For Vegetables

How do you cook frozen vegetables so that they do not come out soggy?

I am a vegetarian college student and frozen vegetables are a cheaper choice than fresh ones. When I cook them, however, they usually come out soggy and soft. Fresh vegetables usually come out with more crunch but a little tender. Is there any trick or method to preparing frozen veggies? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Frozen vegetables are blanched before they are frozen to bring out the colour. You want to throw the vegetables into whatever recipe you are making about 3-5 minutes before you are done cooking to preserve the colour and texture.
2. You can't expect the same result as fresh from frozen but you can follow the manufacturer's recommended cooking time listed on the package directions. I used to do this all the time and never had soggy stove top or microwaved vegetables.
3. I put them in the microwave with about 1 tablespoon of water and heat until warm through. This method works especially well with brussell sprouts and broccoli. In response to the blanching part....it doesn't bring out the color as much as breaks down some of the starch molecules in the vegetables.
4. There really aren't any tricks to this, aside from using less water to prepare them. However, there are a few types of frozen veggies that hold up better than others, for instance, edamame and corn.
5. Don't boil them in a pan. Put vegetables in a sauce pan and just add about 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to simmer. cook 4 to 5 mins. or until crisp tender.
6. ...or you could steam them, if you have a steamer...(a.k.a. a sauce pan that comes with a top shallow pan with holes in the bottom that fits on top.) Just bring the water in the lower pot to a boil and put your frozen veggies in the top pot. Let water continue to boil as veggies steam for a few minutes (for one person serving usually 2-4 min.) And there you have wonderfully crisp tender veggies! I am a college student as well and this is the fastest, easiest way i've found to cook veggies - frozen or fresh! good luck.