Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables is crucial for maintaining good health and vitality. These foods are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that support bodily functions and boost the immune system. However, while frozen vegetables offer a convenient (and, oftentimes, more affordable) alternative to fresh produce, they can fall short in terms of flavor and freshness.
But don’t despair — you can still enhance frozen veggies to make them taste just as good as their fresh counterparts. Here are 10 helpful tips to give frozen veggies a new lease on life.
1. Roast ‘Em
Roasting frozen vegetables in the oven can transform their taste and texture. For this method, start by spreading the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet, but be sure not to overcrowd them; this can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Set to a high temperature, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, to help caramelize the sugars in the vegetables. The result is a richer, more concentrated flavor and a pleasingly crisp exterior.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning
Seasoning frozen vegetables can also greatly enhance their flavor. Before cooking, toss them with a generous amount of spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. This will not only boost their inherent flavors but will also help mask any bland, stale, or freezer-like tastes.
3. Use Broth Instead of Water
Cooking frozen vegetables in broth instead of water can infuse them with an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re boiling, steaming, or sauteing, using chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can help give your veggies an extra oomph that water can’t provide. This method is particularly effective for vegetables that are milder in flavor, such as spinach, peas, or green beans.
For more cooking tips and other savvy life hacks, please sign up for our free newsletters.
4. Add a Touch of Acidity
Acidity can help balance the natural sweetness of vegetables to bring out more flavor. After cooking, finish the vegetables with a light sprinkle of vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. This can help to brighten your veggies and make them taste more like fresh produce.
Related: 30 Spring Vegetables You Should Be Eating Now
5. Saute With Garlic
Garlic has a strong, aromatic flavor that can greatly enhance frozen veggies (or really any food, in our opinion). Start by heating some olive oil in a pan, then add minced garlic and saute until fragrant before tossing in the vegetables. While you can also use garlic powder, fresh garlic is preferred because it provides a more potent and nuanced flavor profile.
Related: 30 Vegetable Recipes for People Who Hate Vegetables
Trending on Cheapism
6. Add Onions
Onions can add a new dimension to most recipes, and frozen veggies are no exception. Begin by sauteing onions in a bit of oil until they’re soft and translucent, then add the frozen vegetables to the mix. The sweetness and texture of the onions can enhance the overall dish by helping the veggies taste more complex and balanced.
7. Incorporate Fresh Ingredients
Combining frozen with fresh ingredients can improve both taste and texture. For example, you can mix frozen peas with fresh chopped mint, or add fresh cherry tomatoes to frozen green beans. The combination of fresh elements can help mask the typical freezer taste of frozen veggies and add a pop of freshness and texture.
8. Grill ‘Em
Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to vegetables that can make them taste like they’ve been freshly harvested. If feasible, consider threading thawed frozen vegetables onto skewers (or you can also use a grill basket) and cook them over medium-high heat. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get that nice char on all sides.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. Add Healthy Fats
Adding fats helps to improve both the texture of frozen veggies as well as their flavor absorption. Toss the veggies with a little bit of olive or avocado oil (or another healthy fat) before cooking. This will help them roast better in the oven or saute more evenly in the pan, while helping them absorb fat-soluble vitamins more efficiently.
10. Brighten Them With Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can make a dramatic difference in the taste of cooked vegetables. After cooking your veggies, toss them with a generous helping of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, cilantro, or basil. The herbs will add a burst of fresh flavor and color to help elevate the dish and make it taste garden-fresh.
