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Your Position: Home - Food & Beverage - 8 Common Mistakes We Make Cooking Frozen Vegetables

8 Common Mistakes We Make Cooking Frozen Vegetables

Author: Hou

Mar. 07, 2024

Food & Beverage

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Frozen vegetables can help us pick up the slack in this department, since they’re just as healthy as fresh veggies (if not more), already prepped and easy on the wallet. But considering how frozen veggies can easily morph into a mushy, soggy mess during the cooking process, it’s no wonder many of us casually ignore this section of the freezer aisle.

“Since the process of freezing vegetables is designed to retain the most nutrition, flavor, texture and color compared to other preservation methods, it’s important that we continue to retain these attributes in the cooking process,” said Lisa Shepherd, a nutrition and food science instructor at Middle Tennessee State University.

So how exactly do we become one with frozen vegetables and, dare we say, cook them so that they rival fresh veggies? We went to the experts to find out the biggest faux pas many of us make when using frozen vegetables. Here’s how to turn things around:

Mistake #1: Choosing Just Any Bag From The Freezer Aisle

Give the bag of veggies a few good squeezes to see if they’re clumped together. “If they are, this means they thawed and refroze somewhere along their journey to the store and lost nutrients in that process,” said Beth Auguste, a registered dietitian based in Philadelphia. This brief temperature fluctuation can cause the veggies to dehydrate — or lose their water content — during storage and trigger ice formation, which can affect color, flavor and firmness.

Frozen veggies are flash-frozen at the height of their freshness when all nutrients are at peak value, so if you choose a bag where you can feel the individual pieces of frozen vegetables, that’s a sign they’re still in their original flash-frozen state, Auguste said.

Mistake #2: Using Frozen Veggies In The Wrong Dishes

“The best dishes for frozen veggies are casseroles, soups and other multi-ingredient dishes that tend to disguise the texture of the frozen vegetables,” said Shepherd, who also recommends using only frozen or only fresh, but not a mixture of both.

Water-based dishes, like soups or stews, are fairly forgiving of different textures, but other dishes may depend on a consistent texture among a variety of ingredients.

Take stir fry, for example. If frozen vegetables are combined with fresh, the differences in texture may be unappealing. The same goes for dishes in which a certain vegetable is the star of a recipe. Bottom line: Always choose between frozen or fresh, based on the context of the dish.

Mistake #3: Thawing Frozen Vegetables Before Cooking Them

The most prominent quality issue when it comes to frozen veggies is texture. “Since freezing causes water to expand and veggies are mostly water, the freezing process pushes and stretches the cell walls to maximum,” Shepherd said. “This results in less structure and a softer, mushier texture when thawed.”

There’s no need to thaw veggies in advance — they quickly thaw during any cooking process, and cooking them from a frozen state can help you achieve the best texture, Shepherd said.

The only exceptions are corn on the cob and leafy greens. In order for the cob to be thoroughly heated by the time the corn is cooked, it should be partially thawed before cooking, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Leafy greens, such as spinach, cook more evenly if they’re partially thawed before you cook them.

Westend61 via Getty Images

Frozen peas should roll out of the bag or box like marbles, not stick together in a clump.

Mistake #4: In some cases, NOT Thawing And Draining Them

This may seem contrary to what we just taught you, but in certain cases, thawing frozen veggies is crucial to how a recipe turns out, and not doing so can have a significant impact on the final product. Shepherd suggests deciding how best to prep your frozen veggies on a per-meal basis.

Frozen spinach is a classic example: To use on a pizza or in a dip, thawing and draining it to get rid of excess water means you won’t end up with a watery pizza topping or runny dip. But when tossing it into a dish that already contains water, such as soup, the spinach can be used as is.

Mistake #5: Adding Frozen Veggies Too Soon

Most frozen veggies are blanched — that is, dipped for a few minutes in boiling water — before they’re frozen to deactivate the enzymes that might affect flavor and texture, Shepherd said, which is why they don’t take as long to cook as fresh veggies do.

Many of us have a tendency to add frozen veggies to recipes at the same time we would add fresh vegetables, leading to overcooking and the potential for nutrients to leach out (especially vitamin C and some B vitamins).

The best way to avoid this is by adding frozen veggies to a dish later in the cooking process. When adding them to soups and stews in a slow cooker, for example, add them during the last few minutes of cooking to retain texture and color, Shepherd said.

“In general, small frozen veggies, like cut green beans or sliced okra, will need less time to cook, whereas larger ones, like frozen potato or pumpkin chunks, will need more,” said Casey Seiden, a New York City-based registered dietitian. Take a look at the manufacturer’s directions for preparation tips, and use a fork to test doneness along the way.

Mistake #6: Avoiding Your Microwave

Moist heat methods of cooking, such as microwaving and boiling, have a reputation for turning frozen veggies into a soggy mess, which is why experts recommend sautéing, frying or roasting them instead. “The longer the vegetables are exposed to heat and water, the lower the quality,” Shepherd said.

But using your microwave can still be an effective way to cook them if you’re crunched for time, as long as you remember a few simple tips — starting with not thawing them beforehand, which pretty much guarantees a soggy end result.

“For firmer vegetables, pop them in the microwave for about 4-6 minutes total without water in the cooking dish,” said Brittany Linn, a registered dietitian based in New York City. Because microwave cook times vary, test the veggies at 60-second intervals, stirring between each, until they reach the desired consistency.

If you prefer softer veggies, adding a tiny bit of water to the bottom of the bowl will create less crunch, Linn said. Then, follow the same 60-second interval formula for 4-6 minutes.

Mistake #7: Waiting A Year To Eat Your Frozen Veggies

Yes, freezing vegetables preserves them for an extended period of time by preventing the growth of microorganisms that cause food to spoil, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

But the enzyme activity that can affect food quality isn’t halted by freezing, just slowed down — so even though your frozen veggies are safe to eat up to 12 months later (so long as they’re consistently stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit), there might be changes in flavor, color or texture that make them less enjoyable to munch on.

The recommended shelf life of frozen vegetables is 8 to 12 months, but using them even sooner helps ensure that they’ll look, feel and taste as close to fresh as possible.

Mistake #8: Letting Freezer Burn Happen

Buying bulk bags of frozen veggies is a great way to save money, but freezer burn can easily happen if the bag isn’t well-sealed for the long haul (say, because the resealable bag is defective). The air exposure causes oxidation, a chemical change that alters the fat content, structure and pigment of the food. “For veggies, this could mean less nutritional value if not sealed and stored properly,” Seiden said.

Freezer burn doesn’t make the veggies any less safe to eat, but it can change the texture of the food. For optimal nutrition and texture, Seiden recommends removing the rest of the frozen veggies from their original storage bag and transferring them to a Ziploc freezer bag — that way, you can press out as much excess air as possible and securely seal them up.

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California is packed with crops and produce.  Although we have long production seasons in spring and summer, it's always good to take advantage of our farm to table and fresh grocery store offerings, sometimes the frozen veggies still come in handy for last-minute dinner convenience.  Given that frozen vegetables are harvested during peak season, they often have more nutrients than even fresh.  To see which is better fresh or frozen vegetables you can read more.  Frozen vegetables can be a nutritious and convenient addition to a balanced diet.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Frozen Vegetables?

The cooking time for frozen vegetables depends on the method you’re using to cook them. While some cooking styles, like roasting, might take longer, they also gives your veggies a different flavor profile that is likely worth the extra time. But for busy nights, there are simple ways to get vegetables on the dinner table in less than 10 minutes.  Here’s a basic comparison of cooking time based upon cooking method – keep in mind this may vary based upon the vegetable and how small or large it has been cut:
  • Sautéed frozen vegetables: typically take 5-7 minutes
  • Steamed frozen vegetables: can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes, depending on the vegetable
  • Roasted frozen vegetables: typically takes 20-25 minutes with a flip halfway through
  • Grilled frozen vegetables: the time varies based on vegetables, but typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes

The cooking time for frozen vegetables depends on the method you’re using to cook them. While some cooking styles, like roasting, might take longer, they also gives your veggies a different flavor profile that is likely worth the extra time. But for busy nights, there are simple ways to get vegetables on the dinner table in less than 10 minutes. Here’s a basic comparison of cooking time based upon cooking method – keep in mind this may vary based upon the vegetable and how small or large it has been cut:

Can You Defrost Frozen Vegetables Before Cooking?

Typically, the best practice when cooking frozen vegetables is to not defrost first. Frozen vegetables shouldn’t be defrosted because they can lose their crunchy texture. Additionally, defrosting frozen vegetables can cause them to lose the flavor and nutrients that are sealed in from their freezing process, especially if you defrost them a day or two prior to cooking.

The bottom line: DON’T defrost frozen vegetables before you prepare them and add them to your meals.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Frozen Vegetables?

While there’s not one way that everyone loves best for cooking frozen veggies, we recommend cooking them on the stovetop as the “best” method of cooking.  Sauteing frozen vegetables on the stove top guarantees the best texture and flavor.  As a secondary option, you could roast them in the oven or even cook them on the grill.  All three of these options are going to result in better tasting veggies than if you boil, steam or microwave them.

QUICK HOW-TO SAUTÉ FROZEN VEGETABLES

Cooking vegetables in a skillet is a great way to prepare them quickly, and maintain the great taste, texture, and nutrients that your veggies deserve. To sauté your vegetables here’s what to do:

  1. Pour your bag of frozen vegetables into a skillet over medium-high heat
  2. Add one tablespoon of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice) to the pan and stir
  3. Cook, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, until heated through, stirring occasionally

QUICK HOW-TO GRILL FROZEN VEGETABLES

Grilling vegetables is perfect for backyard barbecues or family dinners during Summer vacation. What’s even better, there’s no mess to clean up in the kitchen! For tasty grilled veggies, here’s what you should do:

  1. Pop your frozen veggies into some tin foil or a vegetable basket with a little bit of olive oil
  2. Place them on the grill and cook on a medium to medium-high heat
  3.  Stir or flip the vegetables throughout cooking to avoid sticking or charring

QUICK HOW-TO BAKE OR ROAST FROZEN VEGETABLES?

Baking or roasting your frozen vegetables is another option for easily prepared additions to any meal. Here’s how to roast your frozen vegetables in the oven:

  1. Pre-heat your oven between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Coat your roasting pan with a thin layer of olive oil, and put it in the oven while it heats up (having a hot pan helps the veggies defrost and cook more easily!)
  3. Toss your veggies in a bit of olive oil or coconut oil, and then add them in a single layer to your roasting pan
  4. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through

How Do You Steam Frozen Vegetables?

We’re the first to say, if you’re steaming frozen vegetables, you’re doing it wrong, but we know that lots of people still want to know how to steam frozen veggies. It’s one of the top questions asked on Google!  So if you are planning to steam frozen veggies, here’s how to ensure they come out best:

STEAM ON THE STOVETOP

  1. Place just two or three inches of water at the very bottom of your pot or pan
  2. Once the water has come to a boil, place a steaming basket or sieve over the water – making sure that the basket is above the boiling water. If necessary, remove a bit of the water.
  3. Once your basket or sieve is in place, add your frozen vegetables and then cover the pot or pan with a lid.
  4. Watch your veggies closely – the may cook faster than you expect and nobody likes army green broccoli!

Cooking times for steaming on the stovetop will vary, so here’s a chart with some veggies and their optimal steaming times:

Vegetable Time to Steam Asparagus 5-10 Minutes Artichokes 25-35 Minutes Beats 15-20 minutes Bok Choy 5-7 Minutes Broccoli 5-8 Minutes Brussel Sprouts 8-15 Minutes Cabbage 6-10 Minutes Corn on Cob 10-15 Minutes Green Beans 6-10 Minutes Carrots 7-10 Minutes 7-10 Minutes Cauliflower 5-10 Minutes Kale 4-7 Minutes Leaks 5-8 Minutes Peas 2-4 Minutes Spinach 3-5 Minutes Sugar Snap Peas 3-5 minutes Sweet potatoes 8-12 Minutes Swiss Chard 3-5 Minutes Tomatoes Whole 3 Minutes Zucchini 5-6 minutes

 

See all of our local fresh produce and frozen vegetables options for dinner.

8 Common Mistakes We Make Cooking Frozen Vegetables

How to Make Frozen Vegetables Taste Just as Good as Fresh

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