Print

Savory Garlic Butter Spring Peas with Crispy Bacon

garlic butter spring peas with crispy bacon - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring tender spring peas sautéed in garlic butter and crispy bacon, perfect for any occasion and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) spring peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peas: If using fresh peas, shell and rinse under cold water, then drain well. If frozen, rinse briefly under warm water to thaw slightly, then drain.
  2. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices in a single layer and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Lower heat to medium-low and add butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the peas: Toss peas into the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with garlic butter and bacon fat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender but still vibrant green.
  5. Season and finish: Crumble the crispy bacon and add it back to the pan. Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer to a warm serving dish and enjoy.

Notes

Watch garlic closely to avoid burning; add peas once garlic starts to turn golden. Do not overcook peas to maintain texture and color. Use thick-cut bacon for best crispiness and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring peas, garlic butter, crispy bacon, side dish, easy recipe, quick, family favorite, low-carb, gluten-free