How long to cook peas: 2–3 min boiled, 3–4 min steamed, 3–4 min in the microwave and 3–4 min pan-fried. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook peas
Times are for 300 g frozen or fresh podded peas, for 4.
Warm frozen peas in butter with a splash of water and some mint or lettuce.
Before you start
Frozen peas go straight from the freezer. Fresh peas need podding: 1 kg in the pod gives about 400 g peas.
How to tell it’s done
Bright green, plump and sweet.
Questions
How long to boil peas?
2–3 min in boiling salted water. Frozen peas; petits pois take 2 minutes. Fresh peas take 3–5 minutes.
How long to steam peas?
3–4 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave peas?
3–4 min on full power, covered. Frozen, with 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.
How long to pan-fry peas?
3–4 min over a medium heat. Warm frozen peas in butter with a splash of water and some mint or lettuce.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.