Why You Should Freeze This Veggie
Broccoli’s peak season is typically between October and April, but I’m a big fan of it year-round. If you’re like me, then knowing how to freeze your perfect fresh broccoli is the gift that keeps on giving. With this method, you can stock up on gorgeous fresh broccoli while it’s in season, then freeze it for those warm summer months when the selection’s not as great.Because the broccoli’s cooked before we freeze it, you won’t have that bitter flavor or unpleasant texture you might get if you freeze fresh broccoli without cooking it first.This method works with any amount of broccoli. If you can store it then you can freeze it! Don’t be afraid to go broccoli crazy. As long as you store it properly, frozen broccoli will keep up to 8 months.
How to Thaw and Use Frozen Broccoli
So there’s actually a few different ways to thaw and use your frozen broccoli. It just depends on what you’re in the mood for!To use the frozen broccoli in another recipe, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.To heat and eat the frozen broccoli on its own…
Microwave the Frozen Broccoli: Place the frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour in ¼ cup water. Cover the bowl with a plate, and microwave everything for 4 minutes on full power. After 4 minutes, carefully remove the plate and check the broccoli. If it’s not tender or hot enough, repeat the process for another 1-2 minutes.Microwave the Thawed Broccoli: Thaw broccoli overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer the thawed broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave everything 1-2 minutes or until hot.Boil the Frozen Broccoli: Bring large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in the frozen broccoli. Boil broccoli 1-2 minutes, then immediately use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the water.Sauté the Frozen Broccoli: Heat butter or oil in large skillet. Add frozen broccoli to melted butter (or hot oil) and sauté until broccoli is softened and warmed through.
My Favorite Broccoli Recipes
So now that you know how to freeze broccoli, and you know how to thaw frozen broccoli, try using it in these delicious recipes!
Keto Broccoli Cheese SoupInstant Pot Broccoli with an Easy Lemon Butter SauceGrilled BroccoliKeto Broccoli SaladBroccoli Cauliflower SaladWhole30 Casserole with Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, and Mushrooms (Paleo, GF)Cheesy Broccoli CornbreadTofu and BroccoliPork Stir FryCheesy Vegan Broccoli Soup (Whole30, Paleo)Dill Dip
Chef’s Tips
Cooking the broccoli first is absolutely imperative. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with frozen broccoli that’s bitter, has an unpleasant texture, and just isn’t great. For your convenience, we’ve listed out THREE different cooking methods for completely perfect frozen broccoli. You only need to use one method, though!When you’re choosing fresh broccoli, look for heads of broccoli with dark green buds and green stems. The broccoli should be vibrant – not wilted, mushy, or yellow at all. You’ll want to keep fresh broccoli in the fridge until you’re ready to use it or freeze it. Just dry it well and leave it in a loose produce bag so it doesn’t trap ethylene gas in the bag. Use it or freeze it within a week of bringing it home.If you don’t have a trivet for your Instant Pot, use a steamer basket instead! If you’re steaming the broccoli on the stovetop, just be careful not to overcrowd the basket. If you do, the broccoli won’t cook evenly.
Other How-To’s You’ll Be Glad You Know!
How to Dice an Onion… the Easy Way!How to Truss a ChickenOrange Zest – How to Make It and Ways to Use ItHow to Freeze Zucchini (3 Ways)How to Freeze Corn (on the Cob and Kernels)All About Lemon Zest + 4 Ways to Zest a Lemon
