How to Cook Frozen Peas

Melissa

By: Melissa

Updated: January 2, 2026

Vegetables sides don’t have to be boring. Learn how to cook frozen peas the right way. They’re full of flavor and so easy to make. Plus, your family will love them. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish to make a complete and healthy meal.

A bowl filled with bright green peas, cooked just right and ready to eat, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl sits on a light-colored surface next to a striped cloth—perfect for learning how to cook frozen peas deliciously.
Close up of cooked frozen peas in a bowl with a spoon.

the best way to make frozen peas

Frozen peas are one of my favorite go-to sides. My kids absolutely love them, and as long as they want to eat them, I’m thrilled to serve them. They’re on regular rotation with my microwave steamed broccoli, and I love how easy they are.

I typically reach for them when I’m spending more time on a main dish that’s a little more complicated, like my shrimp and grits or spinach artichoke chicken. But, they also pair well with simple recipes like onion soup mix meatloaf or a plain pan seared chicken breast.

No matter what you serve with them, these peas are delicious, and I promise you’ll never this frozen peas are boring again.

More easy vegetable recipes: sautéed cauliflower / microwaved steamed broccoli / sautéed cabbage / honey sriracha brussels sprouts

Close up of peas in a skillet being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Peas on a wooden spoon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you thaw frozen peas before cooking?

Nope, that’s one of the great things about making frozen peas, they are so quick. No need to thaw, you can cook these straight from the freezer.

Are Frozen peas healthier than canned peas?

Absolutely, the canning process removes a lot of nutrients from peas, plus there is a lot of added sodium. Fresh or frozen peas are much more nutritious for you.

More dairy free sides: easy garlic rice / the best vegan risotto / roasted German potato salad / Instant pot baked beans

Overhead shot of a bowl of cooked peas with a spoon in them.
A wooden spoon stirring bright green peas in a pan, with small bits of minced garlic visible among the peas—an easy example of how to cook frozen peas for a quick and flavorful side dish.

How to Cook Frozen Peas

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Vegetables sides don’t have to be boring. Learn how to cook frozen peas the right way. They’re full of flavor and so easy to make. Plus, your family will love them. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish to make a complete and healthy meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 16- ounce bag frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves - minced
  • Coarse salt & black pepper

Instructions

  • Sauté the garlic. Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil and minced garlic and sauté until the garlic is fragrant. This should only take about 30 seconds or so.
  • Cook the peas. Dump the frozen peas into the skillet and allow them to cook until they're heated through, stirring as needed. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal Carbohydrates: 11g Protein: 4g Fat: 3g Sodium: 4mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 4g Vitamin C: 31mg

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