Among other methods like steaming, blanching and sautéing, microwaving is also a method of cooking peas. It is the easiest method and only takes a few minutes.
Microwaving will also retain the pea’s vegetables’ nutrients.
Below is how to microwave frozen peas.
Defrost or thaw the frozen peas. Place the peas in a microwavable bowl and sprinkle at least two tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl loosely with a lid and put the peas in the microwave. Heat them at high power for 2 minutes, and Remove the bowl from the microwave to stir. Repeat the heating process at 30-second intervals if the peas are not done enough for you.
This article guides you on how to microwave frozen peas. It contains helpful tips and a step-by-step procedure on how to do it. Finally, the article answers frequently asked questions about microwaving frozen peas.
Helpful Tips when Microwaving Frozen Peas
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Thaw the Frozen Peas First
Defrost the frozen peas with a microwave. Those who do not own microwaves with a defrosting option can thaw the frozen peas by placing them on a colander and placing them under running tap water. If not, put the peas in a plastic bag and submerge them in cool water.
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Smaller Quantities are Better
Microwaving frozen peas in smaller quantities is better than in larger quantities. Smaller quantities microwave faster and evenly.
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Use a Microwave Proof Plate or Bowl
Ensure the frozen peas are microwaved on a plate or a bowl that is microwave safe. Plastic or metallic bowls are the kind of materials to avoid when microwaving any meal. Consider containers made of glass instead or the ones that have a microwave-safe bowl.
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Sprinkle Some Water on the Peas
A microwave will heat up the water too fast to produce enough steam to heat the peas.
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Repeat the Heating Process at Short Intervals
After heating the frozen peas in the microwave for the first 2 minutes and realize they are not done to your liking. You may consider reheating the peas again at an interval of 10 to 30 seconds as you use a rubber spatula to stir.
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Consider Seasoning your Peas to Add Flavor
After the peas are ready, you may add butter, salt, and pepper to enhance their taste before serving them alongside other meals.
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Consider Using a Microwave Proof Lid
Partially cover the bowl containing the peas as it microwaves. The lid will prevent the loss of excess moisture from the peas. Also, since it is covered partially, unwanted excess moisture that might contribute to the peas coming out too soggy is allowed to escape.
Step to Step Process of How to Microwave Frozen Peas
The following process will guide you through correctly microwaving frozen peas.
Requirements
- Enough frozen peas
- Some water
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave safe bowl
- A lid
Process
Step One: Thaw the Frozen Peas
There are several ways of thawing frozen peas, including defrosting by microwaving, placing them under running tap water or submerging the peas in cool water. Modern microwaves have a defrosting option. It will be easier to thaw the peas if you own such a microwave.
Secondly, place the peas on a colander and let the peas sit under the tap running water for a while before microwaving. The third option, as stated above, is to place the peas in a plastic wrap and submerge the wrap in cool water.
Step Two: Transfer the Peas to a Microwave Safe Plate
The most important thing to focus on is the type of bowl you intend to use while microwaving.
Avoid using metallic bowls which might ignite in the microwave or plastic bowls that can melt in the microwave, mixing plastic melted contents with the peas. Most microwavable containers are made of glass and ceramic materials.
Step Three: Add at Least Two Table Spoons of Water
The water will play the role of keeping the peas soft and speed up the process of microwaving.
Step Four: Use a Lid to Partially Cover the Bowl
The lid should cover the bowl to allow excess steam that might cause the peas to become too soggy. At the same time, sustain just enough moisture in the bowl to prevent the peas from becoming too dry.
Step Five: Microwave the Peas
Place the peas in the microwave and heat at high power for two minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and gently use the rubber spatula to stir through the peas for equal heat distribution.
Return the peas to the microwave to heat at an interval of 10 to 30 seconds until they are done enough to your liking.
Step Six: Season and Serve
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and place it on the kitchen table.
For the seasoning to make the peas taste even much better, consider adding some butter, allow the butter to melt, and then use a spatula to mix the butter and the peas gently. Topic it up with some sea salt and pepper.
FAQS
- Can you cook frozen Peas in a microwave?
Yes, you can cook frozen peas. First, either thaw them under running water, submerge them in cool water or defrost them. Second, place the peas in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
Use a spatula to gently stir through the peas and return them to the microwave. Heat at an interval of 10 to 30 seconds until the peas are cooked enough for you. Add butter, salt and pepper to season the peas before serving.
- How do I cook frozen Peas?
There are two main ways of cooking frozen peas. You may either use a stove or a microwave. In both cases, the frozen peas have to be thawed for better results. Instructions for the microwave have been illustrated above in the “Step to step process of microwaving frozen peas” subheading.
If you use a stove, pour some water into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the pan on the stove and allow the water to boil. Gently transfer the peas into the boiling water and use heatproof lead to cover the bowl. Let the peas cook for 2 to 4 minutes. When the peas are ready, drain excess water by pouring it over or into a colander. Season the peas with butter, salt and pepper.
- Can you microwave Peas to cook them?
Yes, you can. Place thawed peas in a microwavable bowl and add at least two tablespoons of water. Use a lid to partially cover the bowl and place the bowl in the microwave. Microwave the peas for 2 minutes at high power. Remove the bowl from the microwave and gently stir. Return them to the microwave and heat them again for two more minutes or until the peas are cooked enough for you.
- Can you microwave frozen Peas and sweetcorn?
Yes, you can. Place thawed peas in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the sweetcorn. Pour some water into the bowl and partially cover it with a lid. Place the bowl in the microwave. Heat the peas and the sweetcorn at high power for 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave, stir through the peas and flip the sweetcorn. Return the bowl in the microwave and heat for an extra 2 minutes. Also, learn how to cook or reheat corn in the microwave.
- Is it better to boil or microwave frozen vegetables?
Microwaving vegetables is way better than boiling them. Boiling makes vegetables makes them limp and soggy. Some vegetables even lose their flavour due to being boiled in excess water and under too much heat. When a microwave is used appropriately, you may not face such issues.
- Is it bad to microwave frozen vegetables?
No, it is not bad to microwave vegetables. A microwave is the best method to cook vegetables since you can easily control the cooking temperatures. Also, a microwave ensures that the vegetables retain their natural nutrients.
- Do you need to thaw frozen Peas before cooking?
Yes, you do. Thawing frozen peas will hasten the cooking process. It will also allow heat to distribute evenly through the peas without hindrance from the ice that firmly holds them together.
- How long do you cook frozen Peas for?
- Frozen peas should cook for 2 to 4 minutes, especially when using a microwave. Begin by thawing the frozen peas, then placing them in a microwave-safe bowl with a sprinkle of two tablespoons of water. Then microwave the peas for 2 minutes, stir through the peas and microwave again for two more minutes.
- Are Frozen Peas already cooked?
Frozen peas are partially cooked through blanching. However, they might be a bit too hard or crunchy for most people, which is why after thawing, they have microwaved again for 2 to 4 minutes in the microwave to soften them further.
- How long microwave mushy peas?
It takes 6 to 10 minutes for microwave peas to be soft enough for mushing. Put thawed peas in a microwave-safe bowl, add some water, pepper and salt and use a lid to cover it partially. Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave the peas at high power for six minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir if the peas are yet to be soft enough for mushing. Keep heating in the microwave at an interval of 1 minute.
- How do you defrost frozen peas quickly?
The quickest way to defrost frozen peas is by using a microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and place them in the microwave. Select the defrosting option and select the type of meal and quantity of the food you wish to defrost. Hit the start button.
- Do frozen peas float?
No, frozen peas do not float. However, you will notice some of them floating when you begin to thaw them.
In conclusion, Microwaving frozen peas only take a few minutes. The most important things to remember are to thaw them, use a safe microwave plate, and do not over microwave. For detailed illustrations, go through the article from the top.
