How To Make Frozen Vegetables Taste Good

Timing is everything

There's no denying that the freezing process causes minor changes in the texture and taste of your vegetables. But that doesn't mean cooking with frozen veggies dooms you to suffering through limp, second-rate meals. When cooking with frozen vegetables, keep in mind that they cook faster than fresh, so add them to your recipe a little later to avoid a mushy mess.

Let other ingredients be the star

Frozen vegetables typically do better as a supporting player in your culinary theatre than as the star of your show. So, you may want to opt for fresh veggies when cooking a broccoli steak, for example; but frozen broccoli could be a great addition to a soup, stew, pasta or casserole. Frozen veggies are also excellent in curries, omelets or frittatas, as well as for pizza toppings.

Extra seasoning goes a long way

While the crisp spring asparagus you pick up at a local farmers' market might taste perfect when roasted with nothing more than oil, salt and pepper, extra seasoning can make a big difference in giving frozen vegetables a boost.

Butter and cheese make pretty much everything better and this culinary wisdom holds true for frozen veggies. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon can give your frozen veggies a little zing, while herbs and spices bring new dimensions to their flavour.

Experiment with cooking methods

When it comes to cooking methods, there's no reason not to get as creative as you would with fresh vegetables. Stay clear of boiling, which not only tends to make your veggies soggy but can also cause some of their nutrients to leach out into the cooking water.

Roasting or pan-frying your veggies at a high heat can help them crisp up nicely. Air-frying is another great option. It gives them a texture so satisfying that it might just turn you into a frozen veggie enthusiast.