Life is speeding up and we can’t help but appreciate a well-stocked freezer. This might be your lifesaver as it can keep you away from a last-minute takeout. However, many frozen foods may need thawing before cooking, but we give you the hints to not wait.
Discover frozen foods that you can cook straight from the freezer and get an effortless and delicious meal.
Asian dumplings
A smart way of working with them is preparing them previously and freezing them for a quick and satisfying snack. Freezing them will offer you a convenient option that’s ready whenever you need a fast meal.
Dumplings can be cooked straight from the freezer because thawing them first can make them sticky and soggy during cooking. When you freeze them, make sure you place them on baking sheets so they don’t stick together and after they are solid frozen, place them in a container or a freezer bag.
Frozen dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, so they are incredibly versatile. You can use them as a snack or a last-minute meal, but you can also pair them with a dipping sauce or a side of stir-fried vegetables. They make a great addition to broths and soups, bringing great flavor and heartiness. A stash of frozen Asian dumplings will always have your back for a delicious, comforting dish.
Frozen pasta
Fresh uncooked pasta in varieties like ravioli, and agnolotti work exceptionally well frozen, so they become a great option for a quick homemade meal. As you’re going to freeze them, this allows you to prepare a large batch in advance to always have a delicious meal on hand.
When you’re cooking frozen pasta, it’s important to keep in mind to NOT thaw before, because they can stick together and lose texture. Cook your pasta directly from the freezer. Let them cook only 1-2 minutes more than the fresh pasta and you will get the perfect al dente texture.
To make sure you freeze them properly, place them on a single layer on a baking sheet until they freeze, then transfer them to a bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together and keeps them fresh for when you’re ready to use them.
Pasta is versatile; it can be quickly tossed around a sauce to create a satisfying meal. You can opt for a rich Alfredo, a classic marinara, or a simple olive oil and garlic sauce. Your frozen pasta will pair beautifully with any of these and will save you time on busy nights.
Don’t hesitate to add them directly to casseroles and soups and access plenty of hearty, comforting dishes whenever you crave.
Rice
We got the best tip for you to repurpose leftover steamed rice. If you don’t want to whip up a batch of fried rice away, choose to freeze the rice for later use. If you freeze it correctly, it separates into individual grains, ready to be tossed into a frying pan or wok when you’re in the mood for a rice dish.
Freezing it properly involves spreading it out on a baking sheet and letting it cool completely. When it’s cooled down, place it into the freezer, and when the grains are firm transfer it to a container or freezer bag and press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Your rice will stay fresh for up to three months.
Frozen rice is very convenient and versatile, as you can use it in soups, stir-fries, or for quick grain bowls. Cooking it directly from the freezer will save you time and maintain its perfect texture. With frozen rice on hand you know you’re always a few minutes away from a delicious, quick meal.
Fruits
Frozen fruits are excellent for offering texture to your smoothies, but what about baking them? You can skip the defrosting phase by directly adding the fruit to your dough or batter. The delicious result will amaze you, also if you’re choosing to make a fruit syrup or a compote, you can toss them frozen into the pot as well without letting them thaw before.
When you bake muffins, cakes, or pies you don’t need to defrost your fruits, so you can just gently fold them into your content. This way, the fruit will even retain its shape better and your baked goods will be prevented from becoming too saggy.
If you want to prevent your fruits from clumping together, lightly coat them with flour before mixing them into your dough. They will be distributed more evenly throughout the bake.
For compotes and syrups, just add them to the pot and start cooking, Their natural juices will be released after they thaw and heat up, offering the same rich and flavorful sauce as if they wouldn’t be frozen.
Freezing your fruits saves time and preserves the fruit’s flavor, freshness, and nutritional value.
Vegetables
Not only a healthy and convenient choice, frozen vegetables are also budget-friendly. It’s great to have them in the kitchen because being frozen at their peak ripeness, they lock their nutrients and flavor. They are also a help when it comes to food waste, as they can be stored for months without spoiling.
Freezing small vegetables like corn, peas, and diced carrots will cook quickly and they are ideal for stir-fries, soups, and stews. You can toss some into a skillet when you cook rice or pasta and get a fast, balanced meal. Also, because they are already prepped you won’t need to wash them, peel or chop and this will save you a lot of time in the kitchen.
Vegetables are resourceful, so you can use them in everything, from smoothies, like spinach, or kale, to casseroles and they don’t lose taste or texture. Frozen vegetables will save you in moments when fresh products are not available, backing you up with a healthy option ready to go.
Bacon
For when you crave a hearty breakfast or need a slice to flavor a dish, bacon with its high-fat content will make it easy for you to cook it straight from the freezer. It thaws in a few minutes and starts sizzling in the pan. Freeze individual slices for the best results to have them ready without clumping into a solid block.
You can lay slices on a baking sheet making sure they don’t touch, and freeze them for some hours until they’re solid, then transfer them into a plastic bag. With this method, you can grab as many slices as you need.
Another method is rolling each slice into a spiral, and when they are frozen you can store them in a bag or container. This way you can also pull out only what you need. Moreover, you can even cook it first and you will just need to reheat it for an even quicker meal.
Freezing it properly will save you a lot of time and you extend its life, being able to enjoy the smokey flavor whenever you crave it. You can order these Food Storage Freezer Bags via Amazon, as they are a great quality-price deal, with a 4.8 rating.
Fish
When it comes to frozen foods, fish is another one that doesn’t need to be thawed first. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry to start cooking. It may take a few extra minutes to cook it compared to fresh fish, but this method is still incredibly convenient, and you can enjoy some healthy seafood dishes at dinner.
It’s a great idea to cook it directly frozen because this helps retain its moisture and prevents the fillets from falling apart, something that can possibly happen in the thawing process.
Consider cooking it with methods such as grilling, baking, or pan-searing for the best results. Season the fish with your favorite spices, add some olive oil, and place it in the oven. The prep will only take you a few minutes and you can do something else while it’s baking in the oven.
Frozen fish is a nutritious option available, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. It saves a lot of time and no matter if you’re craving a more elaborate seafood dish or just some fillet with lemon, you’re very close to getting a wholesome meal in minutes.
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