How to Microwave Frozen Broccoli
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
3 minsFree Time
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Feeling like there’s not enough time to get your daily serving of veggies in? Microwaving frozen broccoli is the perfect solution. There’s no need to plan, prep, or defrost—just grab the broccoli straight from the freezer, add it to an Anyday dish, and microwave it.
Say goodbye to wasted money on fresh veggies that spoil if you forget about them in your fridge. Easy doesn’t have to mean flavorless. Season your broccoli to taste or add your favorite sauce for a delicious, quick side dish.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (85g) frozen broccoli, keep frozen
Preparation
- Add the frozen broccoli to an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through.
- Drain the excess water before serving or storing. Season to taste.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Crunchy spice: Coat the cooked broccoli with chili crunch and sesame seeds.
- Cacio e pepe: Mix the cooked broccoli with parmesan cheese, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic brown butter: Top the cooked broccoli with melted brown butter, garlic salt, and chopped parsley.
- Zesty ranch: Mix the cooked broccoli with some ranch powder seasoning mix, lemon zest and juice, and hot sauce.
Recipe notes
- You do not need to defrost the broccoli first! This is a real time-saving hack.
- For fresh broccoli florets, follow the directions in this recipe for How to Cook Broccoli.
- Select the wattage on your microwave in our recipe for the most accurate cook time, or use the instructions on the back of the package as guidelines.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Frozen Broccoli
See for yourself— microwaving frozen broccoli is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 2-4 mins |
| Stovetop* | 7-10 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 10-15 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Frozen Broccoli
Can I cook frozen broccoli in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 cup frozen broccoli | 3 mins |
| 2 cups frozen broccoli | 4-5 mins |
| 4 cups frozen broccoli | 7-8 mins |
| 6 cups frozen broccoli | 10-11 mins |
| 8 cups frozen broccoli | 13-14 mins |
Yes, you can cook frozen broccoli in the microwave. Using an Anyday dish with its vented lid makes it easy to cook the broccoli. This method also maintains the broccoli’s nutritional value and vibrant, green color. Just follow the recommended cooking times and adjust as needed based on your microwave's wattage. For fresh broccoli florets, follow the directions in this recipe for How to Cook Broccoli.
Shall I thaw frozen broccoli before microwaving?
No need to thaw frozen broccoli before microwaving! You can cook frozen broccoli directly in the microwave using an Anyday dish. Simply place the frozen broccoli in an Anyday dish, cover it with the vented lid, and follow the cooking instructions for the best results.
How long does it take to microwave frozen broccoli?
Microwaving frozen broccoli typically takes 3 to 4 minutes for 2 cups. The exact time may vary based on the quantity of broccoli, your microwave's wattage, and your preferred texture. For best results, start with the lower end of the time range and adjust as needed.
How do I know when frozen broccoli is properly cooked in the microwave?
Frozen broccoli is cooked when it is heated through, vibrant in color, and fork tender. To check for doneness, taste a small piece, and if it is your preferred temperature, it is ready to be eaten. Since microwave performance can vary, adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How can I prevent frozen broccoli from becoming too mushy in the microwave?
To avoid mushy frozen broccoli, do not overcook it. Begin with the shortest cooking time recommended in the recipe and add time incrementally if needed. The ice crystals on the frozen broccoli will melt and provide enough moisture for even cooking, so there’s no need to add extra water.
How do I store leftover microwaved frozen broccoli?
Store leftover microwaved frozen broccoli in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave it for a few minutes, checking periodically until it reaches your desired temperature. Make sure not to re-freeze cooked frozen broccoli to prevent spoilage.
