How to Cook Frozen Broccoli (5 Easy Ways)

You probably have some in your freezer, but do you know how to cook frozen broccoli without sacrificing any flavor or taste? Read on.

Few vegetables are as satisfying, delicious, or universally appreciated as broccoli. Given that it freezes so well, many of us like to always have a bag or container on hand. But do you know how to cook frozen broccoli effectively without losing any flavor?

I’d love to show you how, outlining several different ways you can provide more tasty options for your dinner table!

How to Steam Frozen Broccoli

It’s easy and delicious to steam frozen broccoli!

Here are our step-by-step instructions for how to steam broccoli that is frozen:

1. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Add a steamer basket or metal colander to the top of the pot, making sure the water does not flow into the basket.
3. Add the desired amount of broccoli.
4. Cover with a lid and allow to steam 5-8 minutes.
5. Shake the basket halfway through to allow all broccoli to heat evenly.
6. When done, remove from the heat source and season with your choice of toppings, such as butter, salt, and pepper.

Don’t have a steamer basket? No problem.

You can use a microwave to steam broccoli.

1. Place frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
2. Cover with a loose-fitting lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes.
3. Microwave until broccoli is tender. Stir regularly to heat evenly.

How to Sauté Frozen Broccoli

Cooking broccoli on the stove can also be done by sautéing it.

1. Allow your frozen broccoli to thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours or until it is no longer frozen.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
3. Add the broccoli in a single layer and cook for a few minutes without stirring.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the cover and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the water to evaporate.

How to Prevent Broccoli from Being Soggy

If you’re concerned about your frozen broccoli being soggy after it’s prepared, you can add an extra step to help remove some excess liquid.

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 
2. Place your frozen broccoli on a parchment paper-lined cooking sheet in a single layer, spaced out just enough to avoid overcrowding.
3. Roast for 10 – 20 minutes. (Check at the 10-minute mark and toss to heat evenly.) 

This process will remove extra water from the vegetable and allow it to crisp up if you’re planning to prepare it without steaming it. Enjoy!

How Long Does Frozen Broccoli Last?

Frozen broccoli lasts 2-6 months in a freezer when stored in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container, depending on how it was prepared. Unblanched broccoli can be frozen for up to 3 months, and blanched broccoli can be frozen for up to 6 months.

For best results, vacuum seal broccoli before freezing. Vacuum-sealed broccoli should be consumed within 8 months.

How to Freeze Broccoli

Freezing parboiled broccoli is a great way to save fresh vegetables for future use. It makes future meals so convenient and helps preserve the vitamins and nutrients of your veggies.

After parboiling the broccoli, pat the florets dry and place them on a lined or silicone baking sheet. Spread them out evenly, making sure they do not touch. 

Place the sheet in a freezer for 2-4 hours, or until frozen.

Remove the broccoli from the freezer and place in individual freezer bags. Label with the best-by date (aim for 3 months out).

If you notice signs of freezer burn on your broccoli, you may wonder if it’s safe to eat. Good news — the USDA states that it is safe to consume freezer-burned food. You may notice a slight variation in taste or texture, but the food itself will not make you sick.

Ways to Prepare Thawed Broccoli

Frozen broccoli that has been thawed can be prepared in many ways.

As seen above, you may want to remove some excess water from your broccoli before cooking it.

Here are some of our best how-to tips and our favorite broccoli recipes!

Cook broccoli in the oven on a sheet pan! My kids love this method. Roasting broccoli is the number one way to get everyone in my family on board with the veggie — you just need to know how long to bake broccoli for the perfect results. You can also make it in the toaster oven if you prefer.

The next best method, in my opinion, is broccoli in the air fryer. Check out this easy air fryer broccoli recipe for a simple introduction to an easy method of preparing this veggie for your family.

If you’re looking for more variety, check out 7 of our best broccoli recipes that will give new life to main and side dishes. I love some healthy dinner inspiration, myself! My favorites are our kid-friendly Healthy Cheesy Skillet Potatoes with Broccoli recipe and our Broccoli Cheddar Zoodle Bake recipe that is perfect for breakfast or lunch, and easy to pack for work or school.

If that’s not enough, check out our How to Cook Broccoli Six Delicious Ways article for our best tips and tricks for picking the perfect fresh broccoli and more information about other ways you can prepare broccoli fresh or frozen.