Quick 5-Minute Skillet Garlic Buttered Peas from Frozen
You can skip the boiling water entirely and toss the frozen peas directly into a hot skillet for these quick Garlic Buttered Peas.
Skip heating a separate pot of water to make these Garlic Buttered Peas. Toss 1 lb (500 g) of frozen peas straight into a skillet. A tiny splash of liquid creates steam to heat the batch in 5 minutes. As the moisture evaporates, every pea is coated in melted butter.
The peas
Frozen peas are already cooked before they are packaged. You just need to heat them up. Do not thaw the peas first. They go into the skillet directly from the freezer. You also save time because you never boil them in a separate pot of water. Standard peas work fine for this recipe. Baby peas are another good option if you prefer a sweeter taste and a softer skin.
Fresh garlic versus jarred
Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely. Jarred garlic will not work well here. It contains excess moisture that stops the garlic from sautéing properly in the butter. The acidity and extra liquid from jarred garlic will ruin both the cooking process and the final dish.
The cooking method
You start by melting the 3 tbsp (50 g) of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. You want the garlic to turn light golden.
Next, toss the 1 lb (500 g) of frozen peas straight into the pan. Add the 0.5 tsp of cooking salt, the 0.5 tsp of black pepper, and one tablespoon of water. Adjust the stove to medium high.
The small splash of water creates steam to heat the peas rapidly. Keep the pan uncovered while the peas cook. Stir the pan occasionally. The dish is done after about five minutes when the added water evaporates completely.
By this point, the batch is completely warmed through and glistening with melted garlic butter. Move the hot peas into a serving bowl or divide them straight among individual dishes.
Substitutions and additions
You can change the basic ingredients to suit your pantry.
- Coconut oil or standard olive oil can be swapped in for the unsalted butter.
- Browned butter or clarified butter work in place of standard butter.
- Freshly podded peas can take the place of frozen peas.
- Curry powder, coriander, or ground cumin can be bloomed in the butter.
- Fresh mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, or grated parmesan cheese can be stirred in right before serving.
- Garnish the dish with pangrattato or crisp pieces of fried shallot to add some texture.
Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover peas in an airtight container for up to four days. You can also freeze leftover portions for up to three months.
Quick 5-Minute Skillet Garlic Buttered Peas from Frozen
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 lb frozen peas
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, or other oil or fat
- 1 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp cooking or kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
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Method
Substitutions
Coconut oil, browned butter, or clarified butter can easily take the place of the unsalted butter.
Stir in fresh mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, or grated parmesan cheese just before plating for extra flavor.
Storage
Keep leftover peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.
Common mistakes
Avoid using jarred minced garlic because its excess moisture and acidity prevent it from sautéing properly in the butter.
Do not boil the peas in a separate pot of water first since frozen peas are already fully cooked and only require brief heating.
Techniques
Cook the frozen peas directly from the freezer without any thawing step.
Keep your minced garlic moving constantly in the hot skillet to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Store
- Keep leftover peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, freshly podded peas work wonderfully in place of the 1 lb (500 g) of frozen peas. You can cook them using the exact same skillet method.
Why do I need to add water if I am already using butter?
The single tablespoon of water creates a quick burst of steam to rapidly heat the frozen peas. Once that water completely evaporates, the melted butter is left behind to perfectly coat the vegetables.
Should I put a lid on the skillet to speed up the cooking?
No, you must leave the pan uncovered while the peas cook. If you cover the skillet, the added water will not evaporate within the five minutes and the butter glaze will be too watery.
Can I use salted butter if I do not have unsalted?
You can easily use salted butter for this quick side dish. Just be sure to taste the vegetables before adding the full amount of recommended salt, as you will likely need much less.
What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?
Gently warm the chilled or frozen leftovers in a skillet over low heat until they are just heated through. Avoid microwaving them on high power, because the peas can easily overcook and become mushy.
What main courses pair well with this side dish?
Garlic buttered peas are a versatile side that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seared steak, or baked salmon. You can also mix them directly into a warm bowl of pasta or creamy risotto.
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