Easy Ways To Cook Frozen Veggies Without A Steamer

Frozen vegetables are a convenient, affordable, and nutritious option, but cooking them without a steamer can be a challenge. Here's an introduction to some alternative cooking methods to ensure your veggies turn out tender and flavorful, never soggy.

One option is to sauté frozen vegetables in a skillet. Simply add your chosen frozen veggies to a skillet over medium-high heat, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil or another cooking oil, and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Another method is roasting. Preheat your oven to between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and coat a roasting pan with a thin layer of olive oil. Toss your frozen veggies in olive oil or coconut oil, spread them in a single layer on the roasting pan, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You can also grill frozen vegetables. Place them in tin foil or a vegetable basket with a little olive oil and cook on a medium to medium-high heat grill, stirring or flipping them occasionally to avoid sticking or charring.

Lastly, you can steam frozen vegetables without a steamer by using a strainer or colander. Bring an inch or two of water to a boil in a pot, place the strainer or colander in the pot, add the frozen veggies, cover, and cook over medium-high heat until tender.

How to steam frozen veggies in the microwave

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it in the microwave.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the desired amount of frozen vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl. There is no need to defrost them first. Just make sure they are spread out evenly in the bowl so that all the pieces cook through.

Step 2: Add Water

Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl. The water will create steam and prevent the vegetables from drying out. Make sure the water only covers the bottom of the bowl. Too much water will make your vegetables soggy.

Step 3: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will trap the steam inside and help the vegetables cook faster. Leave a small gap for the steam to escape, so that pressure does not build up.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 3-5 minutes. If the vegetables are not completely cooked, put them back in for one-minute increments until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make them mushy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Carefully drain any excess water from the bowl before serving. Toss the vegetables with your favourite seasonings, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy!

How to roast frozen veggies in the oven

Roasting frozen vegetables is a great way to prepare them without having to defrost them first. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat your oven

Preheat your oven to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature will help the vegetables defrost and cook more easily.

Prepare your baking sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can also coat your roasting pan with a thin layer of olive oil and put it in the oven while it heats up.

Toss your veggies in oil

Take your favourite frozen veggies and toss them in olive oil or coconut oil. This will help them get nicely browned and crisp.

Spread the veggies on the baking sheet

Spread the oiled veggies on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

Roast the veggies

Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the veggies for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will give them a nice, even colour and texture.

Season to taste

Once the veggies are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven and season with salt, pepper, or your favourite herbs and spices. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a nice touch of freshness.

Enjoy!

Your roasted frozen veggies are now ready to be enjoyed! They make a great side dish or addition to any meal.

How to sauté frozen veggies in a pan

Sautéing frozen vegetables is a great way to prepare them quickly while maintaining their taste, texture, and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sauté frozen veggies in a pan:

• Choose your frozen vegetables. You can use a mix of frozen veggies such as carrots, peas, corn, and green beans, or opt for single varieties like broccoli or cauliflower.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil of your choice in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also use a large frying pan for this.
• Pour the frozen vegetables into the skillet or pan. You don't need to defrost them first; cooking them straight from frozen helps retain their crunchiness and flavor.
• Cook the vegetables uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• As the vegetables start to brown, you can lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness.
• Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, season them with your choice of spices, herbs, or sauces. You can try soy sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a combination of these. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• Mix everything together, and your sautéed frozen veggies are ready to be served!

Sautéing frozen vegetables is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty and nutritious side dish. You can also add proteins like chicken or beef to make it a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy veggies!

How to boil frozen veggies without them going soggy

Preparation

Before you start, decide how many veggies you want to cook and choose a pot that is the right size. You will need a pot with a lid. You will also need a steamer basket, colander, or strainer that fits inside the pot. If you don't have any of these, you can use a heat-proof plate and some aluminum foil.

Boiling

Fill the bottom of your pot with 1-3 inches of water. Be careful not to fill the pot any higher, as this could make your veggies soggy. Place the pot on your stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Steaming

Once the water is boiling, carefully place your steamer basket, colander, or strainer inside the pot, making sure it is above the water level. If it is submerged or touching, carefully remove it or pour out some of the water. If using a heat-proof plate, roll up three balls of aluminum foil and place them into the pot with the water. Put the plate on top of the foil balls.

Cooking

Slowly pour your desired amount of frozen veggies into the steamer basket, colander, strainer, or plate. Turn the heat down to low or medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid. Check the guide below for how long to steam your chosen veggies.

Cooking Times

• Artichoke hearts, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, cauliflower rice, spinach, kale, or other leafy greens: 2-4 minutes
• Zucchini spirals or noodles, squash: 3-5 minutes
• Peas, carrots, green beans, corn: 5-8 minutes
• Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower: 5-8 minutes
• Edamame, whole green beans: 5-8 minutes
• Corn on the cob, Brussels sprouts, pearl onions: 7-10 minutes
• Carrots: 7-10 minutes

Serving

Once your veggies are fork-tender, turn off the heat and gently spoon them into a serving bowl or plate. Season with salt and pepper, or add some butter or olive oil and your favorite herbs. Enjoy!

How to grill frozen veggies on a barbecue

Grilling frozen vegetables is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grill frozen veggies on a barbecue:

Preparation:

• Thawing: Although you can grill vegetables straight from frozen, it's best to thaw them slightly for more even cooking. You can do this in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Seasoning: Toss the thawed vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to enhance their flavour.
• Preheat the grill: Set your barbecue to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Grilling:

• Direct grilling: Place the vegetables directly on the grill grates. You may use a grill basket or skewers to prevent smaller pieces from falling through.
• Cover and cook: Close the grill lid and cook the vegetables for 8-10 minutes. Turn them occasionally with tongs for even cooking.
• Check for doneness: The vegetables are ready when they are tender and have grill marks. Use a fork to test if they are done.

Serving suggestions:

Grilled frozen vegetables are versatile and can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used as toppings for pizzas, sandwiches, or wraps. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions