Frozen peas are not only delicious, but they can be used to prepare some of the easiest side dishes. Steam, blanch, sauté them or just microwave frozen peas, and you have a ready to eat side dish for a meal in just minutes.
How do you microwave frozen peas? Frozen peas should be thawed first, and then microwaved for 2 minutes in a microwave safe dish with a loose lid over the top.
Yes, the good news is that you can microwave peas and in just minutes you will have non-mushy, tender and delicious hot peas. Flavor them with butter and seasoning for a tasty side dish.
But is it safe to eat frozen peas without cooking? Every question you might have about frozen peas and how to microwave them has been discussed here. So, without further ado:
Do you have to cook frozen peas?
Before they are frozen, frozen peas are flash-steamed. So, they are already cooked and ready to eat. However, it is not recommended that you have frozen peas straight after thawing it.
Even though each brand is different from one another, frozen peas are always cooked to some degree before they freeze them. In most cases, they are flash-steamed.
After this step, the peas are cooled off and then frozen. So that the frozen peas are able to maintain a bright color and bouncy texture, you need to warm up the peas first.
Even though most brands suggest to boil them, it will be best to avoid this if you do not like mushy peas. Microwave frozen peas to get the desired look and texture of fresh peas.
Are frozen peas already cooked?
In the case of frozen vegetables, most vegetables including peas are precooked. They are either boiled, blanched or steamed before they are cooled off in a water bath and flash frozen. In most cases they are steamed for quick heat transfer and cool down.
It is safe to eat frozen peas right after thawing it. However, it is not generally recommended.
According to food service guidelines, leftovers or reheated foods should be warmed in one way or another until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most people go for the boiling method. However, if you do not pay attention, then they are going to turn all mushy and lose that pop or crunch peas are liked for.
Beside the process of boiling the pea is tiresome. That is why it will be best to microwave frozen peas.
Is it OK to eat frozen peas without cooking?
It is not okay to eat frozen peas without cooking them. Even though the frozen peas are cooked, it is not recommended that you eat frozen peas without heating them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit beforehand.
Most brands provide frozen peas that are ready to cook and not ready to eat. Thus, it is unsafe to eat frozen peas straight after thawing it.
Yes, they are flash-steamed, so having thawed frozen peas on a salad from time to time won’t do you any harm. However, it is recommended to warm it up a bit before consuming.
This step is important to prevent the risk of potential food borne illnesses, and it takes only a few minutes to warm them up.
Tips to cook frozen peas in the microwave?
One of the easiest and quickest ways to warm up frozen peas is to microwave frozen peas. However, there is a trick to it, you have to thaw the frozen peas completely before placing them in the microwave.
If you put frozen peas directly in the microwave, then the peas will be swimming in a pool of water created by the melted ice. This will make the peas all mushy and waterlogged.
Besides, you will lose the crunch of the peas as well. Thus, it is important to thaw them first, and then warm them up in a microwave as per your liking.
For microwaving, glass and ceramic are the preferred microwave safe materials. Some people use plastic containers like Tupperware or Ziploc bags, however that is not a risk we suggest taking.
A loose microwave cover or damp paper towel will serve as a lid to trap moisture and built up steam. Avoid using plastic wrap because the seal will be too tight and the peas will overcook quickly, turning a dull army green color and become mushy.
What is the best way to microwave frozen peas?
The best way to microwave frozen peas will be thawing it first and then put them in the microwave to heat all the way through.
If you have “defrost” setting in your microwave, then you can thaw the peas for a minute. However, most standard microwave do not have the defrost option.
In such a case, you need to thaw it out first. Once it is thawed, you can put them straight in the microwave to warm it up.
You have to warm up the thawed frozen peas for just 1 or 2 minutes. You can add butter and seasoning to it before putting them in the microwave for added flavor.
Microwaving Frozen Peas: Final Thoughts
There you have it, these tips include everything you needed to know to gain the confidence to microwave frozen peas.
The most important take away is that frozen peas are already fully cooked. They are steamed and flash frozen to maintain their bright color and crunchy texture.
Frozen peas are not a ready to eat food. Therefore, it is important to reheat the properly before consuming to reduce the risk of food borne illness.
When warming frozen peas, its best to completely thaw them before microwaving. If you do not defrost the frozen peas before microwaving, they will be swimming in residual water and become mushy.
Always cook in a microwave safe container, and keep the cooking time between 1-2 minutes. Time will vary based on the quantity of peas and microwave wattage.
So, what are you still waiting for? Use the information and tips provided here to microwave them and have a side dish ready to eat in just few minutes.