Blanching Broccoli is the perfect way to preserve it, soften it for crudite or pre-cook it for other recipes! It’s EASY, FAST and you already have everything you need right in your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
- FAST
- EASY
- You already have everything you need
Here’s How You Do It
STEP 1. Boil a large pot of water.
STEP 2. Gather supplies, cut the broccoli and blanch in water for about 2 minutes.
***Gather tongs, kitchen spider or large slotted spoon for this job. Using the tool for the broccoli you are blanching, gently put the vegetables in boiling water.
STEP 3. Shocking.
***Plunge the broccoli into ice water immediately to stop the cooking process. Allow to soak for 2-3 minutes. Then remove, dry on paper towels and use for your recipe.
Why Do You Blanch Broccoli?
There are several reasons you might blanch broccoli that includes:
- Preparing for freezing
- Pre Cooking it (also called parboiling).
- Blanching to brighten the color.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
What Do You Have To Blanch Broccoli?
It scalds the broccoli to prepare it in certain ways…
- Blanching for freezing stops the enzyme action that cause loss of color, flavor and texture.
- Blanching for pre-cooking purposes (parboiling) partially cooks the broccoli so that it cooks faster in whatever application you are using it for.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Blanch the Broccoli Anyway?
When you simply freeze a broccoli without blanching it first, the broccoli is likely to become more mushy when you thaw it. The color will be less vibrant and sadly, many of the nutrients may be gone and broken down by the ice crystals.
How Long Should You Blanch Broccoli?
Blanch broccoli in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. You will see it change colors to a bright green and that's how you know to remove it from the water.
Can I Blanch Broccoli in the Microwave?
Technically, it's possible in the microwave, but it isn't the best way to blanch broccoli because the water doesn't actually boil like it does on the stovetop.
Does Blanching Broccoli Remove the Nutrients?
According to the USDA, no, it actually preserves the nutrients!
Do I Blanch Broccoli for a Vegetable Tray and Crudite?
It does give fresh broccoli a leg up on a crudite platter. You’ll notice it's nice and crisp and tender and a lovely bright color .
For your next dinner party. Offer with homemade Ranch Dressing, Tiger Sauce or Yum Yum Sauce and you won't go wrong.
What Does a Blanched Broccoli Taste Like?
- Blanched broccoli tastes like itself. You are not cooking the broccoli completely. .This simply softens it so that it is easier to eat.
- If you have ever chewed a piece of raw broccoli and felt like you might as well be eating cardboard, you will appreciate this technique!
Why Do I Need to Salt Water for Blanching?
Salting the water is a chemistry class in the works! The salted water helps keep the water INSIDE the cells of the broccoli! This helps preserve flavor, texture and nutrients.
Will Salting the Water Change the Flavor of My Vegetables.
No, you won’t taste the salt from the blanching water in your broccoli at all. Besides, you are going to rinse it in a shock ice bath after blanching!
Tips and Tricks
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have hot water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the broccoli in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of broccoli into the heated water at first. You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the broccoli you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced broccoli to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the broccoli as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
- Here's where you can read more about broccoli than you wanted to know!
Need MORE Broccoli Info?
Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK?
Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes!
How to Blanch Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs kosher salt
- 1 lb broccoli
Instructions
- Put on 1 gallon of water to boil in a large stock pot over high heat. Add the salt to the water.
- Pour 2 quarts of water into a large bowl and set this into the kitchen sink.
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels or have a colander ready to go.
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- When the water is boiling, reduce to medium high.
- Add the broccoli florets to the simmering water and allow to pre-cook for 2-3 minutes.
- While the broccoli is simmering, add 4 Cups ice to the water bowl.
- As soon as the broccoli begins to change colors and brighten, remove from the boiling water with a slotted spoon, kitchen spider or tongs and plunge into the waiting ice bath to shock it and stop the cooking process.
- Allow to sit in the iced water for 2 -3 minutes. Remove to the waiting tray with paper towels or to the colander.
Notes
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the broccoli in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of broccoli into the boiling water at first. You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the broccoli you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced broccoli to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the broccoli as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
I was just thinking about my blessings, which are MANY! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in thinking about what's next that I forget about being SO Thankful for gifts already given.
John 1: 16
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
Sue says
I live the extra detail and info. As a very inexperienced cook despite my age, I like that all my questions are answered before I ask them .
Thanks. Great job. Making blanched broccoli florets for my granddaughter tonite!
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Sue, I hope it turned out perfectly! Thank you for leaving a comment!
Karen says
Awesome recipe!