Name: Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 lb frozen peas; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious side dish that feels both comforting and fresh, you’re going to love this Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that looks simple, but totally elevates your dinner with buttery richness and that irresistible garlic punch. Trust me, once you try these peas, they’ll become your go-to green veggie fix — I make them all the time when I need something fast and flavorful!

❣️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick to Make: Ready in just about 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and frozen peas—no fancy shopping needed.
Flavor That Pops: The garlic butter combo gives these peas a rich, irresistible taste.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to pasta dinners.

Garlic Buttered Peas, garlic butter peas, quick green vegetable side, easy peas side dish, healthy vegetable recipes - The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with bright green peas that look shiny and fresh. The peas are packed closely together, and you can see small bits of what looks like seasoning or herbs scattered on top. A silver spoon is partly dipped into the peas, resting in the bowl at the right side with its handle stretching out. The background is a white marbled texture that adds a clean, soft feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe plays its part in making a perfectly balanced, flavorful side dish that’s really hard to mess up. I always reach for frozen peas here because they’re just so convenient and lock in that sweet snap of fresh peas without any fuss.

Garlic Buttered Peas, garlic butter peas, quick green vegetable side, easy peas side dish, healthy vegetable recipes - Flat lay of bright green frozen peas scattered beside two whole garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small pile of golden unsalted butter cubes melting slightly, a few fresh mint leaves with rich green color and delicate texture, a small heap of coarse black peppercorns, a thin wedge of lemon showing vibrant yellow rind and juicy pulp, and a modest sprinkle of pale parmesan shavings with a crumbly texture, all naturally arranged in a casual yet balanced composition, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted butter: Gives a creamy, rich base—unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic delivers the essential sharpness that pairs amazingly with butter.
Frozen peas: Sweet, bright, and available year-round, frozen peas save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Cooking/kosher salt: Brings out the peas’ natural sweetness and balances the richness.
Black pepper: Adds a tiny peppery kick that rounds out the dish.
Water: Helps create steam to cook the peas evenly without drying them out.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe a bit depending on what’s in my pantry or mood. Sometimes a little fresh herb or cheese can turn it into something special. You can totally make it your own!

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or parsley really freshens up the peas and adds a lovely color pop—I swear it makes the dish feel lighter.
Dairy-free: Swap butter for olive oil or a vegan butter if you’re avoiding dairy without losing that buttery richness.
Extra flavor: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end if you love a little zing like I do some days.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Your Garlic

Start by melting unsalted butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. When it’s melted and shimmering, toss in your finely minced garlic. Stir it constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute—watch closely! You want the garlic to turn light golden and fragrant but definitely not brown or burnt, or it’ll taste bitter. This step is key to that garlicky aroma filling your kitchen and infusing the butter.

Step 2: Add Frozen Peas and Seasonings

Next, add your frozen peas straight from the bag—no need to thaw. Sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then pour in a tablespoon of water. The water helps steam the peas so they cook through evenly and stay bright green. Turn the heat up to medium-high and start stirring occasionally, letting the peas warm and soak up that garlic butter goodness.

Step 3: Cook Until Perfectly Hot and Coated

Cook for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the peas and stir now and then to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the water evaporate and the peas get beautifully coated in garlic butter. At this point, they should be tender yet retain a slight pop when you bite into them. Once done, give them a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Simply tumble these garlicky peas into a bowl and get ready for some serious flavor. I like to serve them right away while warm and buttery, but they’re great at room temperature too if you want to prep ahead.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe

Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic tastes way better than powders or pre-minced—don’t rush this step!
Don’t Overcook Peas: Keep cooking time short to preserve their bright color and a bit of bite—overcooked peas get mushy and dull.
Stir Often: This prevents garlic burning and stops peas from sticking to the pan for an even coating.
Season Last: Always taste at the end to adjust salt and pepper, because butter adds richness but not enough saltiness on its own.

How to Serve Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe

Garlic Buttered Peas, garlic butter peas, quick green vegetable side, easy peas side dish, healthy vegetable recipes - A large silver pan filled with bright green peas as the main layer, with a small dollop of yellow butter melting on top. A wooden spoon is stirring the peas from the left side, showing a mix of smooth green textures and slight shiny spots from the heat. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top—both add a lovely fresh green layer that looks beautiful and brightens the flavor just right. Another favorite garnish is a little lemon zest; it adds a zing that complements the buttery richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these peas with roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also make a killer side alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple pasta dish tossed with parmesan. Honestly, these peas are my secret weapon for jazzing up almost any dinner!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, try serving these garlic buttered peas on a platter with toasted almonds sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast. Or spoon them into little ramekins garnished with edible flowers for an elegant touch. I once made mini pea toasts by spreading cream cheese on toasted baguette slices topped with these peas and garlic butter—it was a hit at a party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic buttered peas store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool them to room temp, then pop them into the fridge. They stay surprisingly bright and tasty, making a quick side for lunch the next day.

Freezing

I don’t often freeze cooked garlic buttered peas because the texture can get a little mushy, but if you want to, it can work okay for soups or casseroles down the road. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing and use within a month for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm them in a small pan over low heat—add a tiny splash of water or butter if they seem dry. Stir often until heated through to keep that buttery coating intact without overcooking the peas.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh peas add a wonderful sweetness and snap. Just cook them a bit longer since fresh peas take longer to soften than frozen. Steam or blanch them first, then finish with garlic butter in the pan.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

If you’re avoiding dairy, olive oil or coconut oil are great alternatives. They’ll give a different flavor but still keep that luscious fat you need to coat the peas. Just use the same amount and watch for the oil’s smoke point when cooking garlic.
How do I avoid mushy peas when making garlic buttered peas?

Don’t overcook! Stick to the 5-minute cook time and keep stirring. Peas cook fast and can easily turn mushy if left too long on high heat. Keeping the water minimal also helps prevent over-steaming.
Can I double this Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe for a crowd?

Sure thing! Just use a bigger pan to keep everything cooking evenly, and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Stir more often and adjust the seasoning at the end since larger batches can dilute flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Buttered Peas Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to get a quick, humble veggie on the table without any stress. The buttery garlic flavor feels indulgent but it only takes minutes, so it’s perfect when you want homemade side dishes without fuss. Give it a go—you might find yourself sneaking peas straight from the pan, just like I do! It’s simple, satisfying, and totally delicious.