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A close-up of a spoon holding bright green buttered peas mixed with caramelized shallots, with more peas blurred in the background.
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Buttered Peas with Shallots

Sweet, buttery peas tossed with caramelized shallots for a simple stovetop side that’s bright, tender, and ready in minutes.
Course Side Dish
Keyword buttery peas with caramelized shallots, buttery side dish, how to cook frozen peas
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 81
Author Erren Hart

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 shallots thinly sliced
  • 20 oz frozen green peas (about 4 cups)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest optional, for a bright twist
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally so they don’t brown too fast.
  • Stir in the frozen peas (no need to thaw) and parsley. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring gently, until the peas are heated through and tender but still bright green.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and everything looks glossy and coated. If using, stir in the lemon zest.

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

  • Use medium heat for shallots. Too hot and they’ll burn instead of caramelize. Patience brings out their natural sweetness.
  • Don’t thaw the peas. Toss them in straight from the freezer—they’ll cook evenly and stay tender without getting mushy.
  • Bright green is the goal. Pull the peas off the heat once they’re hot but still vibrant; that’s when they taste their best.
  • Butter at the end. Adding the last pat of butter just before serving gives you that glossy, irresistible finish.
  • Cut evenly. Slice the shallots thinly and consistently so they cook at the same pace.  

Variations & Add-Ins

  • Fresh herbs: Try dill, mint, or chives for a twist.
  • Cheesy finish: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta adds richness.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  • Citrus swap: Try orange zest for a slightly sweeter flavor note.

Storage & Freezing

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
  • Freezing: Not recommended—peas can lose their bright color and tender pop once thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 81 | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 231IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg