl. This ensures the vegetables don't become soggy.

Season the vegetables with your favourite herbs, spices, or sauces, and serve while hot.

Tips:

• Some frozen vegetables come in microwave-safe steamer bags, so check the packaging instructions.
• Larger and firmer vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, or brussel sprouts may take longer to cook.
• Avoid overcrowding the bowl to prevent soggy vegetables and ensure even cooking.
• Steaming times may vary depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness.

Enjoy your perfectly steamed frozen vegetables!

How to avoid soggy frozen vegetables

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without making them soggy. Here are some tips to ensure your veggies turn out perfectly:

• Don't overcrowd the steamer: Make sure there is enough space for the steam to circulate and cook the vegetables evenly.
• Set a timer: Frozen vegetables don't take long to cook, so keep an eye on the time and check them often. They can go from perfectly cooked to soggy in a matter of minutes.
• Cut vegetables into similar sizes: If you are steaming different vegetables together, cut them into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
• Don't overcook: Vegetables will continue to cook even after you turn off the heat, so remove them from the steamer as soon as they are tender.
• Season well: Adding herbs, spices, and other seasonings can enhance the flavour of your vegetables and make them more enjoyable.
• Use a steamer basket: Using a steamer basket inside a pot is a great way to ensure the vegetables are not sitting in the water, which can make them soggy.
• Don't defrost before steaming: Cooking frozen vegetables straight from the freezer helps retain their texture and nutrients.
• Choose the right vegetables: Some vegetables hold up better than others when frozen. Opt for lower-moisture, sturdy varieties such as corn, artichokes, cauliflower, peas, and spinach.
• Avoid boiling: Boiling vegetables can make them waterlogged and soggy. Steaming is a much better option as it uses moist heat without submerging the vegetables in water.
• Don't add oil before roasting: If you're roasting frozen vegetables, avoid adding oil before cooking as this can trap moisture and make them soggy.

How to season steamed frozen vegetables

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing too many nutrients. They are also a convenient and affordable option for a healthy meal. Here are some tips on how to season your steamed frozen vegetables to make them even more delicious:

Choose Your Base

Start by choosing a base to coat your vegetables. You can use extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, or a sauce such as salad dressing or marinade. For example, try a Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce or a homemade cheese sauce.

Add Herbs and Spices

Mix in some fresh or dried herbs and spices for extra flavour. You can use parsley, basil, oregano, chili pepper flakes, garlic powder, or whatever else you have in your spice rack.

Get Creative with Citrus and Soy Sauce

Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a burst of freshness, or try something different like orange juice with red pepper flakes or ginger with soy sauce.

Make it Cheesy

For a tasty protein boost, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese, or make your own cheese sauce to stir through.

Add a Savory Kick

If you're feeling adventurous, add some bacon bits or stir through an alfredo sauce.

Keep it Simple

Of course, you can always keep it classic with just some salt and pepper.

Timing is Everything

Remember that steaming times will vary depending on the type of vegetable and whether they are cut into pieces or kept whole. As a general rule, steaming on the stovetop can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, while microwaving usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.

Happy cooking!

The benefits of steaming frozen vegetables

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them, offering several benefits over other cooking methods. Here are some of the advantages of steaming frozen vegetables:

Retains Nutrients

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps preserve nutrients in vegetables. Since steaming uses minimal water and indirect heat, vegetables retain more nutrients than when boiled or cooked in other ways. This is especially true for water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which are susceptible to leaching during cooking. Steaming also helps retain the carotenoids in vegetables.

Quick and Easy

Steaming frozen vegetables is a quick and convenient way to prepare a nutritious side dish. Frozen vegetables are typically cut into safe sizes and shapes, requiring little to no preparation. Steaming also takes less time compared to other cooking methods, making it a fast and easy option for busy days.

Economical and Accessible

Frozen vegetables are often more economical than fresh produce, especially when bought on sale. They are also more widely available and accessible throughout the year, regardless of the seasonality of fresh vegetables. This accessibility ensures you can always stock up on your favourite vegetables and enjoy them whenever you want.

Reduces Waste

Frozen vegetables are excellent for reducing food and money waste. You can use a portion of the frozen vegetables and return the rest to the freezer for another day, minimising waste. This is especially useful for those who live alone or have smaller households, as fresh produce may spoil before it can be consumed.

Taste and Texture

Steaming frozen vegetables helps retain their crunchy texture and vibrant colour. It also keeps them tasting fresh and nutritious. You can further enhance the taste of steamed vegetables by adding seasonings, herbs, spices, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or melted butter.

Frequently asked questions