I always have a pack of green peas in the freezer. So if you’re looking for the best simple magic trick to cook frozen peas you’re in the right place!
These two methods are as easy as cooking vegetables gets. The first doesn’t even require a kitchen – just a kettle (or other source of boiled water is all you need).
If you’re looking for ways to use your cooked peas letting a little butter melt over them is always a good idea.
Or tossing with Parmesan cheese for a sweet and savory pea and Parmesan combo is another fave.
If you’re dairy free drizzling over your fave peppery extra virgin olive oil, tossing with fresh herbs like parsley or mint or your fave DF pesto will work like a charm.
Or you can turn it from a veggie side into a meal by adding some protein and a sauce like this pea bowl.
Frozen Peas Magic Trick
Video Simple Recipes
Frozen Peas - Kettle Method
Ingredients
- 1 large handful frozen peas about 1 cup
- butter, salt and pepper to serve, optional
Instructions
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Place the frozen peas in a heatproof bowl or jug. Pour over enough boiling water to completely submerge them (the more the better).
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Stand for about 5 minutes. Drain and test - if they're not hot enough, repeat with more boiling water.
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Season with salt and pepper and add a knob of butter if you like.
Frozen Peas - Stove Top Method
Ingredients
- 1 large handful frozen peas about 1 cup
- butter, salt and pepper to serve, optional
Instructions
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Place a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the frozen peas, cover and cook for a minute or so.
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Stir and cook for another minute or until the peas are defrosted and hot.
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Season with salt and pepper and add a knob of butter if you like.
Variations & Substitutions Frozen Peas
plan-B (pantry) – this is totally a pantry side dish!
short on time – use the stove top method and use a super high heat instead of a medium heat.
more substantial (low carb) – serve with cooked protein – peas work well with anything from roast chicken to salmon to a steak. They’re especially good with lamb cutlets. Also adding some avocado or pistachios can be delicious.
more substantial (carb lovers) – toss with your favoruite cooked pasta and some butter or cream for a super quick vegetarian pasta dish.
different vegetables – if you don’t have a bag of frozen peas… most frozen vegetables like frozen green beans, frozen cauliflower, frozen spinach, frozen kale, frozen onion, frozen broccoli, frozen corn, frozen cauliflower rice will work with the stove top method. They’ll just take a little longer to cook depending on the size of each piece. The kettle method will also work – it just might take multiple cycles of adding fresh hot water.
more fancy / for entertaining – serve with fresh herbs like basil, flat leaf parsely or mint to turn them into pea salads. Also consider the butter, pesto or olive oil mentioned above. Or cheese – feta is amazing or goats cheese, ricotta or parmesan as mentioned above.
Problem Solving Guide
bland – salt and black pepper! Or a squeeze of lemon. Or add in a flavour bomb.
mushy peas – you want to just cook them until they’re hot – no need to get them too tender. You could add some chicken broth and turn them into pea soups.
sticking to the pan – I don’t add oil because the water from the peas stops them sticking – but you do need to stir occasionally to avoid this.
taking too long – For the water method the larger the amount of boiling water the quicker they’ll cook.
no pot – use a large skillet (or any sized skillet)
Prepare Ahead
Yes! Just cook as per the recipe. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or can be re-frozen.
Can you cook frozen peas in the microwave?
Absolutely but I prefer these methods because I don’t have a microwave. Just zap on high until the peas are warm.
Do I need to defrost or thaw frozen peas before cooking?
No! All frozen veg are best when cooked straight from frozen because it means the texture isn’t as mushy – although frozen peas and corn don’t suffer from this as much as other frozen veg.
Are frozen peas healthier than fresh?
It depends on your peas. If you have super fresh peas straight from the pod in your garden then they will be slightly healthier in that they contain more vitamin C. But if your ‘fresh’ peas are more than a few days old, the frozen peas will actually contain more nutrients.
Can frozen peas be eaten without cooking?
Absolutely! You can even eat them straight from the freezer if you like – just make sure you’re careful that you don’t break a tooth :)
More Ways to Use Frozen Peas
- 3+ Ingredient Salmon Fried Rice
- Salmon, Pea & Feta Bowl.
- Salmon, Pea & Prosciutto Oven Supper
- Sausages with Pea & Pesto Mash
- Pea & Pesto Pizza
- Pea & Pesto Soup
Have fun in the kitchen!
With Love
Jules x