How to Steam Frozen Vegetables

How to steam frozen vegetables! Learn the easy way to steam frozen vegetables on thee stovetop, in the microwave, and in the Instant Pot.

Steaming vegetables is the perfect way to bring out their natural flavor and keep all of their beneficial nutrients, but many people don’t realize you can steam frozen vegetables as well as fresh.

If you don’t know how to steam frozen vegetables, it might not seem simple. Fortunately, not only is it incredibly easy, but it’s also one of the healthiest and quickest cooking methods for vegetables. All you need is a steamer or a colander, a pot, and some vegetables, and you’re ready to go.

Steaming vegetables is a versatile cooking method. You can steam almost any frozen or fresh vegetables, from green beans, brussels sprouts, and broccoli florets to potatoes, artichoke hearts, and squash. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative with your veggies. From stir-fries to salads, steamed vegetables can be used in a variety of delicious dishes or as a healthy side dish. So without further ado, grab your frozen or fresh produce, and let’s dive into the basics of how to steam vegetables.

Steaming vegetables is the best way to reduce cooking time and create healthy meals! These very simple and quick step-by-step instructions will get you perfectly steamed veggies for any meal and even works great for meal prep!

Stove Top Steaming Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are ready to go straight out of the freezer. If you’re using fresh veggies, start by washing your vegetables and patting them dry. For firmer vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and squash, cut them into smaller pieces to help them cook more evenly.
Fill a pot with a little water. You can use enough water to reach just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, place the veggies in the steamer basket. Make sure they are spread out evenly and not overcrowded.
Place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. The lid is very important because it traps the steam and allows the veggies to cook in it. Let them steam for 5-10 minutes or until they are tender.
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the steamer basket and let the vegetables cool slightly. Serve them with your favorite seasonings and sauces.

Microwave Steaming Frozen Vegetables

Add your frozen veggies to a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cover.
Cook on high for 4-5 minutes. Stir and check for doneness; repeat 1-2 times until you reach your desired firmness.

Note: Microwaves tend to vary in power. Your microwave may take less or more time. If you know your microwave is ultra-high power, it’s a good idea to start will shorter cook times to avoid mushy veggies. If you know your microwave has less power than average, you may want to increase the time for best results or just repeat the process more times.

Steam Frozen Vegetables in an Instant Pot

Start by adding 1 cup of water to the inner pot of your instant pot.
Place the trivet or steamer basket in the pot and add your frozen vegetables.
Secure the lid and move the valve to the sealing position.
Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer to 0 minutes. Yes, 0; as the pot is pressurizing, it’s already cooking your veggies. So you’re basically just pressurizing and releasing.
When the timer beeps, do a quick release by moving the valve to the venting position.
Carefully remove the lid away from you, as the steam and heat will be very hot.
Use a pair of tongs to remove the vegetables from the pot.
Enjoy your steamed frozen vegetables!

Tips for best results

Steaming veggies is so easy, but there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind to make them well or even add a little extra flavor.

If your vegetables are fresh, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Frozen vegetables will already be cut this way.
Place vegetables in a steamer basket to keep them elevated above the boiling water. The vegetables shouldn’t be submerged in excess water.
Adding a small amount of oil or butter is an easy way to add flavor to your vegetables.
Add herbs and spices to liven up the flavor. may need spicing or seasoning up a little. Sprinkle spices like garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, or whatever spices or seasonings you like.
Cook vegetables for the appropriate amount of time, depending on the type of vegetable. Different vegetables may need different cook times, be sure to keep an eye on them so you get nice, tender veggies that aren’t overcooked. An already blanched frozen veggie will take less time to steam than a fresh vegetable that is dense and hard.

No matter which one of these different methods you use, you don’t need cooking skills to make steamed vegetables! It’s so quick and easy, and once you find the best method for you, you’ll be steaming veggies all the time!