3 Easy methods to Freeze Broccoli

Knowing how to Freeze Broccoli is the greatest method to keep any leftover broccoli and ensure that you eat deliciously fresh vegetables all year!

Frozen broccoli is very simple to prepare, making it a quick side meal, and freezing it is simple. This article covers instructions for blanching, steaming, and using the Instant Pot to freeze broccoli.

Why Should You Freeze This Vegetable?

• Broccoli’s peak season is usually between October and April, but I enjoy it all year. Knowing how to freeze your perfect fresh broccoli is the gift that keeps on giving if you’re anything like me. This strategy allows you to stock up on beautiful fresh broccoli when it’s in season, then freeze it for use during the hot summer months when the variety is limited.
• You won’t get the bitter flavor or disagreeable texture that you might get if you freeze fresh broccoli without heating it first because the broccoli is prepared before freezing.
• Any amount of broccoli will work in this manner. You can freeze it if you can store it! Don’t be scared to go all out with the broccoli. Frozen broccoli will last for up to 8 months if stored properly.

Frozen Broccoli Thawing and Use

So there are a few different methods for thawing and using frozen broccoli. It all depends on what you’re looking for!

Simply thaw the frozen broccoli overnight in the refrigerator before using it in another recipe.

To just microwave and consume the frozen broccoli…

• Microwave the Frozen Broccoli: In a microwave-safe bowl, place the frozen broccoli and 14 cups of water. Cover the bowl with a plate and microwave on full power for 4 minutes. Remove the platter carefully after 4 minutes and inspect the broccoli. Repeat the technique for another 1-2 minutes if the meat isn’t tender or hot enough.
• Thawing Broccoli in the Microwave: Thaw broccoli overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until everything is hot.
• Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in the frozen broccoli. Broccoli should be blanched for 1-2 minutes before being removed from the water with a slotted spoon.
• In a large skillet, melt butter or oil and sauté the frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli should be sautéed in melted butter (or heated oil) until softened and warmed completely.

Chef’s Advice

• It is extremely necessary to cook the broccoli first. If you omit this step, you’ll wind up with bitter, unpleasant-textured frozen broccoli that isn’t very good. We’ve listed THREE distinct cooking techniques for perfectly cooked frozen broccoli for your convenience. However, you only need to use one way!
• Look for broccoli heads with dark green buds and green stems when buying fresh broccoli. Broccoli should not be wilted, mushy, or yellow in any way. Fresh broccoli should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to use or frozen. Simply dry it thoroughly and place it in a loose produce bag to avoid trapping ethylene gas in the bag. Within a week of receiving it, use or freeze it.
• Use a steamer basket instead of a trivet if you don’t have one for your Instant Pot. If you’re steaming the broccoli on the stovetop, make sure the basket isn’t too full. The broccoli will not cook evenly if you do so.

Freeze Broccoli

Knowing how to freeze broccoli is the greatest method to keep any leftover broccoli and ensure that you eat deliciously fresh vegetables all year!

Frozen broccoli is very simple to prepare, making it a quick side meal, and freezing it is simple. This article covers instructions for blanching, steaming, and using the Instant Pot to freeze broccoli.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh broccoli chopped

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Equipment for Cooking Method of Choice
• Freezer
• Freezer-safe sealable plastic bags

Instructions to Freeze Broccoli

Set aside a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook the broccoli according to the instructions below.

How to Blanch Broccoli

1. To make an ice bath, fill a big basin with ice and water. Place aside.
2. Bring a big saucepan of salted water to a boil on medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is bright, vibrant green, about 3 minutes. The tines of a fork should be able to puncture the stems.
3. Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer broccoli to an ice bath. Allow the broccoli to cool for 5 minutes in an ice bath, then drain and dry well with paper towels. Continue to the section below under “How to Freeze Broccoli.”

Broccoli to be steamed

1. To make an ice bath, fill a big basin with ice and water. Place aside.
2. In a big saucepan, place the steamer basket. Fill the pot with enough water to cover it by about 2 inches; the water should not touch the steamer basket.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the broccoli to the steamer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. As needed, work in batches.
4. Put the lid on the saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is brilliant green. The tines of a fork should be able to puncture the stems.
5. Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer broccoli to an ice bath. Allow the broccoli to cool for 5 minutes in an ice bath, then drain and dry well with paper towels. Continue to the section below under “How to Freeze Broccoli.”After cooking and drying, fresh broccoli is laid out on a paper towel.

In the Instant Pot, Cook Broccoli

1. Fill the Instant Pot halfway with water and set a trivet in the bottom.
2. Place the broccoli florets on the trivet. Set to Manual High Pressure for 0 minutes with the vent in the “Sealing” position. Use Manual High Pressure for delicate broccoli. Use Manual Low Pressure for 0 minutes for tender-crisp broccoli.
3. If using Manual High-Pressure Cooking: To make an ice bath, fill a big basin with ice and water. When the cooking time is up, remove the cover and Quick Release steam (carefully). Using a slotted spoon, place broccoli in an ice bath. Allow the broccoli to cool for 5 minutes in an ice bath, then drain and dry well with paper towels. Continue to the section below under “How to Freeze Broccoli.” If using Manual Low Pressure, when the cooking time is up, Quick Release steam and remove the lid immediately (carefully). Place broccoli on a flat surface and thoroughly dry with paper towels. Continue to the section below under “How to Freeze Broccoli.”

Broccoli Freezer

1. Place dry broccoli in a single, equal layer on a baking pan. Freeze the baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours, or until the broccoli is fully solid.
2. Transfer all pieces of broccoli to a freezer-safe sealable bag (or an airtight freezer-safe container) and freeze until ready to use. Broccoli can be frozen for up to 8 months.

Notes

This method works with any amount of broccoli as long as you have freezer space, so go ahead and experiment!

This recipe serves around 4 people. Your desired portion sizes will determine the number of servings.

The nutritional values indicated are for one serving and are rough suggestions. The exact macros will vary depending on the brands and types of ingredients utilized.

Prepare the recipe as directed to get the weight of one serving. Weigh the final recipe, then divide the weight (not including the weight of the container in which the food is stored) by four. The weight of one serving will be the result.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving, 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, Net Carbs: 5g