Steaming Publix Vegetables: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Publix offers a range of steam-in-bag vegetables, including mixed vegetables and garden duo (peas and carrots). These products are designed for convenience and easy cooking. The steam-in-bag method allows customers to cook vegetables quickly in the microwave without the need for additional appliances or gadgets. This method also helps retain nutrients in the vegetables. However, it's important to note that there was a recall of some steam-in-bag vegetables in 2021 due to potential listeria contamination. When preparing steam-in-bag vegetables, it's crucial to follow the package instructions for food safety and quality. This includes cooking the vegetables thoroughly to the specified temperature and handling the bag carefully as its contents can get very hot.

Microwave cooking instructions

To cook Publix Steam-in-Bag vegetables in the microwave, follow these simple steps:

Firstly, gently separate the product in the bag. It is important that you do not pierce the bag. Place the unopened bag on a microwave-safe dish, ensuring that the front panel is facing down. The front panel must face down in the microwave at all times.

Microwave the vegetables on high for 5-6 minutes. The bag will expand as steam builds and then contract as the steam escapes, so be careful not to burn yourself. Let the bag stand for 1-2 minutes to allow the hot steam to deflate.

When removing the bag from the microwave, carefully handle it at the sealed ends or corners, without turning the package over. Hold the bag over a serving dish and carefully cut it open, pouring the vegetables into the dish. Be cautious as the contents will be very hot. Always keep the back panel facing up to prevent any excess moisture from leaking.

Microwaves can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

Stovetop cooking instructions

To cook Publix Steam-in-Bag vegetables on a stovetop, you will need a saucepan with a lid and about a 1/4 cup of water.

First, place the frozen vegetables and the water in the saucepan. Turn the burner to high heat and bring the water to a boil. This should take about 5 minutes, depending on your stove.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the vegetables to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring them frequently with a spoon or spatula to ensure even cooking.

After simmering, drain the water and season the vegetables to taste. You can add salt, pepper, herbs, or any other desired seasonings. Enjoy your freshly cooked Publix Steam-in-Bag vegetables!

Preparing the vegetables

Publix offers a range of frozen vegetables that can be steamed in a bag, including mixed vegetables with carrots, corn, peas, green beans, and lima beans, as well as a garden duo with green peas and carrots. These steam-in-bag options provide a quick and convenient way to cook vegetables without the need for additional appliances or gadgets.

To prepare the vegetables for steaming in the bag, start by gently separating the product inside the bag. It is important to note that you should not pierce the bag during this process. Place the unopened bag on a microwave-safe dish, ensuring that the front panel is facing down. Keep the bag in this position throughout the microwaving process.

The cooking time may vary depending on the specific type of vegetable and the desired level of doneness. For most varieties, microwave the bag on high for 5 to 6 minutes. During this time, you will notice the bag expanding as steam builds up and then contracting as the steam escapes, which is a normal part of the cooking process.

Once the cooking time is complete, let the bag stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the hot steam to deflate. Always exercise caution when handling the bag as the contents will be very hot. Hold the bag at the sealed ends or corners and avoid turning the package over. Remove the bag from the microwave without flipping it over.

Now, you can carefully cut open the bag over a serving dish and pour out the cooked vegetables. Remember to keep the back panel facing up to prevent any excess moisture from leaking. Microwaves can vary in terms of power and performance, so adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your vegetables are cooked to your desired texture and taste.

Cooking times

The cooking time for Publix Steam-in-Bag vegetables depends on the method of cooking.

For microwave cooking, the bag should be placed on a microwave-safe dish with the front panel facing down. The cooking time is 5-6 minutes on high. The bag will expand as steam builds and then contract as the steam escapes. After cooking, leave the bag to stand for 1-2 minutes to allow the hot steam to deflate.

For stovetop cooking, place the vegetables and 1/4 cup of water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

If using a ziplock bag in the microwave, cook the vegetables on high for about 3 minutes. Then, open the door and allow the steam to escape and the bag to cool down. Check if the vegetables are cooked enough, and if not, cook for another minute.

Health and safety

It is important to follow the cooking instructions provided with the Publix Steam-in-Bag vegetables to ensure food safety and quality. The vegetables should be kept frozen until ready to cook, and should not be thawed. Any leftovers should be refrigerated.

Before eating, the vegetables should be cooked thoroughly to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important to prevent any foodborne illnesses, such as listeria contamination, which can be caused by consuming contaminated food. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

When cooking the vegetables in the microwave, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Do not pierce the bag, and place the unopened bag on a microwave-safe dish with the front panel facing down. The bag will expand as steam builds and contract as steam escapes during the cooking process. Always keep the back panel facing up to prevent any excess moisture from leaking. After cooking, carefully handle the bag at the sealed ends or corners and hold it over a serving dish before cutting it open, as the contents will be very hot.

For stovetop cooking, use a saucepan and add 1/4 cup of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain the vegetables and season to taste.

Frequently asked questions