Peas come in different forms including fresh, frozen and canned. The ultimate guide tomicrowave peas will help you prepare peas in just a few minutes, no matter how they are stored.
How do you microwave peas? Place the peas in a microwave safe dish with a cover over the top and nuke for 1 to 3 minutes depending on whether they are fresh, frozen or canned. Check every 30 seconds until the peas are fully cooked or reheated.
As we all know, the microwave makes our life easier with shortened cooking times and minimal effort. Cook, defrost or reheat peas in just a few minutes inside the microwave.
The method is relatively simple, and this helpful article shows the best way to microwave peas. In addition, frequently asked questions about microwaving peas are answered below with detailed responses and microwave tips to assist you.
Can you cook peas in microwave?
Yes, you can cook peas in the microwave oven. If the peas are fresh or in a pod, then all you need is to use the microwave-safe bowl with a lid and nuke for 1 to 3 minutes depending on the type and quantity of peas.
Combine peas with one tablespoon of water or butter. After that, you just need to cover it with a wetted paper towel, microwavable plastic wrap or a microwave-proof lid.
Cook on high temperature for a minute, stir and continue nuking for another minute or so. If you are in a hurry, microwaving peas is the best idea and it can save your time while cooking.
Is microwaving peas bad?
No, it is not bad to microwave peas. When cooking with intense heat, peas may lose the phenolic content. The phenolic in vegetables is a necessary compound and beneficial for overall health.
Researchers also check the antioxidant properties in peas. It’s important to measure the heat to retain the health benefits of peas.
Moderate heat is more beneficial for improving the health properties and nutrients of some vegetables.
Microwaving peas is not a bad idea if you follow some necessary measures and maintain lower heat levels without completely overcooking the nutrients in the food.
Each food and vegetables contain different nutrients and textures. So, you cannot follow the same cooking method for every vegetable and expect the best results every time.
How do you cook peas in a microwave?
Cook peas in a microwave using a microwave-safe bowl with a lid, and nuke between 1 and 3 minutes.
It does not require additional tools to do so, instead it’s simple and easy but you need to follow some essential steps.
General instruction includemixing in one tablespoon water or butter with the peas, and covering the top of the dish with a lid, paper napkin or film.
After that, you need to microwave it for a few minutes, while stirring in between to evenly distribute the heat and ensure all the peas cook. About 3 minutes in total, and stirring every 30 to 60 seconds to check the doneness of the peas.
Peas should be cooked to an internal temperature of 57 degrees Celsius or 135 degree Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked. Always check the tenderness of the peas and serve hot with your choice seasonings.
How long do you heat up peas in the microwave?
To microwave or reheat cooked peas requires 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the starting condition of the peas. If they are frozen, then the microwave time will take slightly longer than heating up canned peas stored at room temperature.
Apart from this, cooking peas in the microwave oven requires a splash of water to generate steam. Cover with a lid to trap the steam and thoroughly heat up the peas quickly.
Depend on the dish you are making and types of peas you are using determines the time to heat up peas in the microwave. In the middle of microwaving, stir the peas and continue the cooking process.
According to the safe food handling procedures of the USDA, peas should be reheated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degree Fahrenheit. It is not recommended to overcook the peas, all you need is to reach the proper internal temperature to safely reheat cooked peas.
Tips to cook peas in the microwave:
Follow these simple steps to cook peas in a microwave oven safely:
- Do not use maximum heat. The maximum heat will turn the peas brown, mushy or even burn the delicate vegetable.
- Use a microwave-safe container for each type of peas.
- Glass or ceramic dishes for best for microwaving.
- Ziploc containers, Ziploc bags and Tupperware may not be suitable for cooking vegetables, and are only recommended for reheating foods.
- Utilize a splash of water or tablespoon of butter at the time of microwave cooking peas.
- Stir every 30 to 60 seconds, and once more before taking out of microwave to evenly distribute the heat.
- Cover with a microwavable lid, plastic wrap or paper towel to trap the moisture within the bowl.
- Microwave peas as part of the final meal preparations, and serve while still hot.
Best way to microwave peas
Instead of using stovetop cooking, the best way to cook peas is using microwave oven. Start with a microwave-safe bowl, never use a plastic or metal to cook in. Apart from this, set the desired time and microwave on high.
Cover the microwave-safe bowl with a lid and nuke for the desired amount of time ranging from 1 to 3 minutes. It is very important to stop the microwave to check and stir the peas every 30 to 60 seconds for even cooking.
Properly microwave peas should be tender, soft and bright green in color. However, each types of peas are cooked and prepared differently.
Here are standard instructions to microwave peas based the right way.
How to microwave fresh peas
Cook fresh peas in a microwave oven by following some simple methods.
Place 1 cup of peas in a microwave proof plate and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over the top. Cover with a lid and microwave on high for 5 minutes, stopping to stir every minute.
Measure the heat and temperature at the time of cooking. Fresh peas need to be fully cooked throughout to become tender and delicious.
How to microwave peas in the pods
Place rinsed peas in the pods in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoons of water. Make sure not to submerge the peas in the water.
Microwave on high for about 2 minutes with a loose lid covering the top. After a minute rotate the dish, stir the pea pods and resume nuking for another minute before checking back again.
How to microwave canned peas
Avoid microwaving canned food in original metal can, microwaving metal is not safe. Instead, transfer the canned peas into a large microwaveable bowl.
Add any additional seasoning like salt and pepper for flavor. Cover the bowl with lid or plastic wrap, and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes until hot.
Depending on the size of canned peas, you will need different timing:
- For 8 oz canned peas, 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- For 15 oz canned peas, 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
- For 17 oz canned peas, 3 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds.
Time varies based on the wattage of your microwave.
In addition, it is important to reheat canned peas to an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F in accordance with the USDA safe food handling procedures.
How to microwave frozen peas
When microwaving frozen peas, use the high temperature but not maximum heat. Place the frozen peas in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid.
For 8 oz of frozen peas, add a tablespoon of water to the peas and microwave on high power in 750W for 3 to 4 minutes.
Reheat to an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F to follow the USDA safe food handling procedures.
Microwaving Peas: Final Thoughts
The easiest way to microwave peas is by removing the pod or break apart clumps of frozen peas. Spread out in a large enough microwave safe dish with a loose lid over the top.
Adjust the heat on high, but not maximum heat, to avoid burning or drying out the peas while microwaving for 1 to 4 minutes depending on the amount of peas. The time can vary based on types of peas, weight of peas and microwave wattage.
Stir well every 30 to 60 seconds of microwave time, and right before serving. Serve peas hot, so it is best to cook or reheat peas as one of the last items before serving the meal.
Microwaving peas is a good idea and it can save a lot of time in the meal prep process. Follow these effective microwave tips for a smooth cooking process that makes it super easy.
Follow the time and temperature directions to have soft and tender peas so that you avoid turning them into mush.