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cooked frozen peas in a white bowl

How To Cook Frozen Peas

5 from 6 votes
Emily Dixon, One Lovely Life
Learn how to cook frozen peas with this easy recipe! I love that you get tender, flavorful peas every time!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 93kcal

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! 
  • *A 10 oz. package will serve about 4, where a 16 oz. package will serve about 6. 

To Steam Peas:

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. Drain & Season. Drain any excess water. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.

To Boil Peas:

  1. 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)
  2. 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).
  3. 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.

Video

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Keyword: peas, veggies

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4.1g | Saturated Fat: 2.4g | Cholesterol: 10.2mg | Sodium: 133.9mg | Fiber: 3.4g | Sugar: 3.8g

Nutrition facts are an estimate only and will vary based on brands and amounts used.

Find it Online:

https://www.onelovelylife.com/how-to-cook-frozen-peas/