How to Microwave Frozen Kale
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to listen to a good song
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.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) frozen kale
- ¼ teaspoon water
Preparation
- Add the still-frozen kale to the Anyday dish with the water and salt to taste. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the kale is heated through.
- Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water before serving or storing.
Serving suggestions & tips
- 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 |
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 |
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.
