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How to Microwave Frozen Kale

Perfectly cooked frozen kale made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and flavorful greens. This method ensures evenly cooked kale with no thawing needed, ideal for quick and nutritious side dishes or adding to various recipes.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

3 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Frozen Kale

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Frozen kale is a fantastic alternative to spinach, offering a quick and easy way to add a nutritional boost to your meals. The Anyday dish, with its vented lid, allows us to use just a small amount of water to steam the kale, preserving all the natural nutrients and vibrant colors. Plus, when you cook frozen kale in the microwave, there’s no need to thaw it before cooking, saving you even more time!

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.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup frozen kale
  • 1 cup frozen kale
  • 2 cups frozen kale
  • 4 cups frozen kale
  • 6 cups frozen kale
  • 8 cups frozen kale
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
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  • 1000w
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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (150g) frozen kale
  • ¼ teaspoon water

Preparation

  1. Add the still-frozen kale to the Anyday dish with the water and salt to taste. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the kale is heated through.
  3. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water before serving or storing.

Suggestions

  • Garlic parmesan: Toss steamed kale with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Sesame ginger: Mix steamed kale with ready-to-use sesame dressing, sesame seeds, and lemon juice.
  • Spicy chipotle: Spice up steamed kale with chipotle adobo sauce, lime juice, and olive oil.
  • Balsamic maple: Drizzle steamed kale with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a dash of black pepper.

Recipe Notes

  • Frozen kale does not need to be thawed! (This is the ultimate time-saving hack.)
  • If you want to boost the flavor, use a small amount of butter or oil in place of water.
  • For fresh kale, follow the directions in this recipe.
  • 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 Kale

See for yourself— microwaving frozen kale is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 3-4 mins
Stovetop* 20-25 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20-25 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Frozen Kale

How long does it take to cook frozen kale in the microwave?

Ingredient Cook Time
1 cup frozen kale 3 mins
2 cups frozen kale 4-5 mins
4 cups frozen kale 6-7 mins
6 cups frozen kale 9 mins
8 cups frozen kale 13-14 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Cooking kale using the Anyday dishes typically takes about 2-4 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired tenderness. It's essential to check the kale periodically to ensure it reaches the desired texture without overcooking.

Can I cook frozen kale in the microwave?

Yes, you can steam frozen kale in the microwave using an Anyday dish. Simply place the frozen kale in the dish, add a small amount of butter oil, or water, cover with the lid, and microwave according to the recommended cooking time. Note that fresh kale may require slightly less cooking time compared to frozen kale.

Do I need to thaw frozen kale before cooking in the microwave?

Thawing frozen kale is not necessary before cooking in the microwave. You can cook it directly from the freezer by adding it to an Anyday dish and adjusting the cooking time as suggested in the recipe above. The vented lid in the Anyday dishes will help trap the right amount of steam so that we can defrost and heat all in one simple step.

Is frozen kale as nutritious as fresh kale?

Frozen kale retains most of its nutritional value when properly frozen, making it a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh kale. It is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber. The Anyday dishes maximize the speed of the microwave, and by reducing the cooking time we can ensure most nutrients remain where they should!

Is frozen kale more convenient than fresh kale?

Yes, frozen kale is often more cost-effective than fresh kale, especially when purchased in bulk. It helps reduce waste since you can use only what you need and store the rest for future use, making it a budget-friendly option. Additionally, using the microwave to cook frozen kale saves time and energy, which can lower your energy bills due to shorter cooking times. This makes frozen kale a convenient and economical choice for maintaining a nutritious diet. Check out cooking directions for Fresh Kale here.

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