$1.23 RECIPE / $0.62 SERVING
I’ve always believed that frozen broccoli wouldn’t work well for roasting because it’s too wet.
A commenter commented a few weeks ago that they made roasted frozen broccoli all the time, and it turns out fine (this is why I love to hear your thoughts and experiences).
Therefore, I tried it, I enjoyed it, and I’m now sharing it! Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli is now my favorite simple side dish.
WHY ROAST FROZEN BROCCOLI?
Food: Oven-Roasted Frozen BroccoliSource: The Natural Nurturer
Not only is frozen broccoli typically less expensive than fresh broccoli, but it is also fully washed and chopped, removing a significant amount of meal preparation time.
And because frozen broccoli is blanched prior to freezing, it is already partially cooked, requiring less time to roast than fresh broccoli. It is truly the simplest side dish ever, and it complements almost any meal!
IS ROASTED FROSTED BROCCOLI CRACKLY?
Broccoli florets roasted from frozen will not be quite as crisp as broccoli florets roasted from fresh broccoli, but the edges of the florets will still develop a wonderful light brown hue and a mildly smokey flavor.
The inside of the broccoli florets retains a fair level of moisture and a healthy quantity of tooth/bite.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT THE OUTCOME FROM BEING WET?
It is crucial that the broccoli florets are well-spaced on the baking sheet, as frozen broccoli might have a substantial amount of ice on its outside.
If they are crowded, the ice won’t be able to evaporate properly, and your broccoli will be soggy and mushy.
Additionally, you can adjust the degree of moisture by roasting the food for a longer period of time, which again permits more evaporation.
HOW DOES ONE SEASON ROASTED BROCCOLI?
I seasoned my broccoli with Montreal Steak Seasoning (coarsely ground salt, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper), but you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
I believe lemon pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin would make fantastic additions. Enjoy yourselves!
OVEN-ROASTED FROZEN BROCCOLI
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Servings: 2 to 3 servings
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INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 lb. frozen broccoli florets ($1.00)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ($0.16)
- 1/2 Tbsp. Montreal steak seasoning ($0.07)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F. Put parchment paper on a baking pan and put it in the oven to bake the cookies. Prepare a baking sheet by spreading the frozen florets out (no need to thaw).
- Sprinkle the Montreal steak seasoning on top of the florets before drizzling with olive oil. After mixing the oil and spice with the florets, return them to the baking sheet and toss until everything is uniformly distributed.
- Roast for 20 minutes on a baking sheet in the oven, then remove from the oven and let cool. Use a spatula to toss the broccoli and re-distribute the oil and spices after you remove the baking sheet from the oven. Continue roasting the broccoli in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of color. Serve immediately.
NOTES
*Because it’s so easy to prepare and it’s so good right out of the oven, I make it in little amounts of 2-3 serves. double the recipe will fit on a single sheet pan.
NUTRITION
- Serving: 1 Serving
- Calories: 89 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.45 g
- Protein: 3.2 g
- Fat: 7.1 g
- Sodium: 402.45 mg
- Fiber: 3.4 g
HOW TO COOK FROZEN BROCCOLI – STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Food: Oven-Roasted Frozen BroccoliSource: The Natural Nurturer
- Use “florets” of broccoli, not chunks of broccoli, for this dish. Broccoli bits are normally at least half stem pieces, which can be fantastic for things like broccoli soup, but not as good for recipes like this. Before you begin, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that it is thoroughly heated before the broccoli is placed in it.
- I used this steak seasoning to season my steaks. “Montreal Steak Seasoning” refers to a coarse mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices that some manufacturers label “Montreal Steak Seasoning.” It’s a real treat! Use this flavor, or any other, on your roasted broccoli as you see fit!
- Spread the frozen broccoli florets out on a parchment-lined baking sheet before baking. Apply two tablespoons of olive oil and a half teaspoon of steak spice to the meat. Toss the broccoli in the oil and seasonings to coat it completely. So even if some of the seasonings end up on your parchment, you’ll be able to get the spice to stay better when you stir it in later, rather than now while it’s frozen.
- Bake for 20 minutes in a hot oven, then remove the baking sheet and give it a thorough stir. Now that the broccoli has had time to absorb the spices, they’ll remain around a little longer. Roast for another ten minutes, or until the edges are browned to your preference. Serve at once.
Try it with your favorite meal as a side dish or on its own if you prefer!