How to Cook Frozen Peas (3 Ways)

Cook frozen peas so they’re sweet and tender, not soggy, with these simple tips. Here’s how to saute, steam, and microwave, as well as add them to various recipes.

Fresh vs. Frozen Green peas

Peas are one of the few vegetables that I always purchase frozen. Frozen peas are just as nutritious as fresh peas thanks to how they are processed.

They are harvested at peak ripeness, blanched, and flash frozen to preserve most of the nutrients, kill bacteria, and prevent spoiling.

Additionally, they are more convenient and readily available and oftentimes taste better than the fresh ones! 

That’s because the sugars in peas turn into starch once harvested, and since frozen peas are frozen immediately after being harvested, they tend to be more tender and taste sweeter.

All this to say, if you don’t have bags of frozen peas in the freezer, go grab some now!

And if you want to learn how to cook other frozen vegetables, here’s how to cook frozen broccoli, frozen Brussels sprouts, frozen mixed vegetables, and frozen green beans!

Health Benefits

Fun fact – Although commonly referred to and sold as vegetables, peas are actually a type of legume, just like green beans, lentils, beans, and peanuts!

It’s amazing how much nutrition is packed into these small green rounds! Peas are a great source of so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, folate, calcium, zinc, and iron (THE most essential nutrient for babies).

Peas also contain fiber and protein.

Selecting Frozen Green Peas

You will find several varieties of peas in the freezer aisle- snow peas, snap peas, and garden or English peas, which are what we are looking at in this post.

And here are two types of garden peas:

• Standard green peas – have a tougher skin and starchier texture compared to petite peas
• Petite peas (or petit pois) – smaller in size and have a more tender skin, sweeter flavor, and creamier texture than regular green peas

Try both and see which one you prefer! Everyone in my family, especially the kids, prefer the petite peas so that’s what we grab at the grocery store most of the time. However, I know some of my friends prefer the standard green peas.

Ingredients

• Frozen peas
• Butter – I like to use unsalted to control the sodium level. You can use oil BUT peas and butter go together so well!
• Seasonings – While peas taste delicious with just some butter, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, feel free to explore and discover your favorite combinations. Here are a few suggestions: fresh herbs, like mint and parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika. Some grated parmesan cheese would be delicious too!

How to Cook Frozen Peas

There is no need to thaw the peas for any of these cooking methods. Just add straight from the freezer!

And since all of these methods are super easy to execute, try them all at least once to discover your favorite way to cook frozen peas.

Saute

This my favorite way to cook sweet peas as it produces the most flavorful and best texture.

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil.
2. Add finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or so. This step is optional but it will add great flavor.
3. Stir in peas and cover the pan to create steam , and simmer for 4-5 minutes or so until the peas are cooked through and tender.

Microwave

1. Place 8 ounces of peas with 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave safe dish.
2. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
3. Stir and repeat every 30 seconds, until heated through.
4. Drain in a mesh strainer, add a little butter or oil and seasoning(s) of choice and enjoy!

Steam

1. Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. 
2. Add peas, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4-6 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a bowl and toss with butter and seasoning(s) and lemon juice.

Added to Recipes

While peas aren’t included in these recipes, you can easily toss them in towards the end of cooking for a pop of color, flavor, and nutrition.

• Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
• Vegetable rice
• Beef enchilada casserole
• Butternut squash pasta
• Creamy mushroom pasta
• Vegetable beef soup
• Tofu veggie scramble
• Chicken and carrot couscous
• Pizza eggs
• Vegetable Oatmeal

And here’s a mom tip! Add to hot meals like soups and chili to help cool your child’s meal down!

Pea Baby Puree

Cook your peas using any of the methods above. Add to a blender along with 1/4 cup (more or less depending on desired consistency) of water or broth. Blend until smooth!

Tips for Success

• Cooking time will vary depending on your texture preference. Cook for longer if you desire soft peas.
• Don’t overcook otherwise peas will shrivel and become tough. 
• Season after cooking – once cooked, immediately add lemon juice (highly recommended) and seasoning(s) of choice.
• Many recommend adding 1-2 teaspoons of sugar per pound of frozen peas to bring out the sweetness but I haven’t found this to be necessary.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve the cooked peas as an easy and delicious side dish with just about anything!

Some suggestions include:

• Roasted Turkey Breast
• Steam roasted chicken breast
• Turkey Rice Meatballs
• Roasted, Steamed, or Poached Salmon
• Shrimp
• Tofu

Storage

Allow the peas to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can reheat briefly in the microwave or on the stove or enjoy cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

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