How do you cook celery sticks?

Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. Raw celery sticks make a healthy, crunchy snack or can be served with dips and fillings. Cooked celery can be an excellent addition to soups, stews, stir fries, casseroles and more. When cooking celery, there are a few tips to follow to get the best results.

What do you need to cook celery sticks?

To cook celery sticks, you will need:

• Celery stalks
• Knife and cutting board
• Pot or pan
• Water or stock
• Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, herbs, etc.)
• Oil or butter for sautéing (optional)

How to prepare and cut celery for cooking

Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly under running water. Trim off the base and leaves. You can save the leaves for another use such as a garnish or celery leaf seasoning.

To cut celery sticks for cooking:

1. Cut the celery stalks crosswise into 2-3 inch pieces.
2. Lay the pieces flat on a cutting board and slice lengthwise into sticks.
3. Try to cut sticks of even thickness so they cook evenly.
4. Cut sticks approximately 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick.

Boiling or blanching

One simple way to cook celery sticks is by boiling or blanching. This method works well when making dishes like soups and stews where you want softened, tender celery.

To boil celery sticks:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Use 1-2 quarts of water per bunch of celery.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then add the cut celery sticks.
3. Allow to boil for 3-5 minutes, until the celery is slightly softened but still has some crunch.
4. Drain immediately and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Blanching celery in boiling water for just 1-2 minutes helps retain more crunch versus boiling.

Braising or simmering in liquid

For deeper flavor, try braising the celery sticks in broth, wine or other cooking liquids.

To braise celery:

1. Heat broth, stock or other liquid in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add celery sticks and any aromatics like garlic, onions or herbs.
3. Allow to simmer for 5-15 minutes until celery reaches desired tenderness.
4. Turn celery sticks occasionally to cook evenly.
5. The liquid will become infused with delicious celery flavor.

Sautéing or stir frying

Sautéing or stir frying brings out the nutty, sweet flavors of celery. It adds delicious caramelized bits to dishes like fried rice, stir fries and more.

To sauté celery sticks:

1. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add celery sticks and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. The celery will start to brown slightly at the edges.
4. Add other ingredients like garlic, onions or protein and continue cooking.

Roasting

Roasting celery sticks deepens the flavors and adds delicious caramelization. It’s a great way to boost the flavor of celery for dishes like soups, pasta sauces and more.

To roast celery sticks:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss celery sticks with oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until browned and tender.

Steaming

Steaming is a quick, easy way to cook celery sticks while preserving nutrients. It works well if you want tender, mildly flavored celery for dishes like salads and slaws.

To steam celery sticks:

1. Bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer insert.
2. Add celery sticks to steamer basket.
3. Cover and steam for 2-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Microwaving

You can also quickly cook celery sticks in the microwave. This works best for small amounts of celery.

To microwave celery sticks:

1. Place celery sticks in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water.
2. Cover and microwave for 1-2 minutes, until tender-crisp.
3. Check frequently and stir to prevent overcooking.

How long to cook celery sticks

Cooking times can vary based on the method used. Some general celery stick cooking times are:

Cooking Method	Time
Boiling/Blanching	3-5 minutes
Braising/Simmering	10-15 minutes
Sautéing	2-3 minutes
Roasting	15-20 minutes
Steaming	2-4 minutes
Microwaving	1-2 minutes

The thinner you cut the celery, the faster it will cook. Cook just until tender-crisp to avoid overcooking.

Tips for the best cooked celery

Here are some top tips for delicious cooked celery sticks every time:

• Choose firm, crisp stalks. Avoid limp celery.
• Trim off base and leaves before cooking.
• Cut sticks to uniform size so they cook evenly.
• Boil in lightly salted water to boost flavor.
• Do not overcook – cook just until tender-crisp.
• Toss or stir frequently while sautéing or roasting.
• Add to soups, stews and stocks at end to retain some crunch.
• Season with herbs, salt, pepper, garlic, or onion to boost flavor.

Serving ideas for cooked celery sticks

Once you’ve cooked celery sticks, there are endless possibilities for how to serve and enjoy them:

• Serve as crudités with creamy salad dressings or dips.
• Toss in green salads, grain salads, pasta salads.
• Add to soups, especially chicken noodle soup.
• Mix into tuna or egg salad.
• Stir into fried rice, risotto or pasta dishes.
• Add to stir fries with meat and veggies.
• Pair with buffalo chicken wings.
• Garnish tacos, nachos or chili.
• Blend into smoothies for extra crunch and nutrients.

Storing and reheating cooked celery

Properly stored, cooked celery sticks will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To store:

• Allow cooked celery to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat celery sticks, simply place in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover and microwave until warmed through.

You can also reheat by quickly sautéing in oil or butter over medium-high heat or by adding to soups, stews or casseroles when reheating.

Freezing cooked celery

Cooked celery sticks can be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze:

1. Blanch celery sticks for 1-2 minutes first to retain best texture and flavor.
2. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
3. Transfer to freezer bags or containers.
4. Freeze for up to 6-8 months.

Thaw frozen celery in the refrigerator before using in recipes. Add to soups, stews and casseroles to reheat.

Conclusion

With its fresh, crisp flavor and health benefits, celery deserves more time in the spotlight. Cooking brings out delicious new dimensions to celery sticks. Boiling, braising, sautéing, roasting and steaming are all easy ways to enjoy cooked celery. Use cooked celery sticks in a variety of dishes from salads to stir fries. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy the convenience of cooked celery anytime.