Transform ordinary frozen peas into a vibrant, flavorful side dish with this garlic buttered peas recipe.
Packed with fiber and plant-based protein, these peas are low in carbs and contain healthy fats from butter or your preferred oil.
Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick, fuss-free recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or adding a bright, nutritious touch to any meal.
Garlic Buttered Peas
Equipment
- 1 Large saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 50 g 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or other preferred oil/fat)
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 500 g 1 lb frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp salt kosher or cooking salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and cook gently for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to become fragrant and lightly golden—avoid browning it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. This step infuses the butter with a rich, aromatic flavor that forms the base of the dish.
- Cook the peas: Add the frozen peas directly to the pan, along with salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally. The water will help the peas heat evenly without steaming too much. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the peas are bright green, tender, and fully coated in the buttery garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the garlic buttered peas to a serving bowl while hot. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, a hint of lemon zest, or a dusting of parmesan cheese just before serving.
Notes
- Always use frozen peas directly from the freezer; do not thaw to preserve bright color and texture.
- Baby (petite) peas are sweeter and more tender, but regular frozen peas work perfectly too.
- Stir constantly when cooking garlic to prevent burning and maintain a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Customize with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, maintaining their buttery taste.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Peas
The key to flawless garlic buttered peas lies in timing and gentle cooking.
Always cook peas straight from frozen to maintain their vibrant green color and firm texture—overcooked peas can quickly become mushy.
Use medium heat for melting butter and sautéing garlic; this ensures the garlic releases its fragrance without turning bitter.
A splash of water helps the peas steam lightly and evenly, while stirring occasionally allows every pea to be coated in that luscious garlic butter.
Experimenting with small flavor additions like fresh herbs, spices, or a hint of citrus can elevate this simple side dish into something extraordinary.
Serving Suggestions For Any Meal
These garlic buttered peas make a versatile side dish for nearly any meal.
Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak to add a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
They also pair beautifully with pasta dishes, risottos, or as part of a vegetarian platter with grains and roasted vegetables.
For a festive touch, toss with fresh mint, parsley, or a dusting of parmesan cheese just before serving.
This simple side is not only quick but also visually appealing, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Storage Tips For Freshness
Store leftover peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave to maintain their tender texture and buttery flavor.
For longer storage, these peas freeze well for up to three months; simply spread cooled peas in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed.
Avoid overcooking during reheating to preserve the bright green color and prevent mushiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use thawed peas instead of frozen?
It’s best to cook directly from frozen. Thawed peas can release extra water, which may make the dish watery and less vibrant.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil, coconut oil, or your favorite plant-based butter. The flavor remains deliciously rich and garlicky.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Baby carrots, corn, or green beans can be added, but adjust cooking time to ensure all vegetables are tender yet not overcooked.
4. How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook garlic on medium heat and stir constantly for only 30–40 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
5. How can I make this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Cook the peas in batches, then store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a small pat of butter to refresh the flavor if needed.
