How To Cook Canned Peas

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Canned sweet peas may not be your first choice for an elegant side dish. Straight out of the can, peas can lack flavor, but they are an ideal quick and easy vegetable to serve with your favorite meals.

This recipe will show you how to cook canned peas that are perfectly seasoned and may even entice your pickiest eaters to load their spoons with peas. 

Like Canned Black Bean, Canned green peas are inexpensive, shelf-stable, and ideal for keeping on hand in the pantry. You can cook peas in the microwave or on the stove with just a few simple additions to boost the flavor and make a side dish everyone will love.

Friends, canned peas are convenient, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. There are soooo many options for easily cooking canned peas that are full of flavor.

And once you check out my How To Cook Canned Carrots, as well as this How To Cook Canned Corn recipes, you’ll see why cooking with pantry staples is always a good idea!

Why Make This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly – Canned peas regularly go on sale, but are inexpensive to begin with, so they are a perfect low-cost side dish.  
• Customizable – Spice up sweet peas with butter, salt, pepper, and garlic, or follow other adaptations listed below so they don’t have that canned peas taste.
• Quick – You can prepare these peas in less than 5 minutes. Goes great with Air Fryer Fish and Chips.
• Flavorful – Enjoy tasty green peas without that canned peas taste.

Ingredient Notes

• Peas – Look for small baby sweet peas. Larger sweet peas may not be as sweet. You can purchase regular or no-salt versions. 
• Water – Drain the water from the can and add fresh water to cook. 
• Butter – Use salted or unsalted butter. You may not need to add additional salt if using salted butter. 
• Salt and Pepper – Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Garlic Powder – You could substitute fresh garlic, but garlic powder has a milder taste. You can also use onion powder.

Ready to learn about how to make canned peas taste good? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Cook Canned Peas On Stovetop

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Open the peas, using this awesome can opener, and drain them in a colander to remove the water from the can. 
2. Pour the canned sweet peas into a skillet or saucepan with the water then add butter and seasoning. 
3. Stir over low to medium heat until the butter has melted, the seasonings have mixed in, and the peas are warmed through.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove portions, and serve warm. 

How To Cook Canned Peas In The Microwave

1. Open the peas, using this awesome can opener, and drain them in a colander to remove the water from the can.
2. Pour the peas into a microwave-safe dish with the water, butter, and seasonings. 
3. If your dish has a lid, be sure to vent it. 
4. Place in the microwave and microwave the peas for 1 minute and stir well. 
5. If needed, cook in additional 30 second-increments until the peas are warmed through and the butter is melted.

Expert Tips

• Look for baby peas or small peas, which tend to be sweeter than large peas. 
• Drain the peas in a colander to remove the water in the can. 
• Rinse the peas under cold water if desired. 
• Peas are already cooked, so check the temperature frequently to avoid overcooking. You want to just warm them through. 
• If microwaving, vent the lid or covering when heating. 
• Serve with a slotted spoon, as there will be some liquid.
• Use a great can opener to easily and smoothly open canned food. 

Delicious Variations

• Use Wine – Add white wine for more flavor instead of water. 
• Add Aromatics – Add a tablespoon of minced shallot. 
• Add Herbs – Stir in some dried or fresh herbs.
• Top With Cheese – Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. 
• Make Them Sweet – Add a bit of sugar along with a little butter for an extra sweet flavor.
• Make Mixed Veggies – Replace one of the cans of peas with other canned vegetables like canned corn, carrots, or cooked diced potatoes.

Prep And Storage

• Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.  
• Freeze – You can freeze the leftovers, although they tend to become mushier upon defrosting. 
• Reheat – Gently reheat so you don’t overcook the peas. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• How To Cook Frozen Peas.
• How To Cook Canned Chickpeas.
• How To Make Canned Refried Beans Better.
• How To Make Canned Carrots Taste Better.
• How to Make Canned Corn Taste Better.
• How To Cook Frozen Carrots.
• How To Cook Canned Pinto Beans.
• Canned Chicken Recipes.
• Canned Tuna Recipes.

 Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Ham.
• Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Cheesy Tuna Casserole.
• Easy Smothered Pork Chops.
• Easy Boiled Whole Chicken.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome can opener to open cans easily at the push of a button.
• Great saucepans for even cooking.
• A good set of spices and seasonings to upgrade up your food.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There is 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my How to Cook Canned Peas recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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