Description
Learn how to cook frozen peas with this easy recipe! I love that you get tender, flavorful peas every time!
Ingredients
For The Peas:
- 1 (10-16 oz.) bag frozen peas*
- 1–2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil (I prefer 2 Tablespoons butter)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or more, to taste
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or more, to taste
Optional extras:
- fresh lemon zest (about 1/2 a lemon)
- 1/2–1 Tablespoon fresh mint, fresh dill, fresh parsley, or fresh chives
- 1–2 Tablespoons fresh parmesan, feta, or cotija cheese
- pinch red pepper flakes
- pinch of sugar
Instructions
-
Melt Butter. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook Peas. Add frozen peas (no need to thaw!). Cook 6-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the peas are a vibrant green color, plump, and tender. If you taste one, there shouldn’t be any crunchy bite (a sign they’re underdone), and they shouldn’t be mushy (overdone).
-
Taste & Season. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, then stir 30-60 seconds. Taste and add additional seasoning if desired–a pinch of sugar, more salt & pepper, or other fresh seasonings.
- Serve & Store. Enjoy seasoned peas right away, or store leftovers in an airtight container. (The butter or olive oil will solidify and harden in the fridge–this is normal! It will easily melt again when you reheat leftovers.)
Since the stove you use and the pan you use can have an impact on cooking time, it’s best to look for visual & sensory clues to know when the peas are done. They should be vibrant in color, plump, and when you bite into one, they should be tender but not mushy.
Notes
- *Try petite peas! They tend to be more tender, cook faster, and taste better!Â
- *A 10 oz. package will serve about 4, where a 16 oz. package will serve about 6.Â
To Steam Peas:
- Combine Peas & Water. Combine 1 bag of frozen peas and ½ cup of water in a medium saucepan. (If you have one, add a steamer basket to the pan, then pour 1 inch of water down below)
- Cover & Heat. Add a lid to the pan and cook over medium-high heat 4-6 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and vibrant green.
- Drain & Season. Drain any excess water. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.
To Boil Peas:
- Bring Water To A Boil. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat. (The water should be at a rolling boil, with bubbles all across the surface)
- Cook Peas. Add the peas to the water with a generous pinch of salt. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the peas a vibrant green. (This may take 1 minute or two longer if your peas are super frozen).
- Drain & Season. Drain the peas by pouring them into a colander to let the excess water run away. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American