Flavorful Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots

This classic French dish of butter-sautéed peas with shallots is quick to make, delicious, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Lightly cooked in butter, the peas become tender and sweet—making it a healthy, flavorful side.

Butter-Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots

These buttery green peas with shallots are an absolute treat and pair beautifully with almost any meat!

This side dish is a personal favorite at home, it’s quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying.

In just minutes, with everyday ingredients like peas, garlic, and shallots, you can turn a humble veggie into something truly mouthwatering.

My kids adore it, and honestly, I do too. There’s just something about the buttery sweetness and tender texture that’s irresistible.

I’m especially grateful to my sister-in-law for this gem of a recipe, which she learned in a cooking class. We loved it with crispy Air fryer salmon!

Ingredients for Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots (Quick & Easy Side Dish)

• 4 cups frozen green peas : Fresh, sweet, and rich in nutrients—no need to thaw before cooking. Use high-quality peas for best flavor and texture.
• 4 large shallots : Peeled, halved, and thinly sliced (about ¼ inch thick). Shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 garlic clove : Finely chopped to infuse the peas with a gentle, savory aroma.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter : Adds richness and gives the peas a glossy, flavorful finish.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil : Used with butter to prevent burning and to create a balanced fat base for sautéing.
• ½ teaspoon salt : Brings out the natural sweetness of the peas and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper : Adds a mild heat and savory note—adjust to taste.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley : Finely chopped. Stir some into the peas for freshness and sprinkle a little more on top for a bright, herby garnish.

How to Make Butter-Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots – Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious and healthy French-style side dish in just minutes:

1. Heat the pan : Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, butter, and sliced shallots.
2. Sauté the shallots : Cook the shallots for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn lightly golden. This step builds the flavor base of the dish.
3. Add the garlic : Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, just until fragrant.
4. Add the peas and seasoning : Add the frozen green peas straight into the pan (no need to thaw). Season with salt and ground black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the peas in the buttery shallot mixture.
5. Cook the peas : Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are fully heated through but still vibrant green.
6. Finish with parsley : Turn off the heat. Add the chopped fresh parsley and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot : Plate immediately while warm and fragrant. Enjoy as a side to salmon, chicken, or your favorite main dish!

Tips for the Best Butter-Sautéed Peas – Flavorful, Easy & Versatile

Here are some helpful tips to make your sautéed peas even more delicious and adaptable to your preferences:

• Fresh or Frozen Peas – Both Work Well
  While frozen peas are super convenient and work beautifully in this recipe, you can also use fresh green peas when in season. If using fresh peas, steam or blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes before sautéing to ensure they’re tender and vibrant.
• Use Unsalted Butter for Maximum Flavor Control
  Opt for unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the final dish and to enjoy the rich, creamy flavor that enhances the sweetness of the peas.
• Mix in Extra Veggies for More Variety
  This dish is incredibly versatile. Try adding sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced carrots, or colorful bell peppers to make it heartier and more colorful. Sauté them with the shallots for a more layered flavor profile.
• Perfect Pairings – What to Serve It With
  Butter-sautéed peas make a fantastic side for a wide variety of main courses. They pair especially well with:
  • Grilled or roasted chicken
  • Baked or pan-seared fish, like salmon or cod
  • Grilled meats, such as steak, lamb, or pork chops
    They also complement vegetarian mains like quinoa patties or herbed rice.

These simple additions and swaps can help you elevate a classic into something even more satisfying and suited to your meal.

Other side-dishes to try

• Mexican chopped salad recipe with black beans and corn
• Baba Ghanoush Recipe
• Creamy mashed potatoes

French-Style Butter-Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots

This classic French dish of butter-sautéed peas is quick to make, delicious, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Lightly cooked in butter, the peas become tender and sweet, making it a healthy, flavorful side.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course side dish

Cuisine french cuisine

Servings 4 portions

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups frozen peas
• 4 large shallots halved and thinly sliced (~½″/1 cm thick)
• 1 garlic clove finely chopped
• 1  tbsp butter
• 1  tsp olive oil
• ½  tsp salt
• ½  tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2  tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus extra to garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat the pan: Over medium heat, add the olive oil, butter, and shallots.
• Sauté shallots: Cook for 5–7 min until soft and lightly golden.
• Add garlic: Stir and cook for another 2 min.
• Add peas & seasoning: Mix in peas, salt, and pepper with the shallots and garlic.
• Cook the peas: Stir for 3–5 min until they’re heated through.
• Finish with parsley: Remove from heat, stir in parsley.
• Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.