Steaming Frozen Peas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking frozen green peas in a steamer is a great way to prepare them without overcooking. To do this, pour about an inch of water into a saucepan, place your peas in a steamer basket, and drop the basket into the pan. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot. The peas will be ready in 2-4 minutes. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste.

How to steam frozen green peas

Steaming is one of the best ways to cook frozen green peas. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare tasty and tender peas.

What You Need:

• Frozen green peas (16-ounce bag)
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• (Optional) Lemon juice

Instructions:

Place water in a pot, add a steamer basket, and bring it to a boil. The amount of water depends on the size of your pot and steamer. Make sure there is enough water to generate steam without bringing it to a rolling boil.

Add the frozen peas to the steamer basket. You don't need to thaw the peas before steaming; they can go straight from the freezer to the pot. Cover the pot to trap the steam inside.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook the peas for 4-6 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your stove and the size of your pot. Check the peas occasionally to ensure they don't overcook.

The peas are ready when they are bright green and tender. You can test this by biting into one; it should be tender but not mushy.

Drain the peas in a colander to remove any excess water. Transfer the cooked peas to a bowl.

Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavour.

Serve the peas immediately. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't overcook the peas, as they will lose their vibrant colour and become tough.
• Season the peas after cooking.
• You can also steam fresh peas using this method, but the cooking time will be shorter, around 2-4 minutes.
• For extra flavour, add fresh herbs like mint or tarragon to the steamer, or sprinkle a tiny pinch of sugar over the peas before serving.

How to boil frozen green peas

Boiling frozen green peas is not recommended, as it can make them mushy and flavourless. However, if you still want to boil them, here is a general guide:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the desired amount of frozen green peas to the boiling water.
• Cook the peas for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain the peas and season as desired.

It is important to note that boiling frozen peas may not yield the best results in terms of texture and flavour. Other cooking methods, such as steaming or sautéing, are often recommended for frozen peas.

Steaming Frozen Peas:

• Place a steamer basket in a pot with water.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Add the frozen peas to the steamer basket.
• Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes or until tender.
• Drain and season as desired.

Sautéing Frozen Peas:

• Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add optional ingredients such as garlic or onions and cook until fragrant.
• Add the frozen peas and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Season and serve.

How to sauté frozen green peas

Ingredients:

• Frozen green peas
• Butter (salted, sweet cream butter is recommended)
• Sugar
• Garlic (fresh, crushed garlic is best)
• Salt
• Pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Mint leaves
• Heavy cream
• Minced onion
• Lemon juice
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized skillet, empty a bag of frozen peas. Add butter, garlic, and sugar on top. You can also add a tiny splash of water to help steam-sauté the peas faster.
• Sauté: Cook the mixture on medium heat. Sauté until the butter is melted and the peas are heated through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Season and serve: Once the peas are cooked, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the peas immediately.

Tips:

• Avoid boiling the peas, as this can make them mushy and bland.
• Adding a little sugar to the peas can enhance their natural sweetness.
• Do not add salt until just before serving, as salting too early can dehydrate the peas and make them less sweet.
• You can experiment with additional ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

How to steam frozen green peas in a microwave

Ingredients

• Frozen green peas
• Water
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)

Method

• Place 8 ounces of peas with 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with a lid or another microwave-safe dish.
• Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
• Stir the peas and repeat microwaving at 30-second intervals until they are heated through.
• Drain the peas in a mesh strainer.
• Add a little butter or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can add a pinch of sugar to the peas to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Don't add salt until you are ready to serve, as salting too early can dehydrate the peas and make them less sweet.
• Try adding some fresh mint, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
• Avoid boiling your peas, as this can make them mushy and flavourless.
• You don't need to thaw frozen peas before cooking; just add them straight from the freezer!

How to season steamed frozen green peas

To season steamed frozen green peas, you can add a variety of herbs, spices, and other ingredients to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper
• Fresh garlic or garlic powder
• Lemon zest or lemon juice
• Fresh herbs such as mint, dill, parsley, chives, or thyme
• Spices such as cumin, coriander, or curry powder
• Cheese, such as Parmesan, feta, or Cotija
• Onion, either chopped and sautéed with the peas or in the form of crispy Asian fried shallots
• A pinch of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness
• A splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture
• Minced onion
• Butter or olive oil

Frequently asked questions