Got extra broccoli and not sure how to use it up? Here’s a great way to extend the life: pop it in the freezer! This quick trick preserves broccoli perfectly, making it quick and easy to throw into a skillet to sauté as a side dish, or throw into stir fries, soups and more. We use this method often for leftovers in our produce drawer: especially if we’re heading out of town before we have a chance to use it. Here’s how to freeze broccoli, and a few great ways to use it in recipes after it’s frozen.
How to freeze broccoli
The first step to how to freeze broccoli? Blanching. Blanching is boiling vegetables until they’re crisp tender, then plunging them into cold or ice water to stop the cooking process. Is it really necessary? Yes! Blanching helps to keep vegetables colorful over time by locking in a beautifully bright color, and makes them last longer by stopping the natural enzyme activity that deteriorates their texture, color, and flavor. Here’s how to freeze broccoli:
Ways to use frozen broccoli
Frozen broccoli works well in cooked recipes of all kinds. However, make sure to cook the broccoli slightly less than the recipe indicates for fresh broccoli, since the blanching and freezing process shortcuts a few minutes of cook time. Here are some broccoli recipes that work well with frozen broccoli:
Sautés like Quick Broccoli and Cheese, Simple Sauteed Broccoli or Pan Fried BroccoliStir fries like Broccoli Stir Fry or Shrimp and BroccoliRoasted like Roasted Frozen Broccoli (it may need slightly more cook time than store-bought frozen broccoli)Soup like Creamy Broccoli Potato SoupPasta like Healthy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
More freezing methods
Want to freeze more fruits and vegetables? Here are a few more methods for preserving fresh food for months:
Learn how to freeze carrots, celery, onions, avocado, green beans, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, or cornExtend the life of fruit with how to freeze strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
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