Steaming Frozen Vegetables
Many people enjoy steamed vegetables, as they are both flavorful and healthy. Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural flavor and take little time and effort to do. But just how long does it take to steam frozen vegetables?
General Timeline
When steaming frozen vegetables, the general timeline for completion is between 10 and 20 minutes. The specific timing will depend on the vegetable and the desired outcome.
Determining Cooking Time
The cooking time for frozen vegetables will vary based on whether or not you want the vegetables to be crunchy or soft. If crunchy is desired, then cook for 10 minutes. If soft is desired, then cook for 15-20 minutes.
Steam Canning
Steaming vegetables for longer periods of time is also an option. This is known as steam canning and is a great way to preserve vegetable without the use of jars. This method can take up to an hour, and is divided into two parts. The first part is called “blanching” which is the process of quickly boiling vegetables to stop enzymes from breaking down nutrients. The second part is to actually steam the vegetables for the long periods of time.
Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when steaming frozen vegetables:
- Check the vegetables regularly. As frozen vegetables cook more quickly than fresh, it is best to check on them every few minutes to make sure that they are not overcooked.
- Use a steamer insert. Steamer inserts make it easier to cook frozen vegetables since they are designed specifically for steaming.
- Cook in batches. If you are going to be cooking a large quantity of frozen vegetables, it is best to cook them in batches so that you are able to adjust the timing as needed.
So when steaming frozen vegetables, the general timeline for completion is between 10 and 20 minutes. This timeline can be adjusted depending on whether or not you want your vegetables to be crunchy or soft. Steam canning is also an option, which may take up to an hour. Lastly, following a few simple tips can help make steaming frozen vegetables easier and more successful.