Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by taking your frozen vegetables out of the freezer. While they don’t need to be thawed, you can let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to slightly soften. This will help them cook more evenly when sautéed. If you’re using a specific type of vegetable (e.g., broccoli or green beans), you may want to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

You can use any type of frozen vegetables that you like—mixed vegetable medleys are often a great choice, but feel free to get creative! Frozen broccoli, peas, corn, and carrots all work wonderfully with garlic butter.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble gently, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

The butter will absorb the garlicky flavor and become aromatic, setting the foundation for the delicious taste that will infuse the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Frozen Vegetables

Once the garlic is perfectly sautéed, it’s time to add the frozen vegetables to the skillet. Stir the vegetables into the garlic butter mixture, making sure they’re well coated. Continue to cook the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and tender, about 7-10 minutes. The vegetables should begin to soften and take on a slight golden hue from the butter.

If you prefer your vegetables to have a little more texture, you can cook them for a shorter amount of time. For a softer, more well-cooked result, you can continue cooking them for a couple of extra minutes.

Step 4: Season the Vegetables

Once the vegetables are cooked through, season them with salt and pepper to taste. This is the moment to add any additional flavors to elevate the dish.

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For extra depth of flavor, you can stir in some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs pair beautifully with the garlic and butter, adding a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Taste the vegetables and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs until you’re happy with the flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the vegetables are tender and well-seasoned, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with any additional herbs or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Garlic Butter Frozen Vegetables immediately, and enjoy their rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.