The best way to cook frozen peas

I hate to break it to you, but you have been cooking peas wrong your entire life. Peas should not be boiled! Using our improved method, you can have flavorful, creamy peas in less than 10 minutes. Try them tonight! Okay, I admit, I am totally guilty of ripping open a bag of frozen peas and throwing them into a pot of boiling water 5 minutes before dinner and serving them as a side dish. I have never hated peas, but I have never loved them. They have always just been an easy side dish, never been anything special. Until I went to Epi’s (My favorite restaurant in Meridian, Idaho). On Thursdays, Epi’s offers free peas as an additional side dish to any meal and people specifically go there on Thursdays JUST for the peas. Strange right? But, after trying it I understand why. Her peas, just like everything else on the menu, are amazing. Like, they are craveable. PEAS. The boring vegetables that no one cares about, can actually be seasoned to the point of actually being delicious.

Basic Tips for Delicious Green Peas on the Stovetop

Don’t boil! Just don’t do it. I know the package tells you to, but don’t. Trust me.Add a little sugar to the peas. It’s ok, it won’t taste weird and it will bring out the natural sweetness.Don’t add salt until ready to serve. Salting them too early can dehydrate them and they (obviously) won’t be as sweet. Salt them after they have cooked and you can salt to taste.

Add a Little Mint

If you want to try something different, and dare I say, “fancy,”  try coarsely tearing up a few mint leaves and throwing them in the pan with the peas while cooking. Leave the garlic and sugar out and just cook them with mint and butter. The mint infuses the peas with a fresh and delicious flavor that you are sure to love! It kicks dinner up a notch with very little effort. Try it with Easter dinner!

Some answers to common questions about peas

Want to learn more about the taste difference between fresh and frozen peas? Cook’s Illustrated has a great explanation HERE. It’s definitely worth a quick read. Now that you know all about peas – it’s time to make them! If we’ve convinced you this is the “right way,” you will also want to check out our tutorials on How to Cook Frozen Corn, and How to Cook Hash Browns. Yum!

Other Pea Recipes to Try

Try some of our other favorite recipes with peas!

Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Better Than Take-Out Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (in < 30 min)

Mom’s Macaroni Salad

Crockpot Split Pea Soup

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