Have you ever stood by the freezer, pondering what to whip up for dinner, only to find a bag of broccoli staring back at you? It’s like a green knight in shining armor, ready to save the day. This easy oven roasted frozen broccoli recipe transforms those frosty florets into crispy, golden bites of joy—so simple, and yet, so mind-blowingly good.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Spread the frozen broccoli florets evenly on the baking sheet without thawing them first.
- Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli florets and sprinkle them with Montreal steak seasoning. Toss the broccoli to ensure the oil and seasoning are evenly distributed, even if some of it falls onto the parchment paper.
- Roast the broccoli in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and stir the broccoli with a spatula to redistribute the oil and seasoning.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your preferred level of browning. Serve the roasted broccoli hot as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound of frozen broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon of Montreal steak seasoning
Nutritional Values
Calories: 89 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.45 g | Protein: 3.2 g | Fat: 7.1 g | Sodium: 402.45 mg | Fiber: 3.4 g
FAQ
- Can you roast frozen broccoli without it becoming soggy?
- Yes, you can roast frozen broccoli without it becoming soggy. It is important to spread the broccoli florets out on the baking sheet to ensure that any ice can evaporate properly. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to mushy broccoli. Roasting for a longer period can also help with moisture evaporation.
- Will roasted frozen broccoli get as crispy as fresh broccoli?
- Roasted frozen broccoli will not achieve the same level of crispiness as fresh broccoli, but the edges will still develop a nice brown color, offering a slightly smoky, roasted flavor. The inside remains moist, giving it a good texture and bite.
- What are some seasoning options for roasted broccoli?
- While Montreal steak seasoning (a mix of coarse ground salt, garlic, pepper, and red pepper) is used in the recipe, you can get creative with various seasonings, such as lemon pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
- Why choose frozen broccoli over fresh for roasting?
- Frozen broccoli is generally more affordable than fresh and comes pre-washed and chopped, reducing prep time. Additionally, since frozen broccoli is blanched before freezing, it is already partially cooked, which means it requires less roasting time compared to fresh broccoli.
- Is it necessary to thaw the broccoli before roasting?
- No, there is no need to thaw the broccoli before roasting. You can place the frozen florets directly onto the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and seasoning, and then roast as directed.
Tips
- Ensure the broccoli florets are well-spaced on the baking sheet to allow ice to evaporate, preventing the broccoli from becoming soggy.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF before placing the broccoli in to ensure it roasts evenly and achieves the desired texture.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as lemon pepper, smoked paprika, or cumin to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Stir the broccoli halfway through the roasting process to redistribute the oil and seasoning, ensuring even browning and flavor distribution.
Equipment
- Enamelware Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
