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How To Steam Peas in the Microwave

Fresh, Bright Green and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Peas are the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes using frozen or fresh peas! Learn How To Steam Peas in the Microwave in just minutes!

peas in a bowl
How to cook canned peas on the stove

Microwave Peas

Microwave peas are a time saving BEAST and terrific way to preserve nutrients in your beautiful bright green peas!

You’ll find everything you need to know about steaming peas in the microwave here and a few ways to do it too!

If you really love peas, you should check out this green pea and bacon salad!

How To Microwave Peas

There are several ways to accomplish steamed peas in the microwave, but basically, they all involve capturing the water vapor with the peas to cook it. You can…

  1. Steam in a Bowl
  2. Steam in a resealable plastic bag or
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and steam the peas that way.

How Long to Microwave Peas

How long you cook peas in the microwave will depend entirely on how powerful your microwave, however, usually about 3-5 minutes will do it.

3-5 minutes is usually long enough to steam peas in the microwave for them to be soft enough to chew but still maintain some firmness.

A Basic Overview

  • Prepare the peas (if fresh).
  • Add seasoning
  • Place in container and seal (allow a small place for steam to escape).
  • Microwave for 3-5 minutes.

Here’s What You’ll Need

peas on table
  • Frozen or Fresh Peas
  • Container that seals – This can be a resealable plastic bag, a plate or bowl with either plastic wrap or a plate to put on top.
  • Seasoning and a Fat – I like to use salt, pepper, butter and a little sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I Use Frozen or Fresh Peas?

All are fine, it depends on what you prefer. Unless peas are in season, it’s easiest to find frozen baby peas.

Can I Freeze These Peas

Yes, you can. Simply place into a freezer safe container, remove as much air as possible and freeze. That said, the peas will change in texture some as they thaw.

How Long Are They Good For?

These peas will last for 5 days if covered and refrigerated.

What Do I Serve with Steamed Peas?

Microwave steamed peas are a great side dish for all kinds of things. We love it with Tuscan Chicken and Fried Chicken specially!

How to Steam Peas in the Microwave in a Plastic Bag

How to Steam Peas in the Microwave using a Plastic Bag from Wendi on Vimeo.

Fresh, Bright Green and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Peas are the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes using frozen or fresh peas! Learn How To Steam Peas in the Microwave in just minutes!

  • If fresh peas, remove shells
  • Place fresh or frozen peas into the plastic bag.
  • Add 2 Tbs of water and any seasonings (see recipe below for excellent flavors to add).
  • Put on a plate, leave a gap in the bag seal for steam to escape.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.

How to Steam Peas in Microwave Using Plastic Wrap

How to Steam Peas in the Microwave Using Plastic Wrap from Wendi on Vimeo.

Fresh, Bright Green and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Peas are the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes using frozen or fresh peas! Learn How To Steam Peas in the Microwave in just minutes!

  • Prepare peas if fresh.
  • Pour frozen or fresh peas into bowl.
  • Cover with plastic wrap but allow a small gap for steam to escape.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always start with frozen or fresh peas. Look for bright green pods if fresh. You can count on frozen peas being picked at the height of freshness and frozen quickly.
  • There’s no need to thaw the peas for this dish.
  • Be careful when removing the peas from the microwave, steam is very hot and I don’t want you to be burned. It’s best to use oven mitts to protect your hands.
  • Don’t go overboard adding water, we don’t want to boil the peas, we just want to steam them.
  • Interestingly, there’s a whole world of food professionals out there and this group promotes dried peas and beans.

Interested in How to Steam Other Vegetables?

I’d love for you to check out some of my other articles on steaming vegetables. So far, we’ve steamed some broccoli in them microwave, made steamed cauliflower in the microwave and we love carrots steamed in the microwave!

Watch Me Steam Peas In the Microwave Here

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An up close photo of. How to cook canned peas on the stove

How to Steam Peas In the Microwave

Fresh, Bright Green and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Peas is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Peas in the Microwave in just minutes! 
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to steam peas in the microwave
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 117kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Peas trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbs water

Instructions

  • Trim any brown places off of Peas and cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Place Peas into bowl. Add 2 Tbs of water. Cover with saucer.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove carefully using hot pads or oven mitts. Remove top from saucer. Use as you desire.

Notes

  • The Peas will be very hot when you remove it from the microwave. Use great care and protect your hands when removing it. 
  • Peas cooked this way can be eaten plain, with seasonings or used as an ingredient in other dishes. 
  • If you are using a plastic bag, then instead of placing in a bowl, place the Peas in the bag, add the water, seal the bag but leave a small gap for steam to escape. 
  • If you are using the bowl with plastic wrap, place the Peas in the bowl, seal with plastic wrap and leave a small gap for the steam to escape. 
PRO TIP: For great flavor, especially when using the Peas as a side add the following for each cup of peas:  
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp sugar
pinch of salt and pepper
Pinch of garlic powder

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Steam Peas In the Microwave
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 9mg0%
Potassium 354mg10%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 7g28%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 1109IU22%
Vitamin C 58mg70%
Calcium 37mg4%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A Verse to Share

Talk about inspiration! This one gives me some. Hallelujah!

John 14:23

If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

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Wendi J Spraker

Thursday 11th of March 2021

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