Last week, I had a revelation that I simply must share with you. I used to believe that frozen broccoli wouldn’t roast well due to its excessive moisture content from being blanched before freezing. However, a few weeks ago, a kind commenter enlightened me by mentioning that they frequently roast frozen broccoli with fantastic results (which is why I value your insights and experiences). Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot, and I absolutely adored it. As a result, I am thrilled to declare that Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli has become my ultimate go-to effortless side dish.
Witness this recipe being employed in my weekly meal preparation.
Why Roast Frozen Broccoli?
Frozen broccoli is not only cheaper than fresh broccoli, but it is also conveniently pre-washed and chopped, saving you time and effort in meal preparation. Additionally, frozen broccoli is blanched before freezing, making it partially cooked and reducing its roasting time compared to fresh broccoli. This makes it the simplest side dish that complements any meal effortlessly.
Is Roasted Frozen Broccoli Crispy?
Although roasted frozen broccoli florets may not achieve the same level of crispiness as their fresh counterparts, the edges of the florets still acquire a pleasant, gentle brown hue that imparts a slightly smoky roasted taste. Moreover, the inside of the broccoli florets retains a satisfactory level of moisture and offers an enjoyable texture when bitten into.
How Do You Keep it From Turning Out Wet?
To ensure optimal results, it is crucial to space out the broccoli florets evenly on the baking sheet when dealing with frozen broccoli that tends to accumulate ice. Crowding the florets hinders proper evaporation, resulting in a wet and mushy texture. Additionally, extending the roasting time allows for increased evaporation, enabling better control over the moisture level.
What Do You Use to Season Roasted Broccoli?
I added Montreal Steak Seasoning (consisting of coarse ground salt, garlic, pepper, and red pepper) to my broccoli, but feel free to personalize the seasoning according to your preferences. Lemon pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin would all make excellent choices. Experiment and have fun with it! 🙂
How to Roast Frozen Broccoli – Step by Step Photos
Ensure that you purchase “broccoli florets” instead of “broccoli pieces” for this dish. Broccoli pieces typically consist of at least half-stem pieces, which are suitable for dishes like broccoli soup but not ideal for this particular recipe. Prior to starting, preheat the oven to 400ºF, ensuring that it reaches the desired temperature before placing the broccoli inside.
I utilized this particular steak seasoning, commonly referred to as “Montreal Steak Seasoning,” but essentially it consists of a coarse blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and a few additional spices. It enhances the flavor remarkably! Feel free to use this seasoning or any other blend of your choice for seasoning your roasted broccoli.
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, evenly distribute the frozen broccoli florets over the baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of steak seasoning over the broccoli. Toss the broccoli in the oil and spices, ensuring they are well coated. Don’t worry if some of the seasoning ends up on the parchment instead of the broccoli, as it will be stirred later for better adherence once the broccoli thaws.
To achieve optimal flavor, roast the broccoli in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the baking sheet and stir the broccoli to ensure spices adhere well. Place the sheet back in the oven and continue roasting for an additional ten minutes, or until the edges reach your desired level of browning. Serve promptly.
Whether paired with your favorite meal or savored alone, this dish is perfect for enjoyment. Enhance the experience by adding a touch of sauce for dipping – ranch dressing, as shown in the picture.
