6 Best Substitutes for Peas

What are the best substitutes for Peas?

What are the best substitutes for peas? You open the cupboard ready to do some cooking and realize you have no peas- what do you do? Don’t panic we can give you some advice on the best way to substitute peas in your recipe.

What are Peas?

Garden peas are a popular vegetable known for their sweet taste and nutritional value. They come, fresh, frozen, tinned, or dried and can be a great addition to most dishes.

Fresh peas are generally considered good for you. They are a nutritious vegetable that provides several health benefits. Peas are low in calories and fat while also being rich in fiber, and vitamins.

Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh peas. They are only harvested between April and November, so they can be difficult to find. We have used frozen peas as an alternative, and even used a tin when we were really stuck. So don’t worry there will be a suitable alternative for you too.

Okay, before we look at your pea substitute options, let’s deal with that empty cupboard situation!


Where can I buy Peas?

If you want to be more prepared and ensure you don’t run out of peas again then you should stock up now.

Nowadays most health stores, delicatessens, and general supermarkets stock a wide variety of peas – fresh, frozen, tinned, and dried.

Or if you prefer you can also purchase peas on-line. Here is a link for some canned sweet peas – just store in your pantry.

So why not jump on and place your order today.

STOCK UP NOW!

Del Monte Sweet Peas – canned

Sweet peas – 12 pack – 15 oz cans
Containing peas, water and a taste of sea salt – open and use straightaway.

Never run out again!


What can I substitute for Peas?

Here are some of the best ways to substitute the flavor and role that peas provide in your recipes.

Use any of the following as a substitute:

  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Mange Tout (Snow Peas)
  • Edamame beans
  • Lima beans
  • Black eyed peas
  • Green beans

Garden Pea substitutes


Sugar snap peas as substitutes for peas

Yes, sugar snap peas are an excellent substitute for garden peas. Sugar snap peas have a crisp and crunchy texture, with a slightly sweeter flavor than garden peas. Like garden peas, sugar snap peas can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, salads, or eaten raw as a snack. They add a fresh and vibrant element to recipes and provide a similar nutritional profile to garden peas.

And there is no need to peel or pop the pods – you just eat the whole pod.

Sugar snaps have a similar sweet flavor and crunchy texture, and they can be used in both cooked and raw applications. However, there are a few key differences between sugar snaps and peas that you should keep in mind when substituting them.

  • Sugar snaps are larger than peas. This means that they will need to be cooked for a longer period of time, or they may be too tough to eat.
  • Sugar snaps have a thicker pod than peas. This means that they will add more bulk to your dish, and they may not be as tender as peas.
  • Sugar snaps have a higher water content than peas. This means that they will release more liquid when cooked, so you may need to adjust your cooking time or liquid content accordingly.

Overall, sugar snaps are a good substitute for peas in most dishes. However, it is important to keep the key differences between the two vegetables in mind when making your substitution.

Sugar snap peas as a substitute for garden peas.

Mange tout (Snow Peas)

Mange tout – also known as snow peas have a similar crunchy texture to garden peas and can be used as a substitute in stir-fries, salads, or as a side dish. The pea is not quite as fat as sugar snap peas!

They have a similar appearance to garden peas, but the pods are flatter and the peas inside are smaller. They have a sweet and crisp texture that works well in stir-fries, salads, and as a side dish. Mange tout can be used interchangeably with garden peas in most recipes, providing a similar flavor and crunch.

You do not need to split the pod – you just use the whole pea pod.

Mangetout can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a good addition to stir-fries, salads, and other dishes. Likewise you can use peas as a mangetout substitute.

Here are some of the similarities between mangetout and peas:

  • Similar flavor: Mangetout have a sweet, slightly grassy flavor that is similar to peas.
  • Similar texture: Mangetout have a tender, crunchy texture that is similar to peas.
  • Similar versatility: Mangetout can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a good addition to stir-fries, salads, and other dishes.

Here are some of the differences between mangetout and peas:

  • Size: Mangetout are smaller than peas.
  • Color: Mangetout are green, while peas can be green, yellow, or purple.
  • Pods: The pods of mangetout are edible, while the pods of peas are not.
Snow peas or Mange Tout

Edamame Beans

Edamame beans can also be used as a substitute for garden peas. The beans are actually young soybeans that are harvested when they are still in the pod. They have a slightly different taste compared to garden peas, with a slightly nutty flavor.

Edamame beans are often boiled or steamed and can be enjoyed as a snack or added to salads, stir-fries, or soups. Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt and some chilli flakes – delicious! They are a good source of plant-based protein and provide various vitamins and minerals.

When using edamame beans as a substitute, be aware that their texture and taste may differ slightly from garden peas, but they still offer a nutritious alternative.

  • Edamame beans are larger than peas. This means that they will need to be cooked for a longer period of time, or they may be too tough to eat.
  • Edamame beans have a slightly nutty flavor. This means that they will add a slightly different flavor profile to your dish.
  • Edamame beans have a higher protein content than peas. This means that they will add more protein to your dish.

Overall, edamame beans are a good substitute for peas in most dishes. However, it is important to keep the key differences between the two vegetables in mind when making your substitution.

Edamame beans with salt.

Lima Beans (Butter Beans)

Lima beans, also referred to as Butter Beans, can be used as a substitute for garden peas, but there are some differences in taste and texture. They have a buttery and slightly starchy flavor, which contrasts with the sweetness of garden peas. They also have a softer and creamier texture compared to the firmness of garden peas.

If you decide to use lima beans as a substitute, keep in mind that they might alter the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Lima beans can be boiled, steamed, or included in various recipes such as soups, stews, casseroles, or side dishes. While they are a good source of fiber and protein, their distinct flavor and texture may not be suitable for all recipes that originally call for garden peas. Adjusting the cooking method and seasonings can help to better match the intended taste and texture.

  • Lima beans are larger and have a creamier texture than peas. This means that they may not work well in dishes where you want the peas to have a more crunchy texture, such as a stir-fry.
  • Lima beans have a slightly earthy flavor that is different from the sweet flavor of peas. This may not be a problem in some dishes, but it is something to be aware of if you are looking for a substitute that will taste exactly like peas.
  • Lima beans are a good source of protein and fiber, while peas are a good source of carbohydrates. This means that if you are looking for a substitute that will provide similar nutritional benefits, lima beans are a good option.
Lima beans as a substitute for peas.

Green Beans as substitutes for peas

Green beans can be used as a substitute for garden peas in some recipes, but there are differences in taste and texture. They have a crisp and crunchy texture, while garden peas have a softer and sweeter taste. However, green beans can still provide a fresh and vibrant element to dishes that call for garden peas.

When using green beans as a substitute, consider the cooking time and adjust accordingly. Green beans may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the desired tenderness compared to garden peas. They can be used in stir-fries, salads, casseroles, or as a side dish, adding a touch of green color and crunch to the dish. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will differ, but green beans can still be a suitable alternative in certain recipes.

  • Green beans have a more mild flavor than peas. This means that they may not work well in dishes where you want the peas to have a more pronounced flavor, such as a pea soup.
  • Green beans have a slightly tougher texture than peas. This means that they may need to be cooked for a longer period of time, or they may be too tough to eat.
  • Green beans have a higher water content than peas. This means that they may release more liquid when cooked, so you may need to adjust your cooking time or liquid content accordingly.
Green beans.

Black-eyed Peas as substitutes for peas

The use of Black-eyed peas as a substitute for garden peas may not immediately spring to mind as they have a significantly different taste and texture. Black-eyed peas have a distinct earthy flavor and a firmer texture compared to the sweet and tender nature of garden peas.

They are often used in Southern and African cuisine, typically in dishes like Hoppin’ John or black-eyed pea salads.

While black-eyed peas can be a flavorful addition to certain recipes, they may not provide the same taste or texture as garden peas.

Black-eyed peas.

Summary for Pea substitutes

Okay – that’s you all sorted with suitable pea substitutes.

There are many options when it come to substituting fresh garden peas. Peas are a great source of vitamins, and can add color to a meal, whilst also adding volume.

If you have frozen peas, or peas in a can, then you can simple throw them into your dish. However, if you wish to use dried peas there needs to be a bit of planning as they generally require soaking for a number of hours before use.

However if you do run out of fresh peas then the substitute products listed above will all provide you with an alternative. Which one will you choose?

And remember if you’re looking to replace fresh peas in a recipe, you’ll need to consider what role the peas are playing in the recipe and choose a suitable replacement that provides similar benefits.

We have gathered together a lot more facts on ingredients such as herbs, spices, oils, nuts, etc. if you would like to learn some more.