How to Make Frozen Broccoli Taste Good? [9 Tasty Ideas]
If you have a bag of frozen broccoli in your freezer, you’re now surely faced with the daunting task of making it taste good. I’ve been there, too. Frozen veggies certainly have their time and place, but an unseasoned steamed version isn’t exactly what food dreams are made of. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be an uninspiring side dish. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of effort, you can transform your frozen broccoli into something delicious. So, how do you make frozen broccoli taste good?
There are many possibilities for making it delicious, from mixing it up with spices and herbs – onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, or cumin – to adding it to pasta or sprinkling lots of Parmesan cheese on top.
The best part is that frozen broccoli is so convenient and affordable. With the right flavor combinations and combinations of ingredients, it’s easy to make any dish delicious. So next time you want to make something healthy and tasty, don’t pass up an opportunity to upgrade frozen broccoli.
What to Add to Frozen Broccoli to Taste Good?
As someone who loves veggies, frozen broccoli can be a great go-to item in your kitchen. Sure, it’s already cooked when you buy it, so you can just heat it up and enjoy it, but what if you want to take it to the next level? Here are some ideas that I have found useful to make frozen broccoli taste delicious.
Zesty Lemon Twist
Adding a zesty lemon twist is one idea for taking your frozen broccoli to the next level. Fresh lemon is best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use the zest and juice of a bottled lemon or lime. Not only will it add flavor, but it can also really help bring out the natural flavor of the broccoli.
To do this, first, cook your frozen broccoli according to package instructions. Once it’s finished cooking, take it off the heat and squeeze some fresh lemon or use bottled juice over it. I also like to add some freshly grated lemon or lime zest for extra zing. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are combined, and then enjoy!
Parmesan Cheese
One of the best things you can do to practically any veggies, or even dishes, is to add lots and lots of Parmesan cheese. It’s such an easy way to make your meal taste gourmet and delicious, plus it adds a delightfully cheesy, salty contrast that pairs perfectly with the subtle earthy tones of the broccoli.
My favorite way to add Parmesan cheese is to sprinkle some freshly grated cheese over the cooked broccoli in a single layer. This will ensure that each piece is evenly distributed in the dish and there’s plenty of flavor in every bite.
You can also toss in some grated Parmesan cheese before steaming it. Grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over your frozen broccoli adds an irresistibly savory flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Pasta
One of my favorite ways to use frozen broccoli is to combine it with pasta. This can be a weeknight favorite when short on time! All you need is some pasta, your frozen broccoli, and any ingredients you like to make a sauce.
Try adding garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, as this will give the dish an extra kick. You can also add some Parmesan cheese or some butter for an extra boost and to ensure everything is perfectly combined.
Just remember not to overcook your frozen broccoli. Or, even better, you can roast it and make it nice and crispy!
How to Season Frozen Broccoli to Taste Good?
If you want to make your frozen broccoli from boring to brilliant, the trick is just to add some herbs and spices. The best thing is: the possibilities are endless! These are some of my favorites and maybe not-so-conventional options:
Garlic and Onion
It may seem basic, but sometimes onion and garlic are everything you need! Not only will you add some additional flavor, but you’ll also get an aromatic boost.
Start by chopping a small onion and garlic clove. Heat some butter or oil in a pan on medium heat and saute the onions until soft and fragrant. Just ensure the flame isn’t too high so the garlic doesn’t burn!
Add your frozen broccoli, and stir it all up together. Let everything cook together on low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add some salt or whatever seasoning you prefer, and enjoy!
Marinades
Before heating your frozen broccoli, marinate it in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and lemon juice. You’ll get an extra pop of flavor with each bite!
Or, give it a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Broccoli goes well with sweet flavors too! Just drizzle on some honey before popping the veggie into the oven and experience this vegan-friendly combination that’ll become one of your new favorites!
Fresh Herbs
Whatever you do, don’t forget to top your frozen broccoli masterpiece with a sprinkling of fresh herbs. Not only do they look good, but they can also kick up the flavor.
Choose something like parsley, thyme, oregano, or chives to add an extra punch of flavor to the dish. I especially like adding chives because they will give a light onion flavor and oregano some peppery notes. You can also use other herbs like basil or rosemary for something a little different. Experiment with different varieties and find the combination you like best!
Various Spicy Twists
Here are some excellent combinations that work well with frozen broccoli:
- Garlic, basil, and oregano: a classic Italian combo
- Cumin, chili flakes, and garlic powder: for a Mexican kick
- Tarragon, thyme, and rosemary: for a French twist
- Crushed red pepper flakes and garlic powder: if you are more into Asian flavor
The key to making your own unique blend is to experiment and find the right mix of herbs and spices that fits your taste. As with seasonings of all kinds, start with small amounts – you can always add more if needed.
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli to Taste Good?
As someone who loves broccoli but doesn’t have time for fresh, I’m always looking for ways to make frozen broccoli a little more interesting. After all, it’s easy enough to steam and eat – but let’s face it, it can get boring. That’s why I am here to tell you some other ways to prepare these potentially delicious veggies.
Roasting
Roasting frozen broccoli gives it a nice, crisp texture and brings out its natural sweetness. To prepare frozen broccoli to roast it, you’ll need to take a few steps ahead of time so that it’s ready for the oven.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and add your frozen broccoli to a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, lay out your broccoli on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and pop it into the oven.
After about 20 minutes, your broccoli should have some golden brown edges and be tender-crisp. When finished cooking, you can remove your roasted frozen broccoli from the oven and dress it with an extra splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Sautee Frozen Broccoli in Some Butter with Shallots and Spices
This method produces a flavorful, crisp-tender side dish that perfectly complements a main course.
Just melt some butter in a large nonstick pan, then add minced shallots and your favorite seasoning blend. After giving them a few minutes to become fragrant, add the frozen broccoli and cook, occasionally stirring, until it is heated through and tender. The result is delicious!
Frozen Broccoli Improved
Ingredients
- 12 oz Frozen Broccoli
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 7 Shallots minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Chilli Flakes
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- First, melt the butter in a large nonstick pan.
- When it's melted, add minced shallots and everything besides the broccoli.
- After giving the spices a few minutes to become fragrant, add the frozen broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and tender. It usually takes about 10 minutes.
- And, it's done! The result is delicious and perfect for combinations! Enjoy!
