How To Cook Frozen Broccoli

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Learn how to cook frozen broccoli using several different methods so you can put those bags of frozen broccoli florets hiding in the back of your freezer to good use! In just minutes, you’ll have a tasty, healthy, and affordable side dish that pairs with all your favorite mains.

Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, Low Carb, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

a bowl of frozen broccoli to use to learn how to cook frozen broccoli

No one wants sad broccoli. Broccoli that’s either too hard or soggy and limp isn’t any fun to eat. We all want broccoli that’s just the right amount of tender and crispy. That’s why I am here to help you to learn how to cook frozen broccoli.

You probably thought you needed to buy fresh broccoli to cook it well. It turns out that it’s easy to turn frozen broccoli into the best side dish in just minutes. If you love broccoli, buckle up because we will show you everything you need to know about how to cook frozen broccoli.

In this post, you will learn 6 different ways including how to thaw frozen broccoli, how to steam frozen broccoli, how to cook frozen broccoli on stove, plus how to stir fry it and how to sauté it.

Plus, I will show you how to season frozen broccoli. This affordable vegetable is so simple to work with. #broccoliforthewin

Ps if you love broccoli you will like this oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli and for fresh broccoli How To Boil Broccoli and How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave posts.

top down view of a bowl of frozen broccoli to be used in the how to cook frozen broccoli recipe

Why Make This Recipe

  • Fasy – No matter which method you choose, you’ll have tasty broccoli in less than 20 minutes.  
  • Simple – No special tools or equipment are needed for cooking broccoli.  
  • Affordable – Frozen broccoli is inexpensive and easy to store.  
  • Easy To Double – Need more broccoli? It’s easy to double or triple the amount for these recipes.  

Ingredient Notes

  • Broccoli – Purchase a bag to keep in the freezer. 
  • Water – Depending on the cooking method, you will need varying amounts of water. 
  • Seasonings – Salt, pepper, or other seasonings such as garlic powder or parmesan cheese will make your broccoli flavorful and delicious. 
  • Oil – Depending on the cooking method, you will want to use a small amount of light, neutral flavored cooking oil such as olive oil.
how to cook frozen broccoli ingredients

What Is Frozen Broccoli?

Broccoli is healthy and affordable. To freeze broccoli, the vegetable is trimmed and blanched, then flash frozen. This quick process means that most nutrients are preserved, so it is just as good for you as fresh broccoli.

Frozen broccoli is affordable and can be kept for up to 6 months in the freezer, so it’s the perfect side dish. 

What’s The Best Way To Cook Frozen Broccoli?

The way you cook broccoli is up to you based on your tastes and how you plan to use the cooked broccoli. My favorite way is to make roasted frozen broccoli, but there are so many options:

  • Boiling
  • Steaming
  • Roasting
  • Microwaving
  • Stir-Frying
  • Skillet 

You can also use your favorite convenience appliances for cooking broccoli.

  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
  • Crockpot
top down view of the roasting method for how to cook frozen broccoli

How To Thaw Frozen Broccoli?

With most cooking methods, it is not necessary to thaw broccoli. However, if the frozen broccoli has a thick coating of ice, you want to remove it by running it under cold water for a few seconds. 

How To Season Frozen Broccoli

Broccoli should always be seasoned with salt at the bare minimum. It doesn’t take a lot to really turn up the flavor. Adding a sprinkle of seasoning is a great way to turn frozen broccoli into an exciting and flavorful side dish. 

When you season frozen broccoli depends a bit on the cooking method. You can always season your broccoli after it’s cooked, but seasoning oven roasted or air fryer frozen broccoli can be done at the beginning. And, when I boil broccoli, I always salt the water before cooking. 

Salt is the most common seasoning, and you probably have some on hand. Here are a few other suggestions to really make your broccoli sidedish shine.

  • Salt and pepper
  • Citrus zest and juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic Powder / Garlic Salt
  • Creole Seasoning
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Fresh Herbs
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
the finished version of the how to cook frozen broccoli recipe

Ready to learn the best way to cook frozen broccoli? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Boil Frozen Broccoli

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Fill a stockpot with salted water. 
  2. Place the frozen broccoli florets into the water and bring it to a boil. 
  3. When the water reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute. Test a piece of broccoli for doneness (it should be tender-crisp). 
  4. If cooked to your liking, drain immediately and serve. 
close up view of one piece of boiled broccoli on a serving spoon

How To Roast Frozen Broccoli

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C / gas mark 4.
  2. Place frozen broccoli on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt then toss to coat.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast broccoli for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  5. Find out more in the Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli post
image collage showing the steps for how to cook frozen broccoli roasting method

How To Microwave Frozen Broccoli

  1. Place ¼ cup of water into a microwave safe dish.
  2. Add the frozen broccoli and sprinkle the florets with salt.
  3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving a gap in one edge so the steam can escape. 
  4. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, then test for doneness.
  5. Continue cooking for 30-45 second intervals until cooked to your liking. 
  6. It usually takes around 5 minutes. 
image collage showing the steps for how to cook frozen broccoli in microwave

How To Air Fry Frozen Broccoli

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
  2. Drizzle the frozen broccoli with oil and toss with garlic powder and salt.
  3. Place into the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for 8-12 minutes or until sizzling and browning at the edges, turning halfway through.
  5. If you want it crispier, you can air fry it for a couple more minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  6. Find out more hints and tips on the Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Post
close up view of the frozen broccoli in air fryer basket

Cook In A Skillet

  1. Heat olive in a skillet.
  2. Add broccoli and any seasonings and mix to combine.
  3. Saute for about 5-7 minutes depending on size of florets and how crispy you want them, stirring regularly.

To Stir Fry

  1. Heat oil on wok making sure there is enough to coat the pan and the broccoli.
  2. Add broccoli and stir fry by stirring continuously.
  3. Add seasonings of your choice ( my preference is gluten free soy sauce, red pepper flakes and a dash of sesame oil).
  4. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender and cooked through.

Pro Tips For Success

  • Always keep a bag of frozen broccoli in the freezer. 
  • Separate any clumps of broccoli into individual florets before cooking. 
  • There is no need to let frozen broccoli thaw, but you want to remove thick ice by running it under water. 
  • Frozen broccoli has already been parboiled, so avoid overcooking, or the broccoli can become mushy. 
  • If air frying, some water will collect in the bottom of the air fryer. Remove the broccoli with tongs and carefully discard the excess water. 
  • For roasting or air frying, be careful not to overcrowd the tray and leave space between the frozen broccoli florets. 
  • Roasting frozen broccoli caramelizes the edges and gives it a nutty flavor. 
top down view of the how to cook frozen broccoli recipe completed and ready to serve

Delicious Variations

  • Experiment With Different Cooking Methods – Each of the cooking methods for frozen broccoli will give you tender and flavorful broccoli. Experiment with the different techniques to see which methods you like best. Roast frozen broccoli for a nutty flavor, while steaming frozen broccoli will be soft and tender. 
  • Swap The Seasonings – You can add any of your favorite seasonings when cooking frozen broccoli. Some of my favorites include citrus zest and parmesan cheese. 
  • Try Other Frozen Vegetables – These methods will work for cooking other frozen vegetables. 
a portion of finished how to cook frozen broccoli roasting method

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – If your frozen broccoli florets have a thick layer of ice, run the broccoli under cold water for a few seconds. 
  • Store – Leftover broccoli can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge. 

FAQs

Is Frozen Broccoli Cooked?

Yes. Broccoli florets are blanched in boiling water for several minutes before it is flash frozen. Frozen broccoli florets will cook faster than chopped fresh broccoli. 

How To Steam Frozen Broccoli?

How to steam broccoli is actually the same process as how to microwave broccoli but can also be done on the stove.  

Can I Cook Frozen Broccoli With No Oil?

Yes. You can eliminate olive oil in any of the cooking methods and just season the broccoli. For roasting and air frying methods, eliminating the olive oil will mean that your broccoli may not get as crispy and golden. 

a finished serving of the how to cook frozen broccoli recipe

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Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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a bowl of frozen broccoli to use to learn how to cook frozen broccoli
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How to Cook Frozen Broccoli

A complete guide to cooking frozen broccoli.
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 4
Calories: 39kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454g) bag broccoli frozen
  • Water
  • Salt

Instructions

Boiled Frozen Broccoli Instructions

  • Fill a stockpot with salted water.
  • Place the frozen broccoli florets into the water and bring it to a boil.
  • When the water reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute. Test a piece of broccoli for doneness (it should be tender-crisp).
  • If cooked to your liking, drain immediately and serve.

Microwaved Frozen Broccoli Instructions

  • Place ¼ cup of water into a microwave safe dish.
  • Add the frozen broccoli and sprinkle the broccoli florets with salt.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving a gap in one edge so the steam can escape.
  • Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, then test for doneness.
  • Continue cooking for 30-45 second intervals until cooked to your liking.
  • It usually takes around 5 minutes.
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Notes

  • Always keep a bag of frozen broccoli in the freezer. 
  • Separate any clumps of broccoli into individual florets before cooking. 
  • There is no need to let frozen broccoli thaw, but you want to remove thick ice by running it under water. 
  • Frozen broccoli has already been parboiled, so avoid overcooking, or the broccoli can become mushy. 
  • If air frying, some water will collect in the bottom of the air fryer. Remove the broccoli with tongs and carefully discard the excess water. 
  • For roasting or air frying, be careful not to overcrowd the tray and leave space between the frozen broccoli florets. 
  • Roasting frozen broccoli caramelizes the edges and gives it a nutty flavor.
  • Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are 0 WW BluePlan SmartPoints in one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Vitamin C: 101mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

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