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Learn how to cook snow peas quickly on the stovetop. This easy snow peas recipe is sautéed with garlic and pepper, resulting in tender peas with a delightful crunch.
I’m sure these vibrant snow peas will become a favorite of yours! This quick and simple recipe will surprise you with how flavorful the peas turn out. Cooking them with garlic and pepper enhances their natural sweetness and softens them just enough to maintain a satisfying crunch. Plus, this healthy dish makes a perfect side for any weeknight meal.
This snow peas recipe is perfect as a quick addition to your next meal or as a crisp, easy side dish for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great alternative in your greens and vegetables rotation, replacing this 5-minute sugar snap peas recipe, sauteed broccoli, or this sauteed green peas recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh snow peas: These are sometimes known as mangetout or Chinese snow peas, so you can use any you find at the store or market. Choose pods that are firm to the touch with medium-sized peas within.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Oil: I love to use olive oil. If you prefer, you can also use walnut oil, avocado oil, or, in a pinch, sunflower or even sesame oil. Alternatively, if wanted, you can use butter.
- Spices: I use kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (optional). You can use your favorite seasoning, too.
- A splash of water: Optional to help steam the pods.
See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make this recipe
Prepare the snow peas: You need to trim snow peas. First, rinse them thoroughly with cold water and let them dry for a few moments.
Then, trim the stem end of the snow pea with a sharp knife. Then trim the opposite end and, using the knife or your fingers, gently pull the string that is attached to the pod down its length.
If you prefer, you can also cut the snow peas in half, but I like keeping them whole. If you do cut them, remember to adjust your cooking time.
Cook the snow peas: Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. If you have a wok, it works great for this recipe. Then, add the snow pea pods directly to the hot skillet and stir to coat them with the oil. Sauté them for a couple of minutes, tossing/stirring from time to time.
Next, add the finely chopped garlic, stir, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you want, add a teaspoon or two of water to the pan to allow the pods to steam for a further 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Season the snow peas with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or add a drizzle of soy sauce over the snow peas.
Serving suggestions
Snow peas are best enjoyed immediately when freshly cooked. They are the perfect side for your favorite protein like grilled chicken quarter, easy roast chicken, stuffed chicken breast, or beef stir fry. You can also enjoy them alongside seafood like a fillet of teriyaki salmon or shrimp stir fry. Or add them to fried tofu, rice, or noodles.
More Sautéed Recipes
If you try this easy snow peas recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Easy Snow Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 13.2 oz snow peas fresh
- 1.5 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.6 oz garlic 2 large cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp chili flakes optional
- water just a splash
- lemon juice for serving optional
Instructions
- Rinse your snow peas thoroughly with cold water and let them dry.
- Trim the stem end of the snow pea with a sharp knife. Then trim the opposite end and, using the knife or your fingers, gently pull the string that is attached to the pod down its length. If you prefer, you can also cut the snow peas in half, but I like keeping them whole.
- Heat a skillet or a wok over medium heat and add the olive oil.Once hot, add the snow peas and stir to coat them with oil. Cook them for a couple of minutes, tossing and stirring occasionally.
- Add the finely chopped garlic, stir, and cook for about 1 minute.If you want, you can add a splash of water to the pan to allow the pods to steam for a further 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).Snow peas are best enjoyed immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious, but trimming the ends and pulling that string is unnecessary, they came out soft without doing it.
Hi Willie! Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the snow peas. Happy cooking!
Great recipe. Quick and easy. Even my 6 year old ate a few. #winning!
So happy to hear this. Thank you for your comment, Ali!
Such a quick and easy side dish. It’s delicious and flavorful, especially if you use chili or red pepper flakes!
Glad you liked it, Morgan. Thanks for your comment!