If you've ever wondered how to cook snow peas, then you'll love this tasty and easy recipe. A vegan Asian side dish that takes minutes to prepare. Sautéed Snow Peas will tempt your tastebuds for more and more! Snow Peas are healthy, sweet and delicious.
Snow Peas vs Snap Peas?
First of all, they are very similar as they are both peas.🤣Sugar Snap Peas were created by crossing the Garden Pea with the Snow Pea, resulting in a pea with an edible pod. They are slightly sweeter than Snow Peas, they can be shelled, but are often eaten raw, with the entire pod.
Originating in Asia, Snow Peas are used often in Chinese cooking. They are flat, and look like the peas inside haven't grown yet. This makes them ideal for stir frying in a wok. No need shell Snow Peas, but eat the entire pod. They're easily found in supermarkets year round.
Trimming Snow Peas
Snow Peas have a stringy fibre that runs along the edge of the pea pod. It's not pleasant to chew, and needs to be removed before eating.
- Trim the ends of the Snow Peas
- As you trim, you will feel the end connected to the stringy fibre along the side. Pull along the pea to remove
- Younger pea pods might only have stringy fibres along one side of the pod
Ingredients You'll Need
- fresh snow peas (10oz or 250 grams)
- oil - to saute the peas
- garlic cloves - essential in Asian dishes
- celery ribs - for flavor and crunch
- green onions - to continue the green theme (and flavor)
- water chestnuts - for crunch
- soy sauce - for seasoning
- toasted pine nuts - for a soft, nutty flavor
Slicing Vegetables Chinese Style
It's important for vegetables to be cut the same size and thickness when cooking in a wok. The wok or skillet is heated on very high heat, so it can quickly fry the vegetables. Slice the vegetables to create maximum cooking surface, so it cooks quickly. This is done by cutting the vegetables on the diagonal. For this Asian side dish recipe, it's only the celery that needs to be cut this way. If adding carrots, slice them the same way. Next time you're at the food court at a Chinese take-away, you'll see the vegetables cut this way.
How to Cook Snow Peas
Of course, this recipe is best when made in a wok. However, many houses don't have gas stove connections that provide enough gas heat required for a wok to flash fry the snow peas quickly. Oh, and most people have no wok, so I'm going to use a skillet. Everyone has one of those!
Snow Peas should be cooked very quickly, so they are still crunchy when you eat them, not raw. You don't want to overcook Snow Peas, and they will keep cooking while you take them off the stove, so serve them right away.
- Toast Pine Nuts in a skillet until they are golden brown, set aside
- Trim the ends off the Snow Peas, removing the stringy fibre on the side
- Heat the skillet on high heat until hot, saute garlic for 30 seconds
- Add Snow Peas and Celery and fry for 2 minutes
- Toss in Water Chestnuts, Green Onions and Soy Sauce for 30 seconds
- Serve immediately, garnished with Pine Nuts
Stir Fried Snow Peas Variations
This Stir Fried Snow Peas recipe can be easily adapted from an Asian side dish to a dinner stir fry recipe. Simply stir fry your favorite meat, and mix into this recipe. If you need more vegetables to bulk up your stir fry, add some shredded cabbage and carrots. What protein goes well in a stir fry? I'm glad you asked!
Meats
- sliced chicken - breast or thighs
- beef strips
- shrimp - peeled and deveined
- pork
What to Serve with Stir Fried Snow Peas
- Serve over white rice
- Mix in with Chow Mein noodles
- Toss through Rice Vermicelli
- Lo Mein - egg noodles
- As a side dish alongside your Roast Duck
Snow Peas Sauce Ideas
- Chili Soy Sauce
- Fermented Black Bean Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Sriracha Sauce
- Laoganma - google this one, it's one of my favorites
Chinese Recipes You'll Love
- Chinese Roast Duck in a Master Stock
- Asian Crispy Potatoes
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Asian Grilled Chicken Wings
- Lettuce Wraps - San Choy Bow
- Asian Noodle Salad
Now you know how to cook Snow Peas, and easy side dish or Snow Peas Stir Fry. Chinese style stir fry that's nutritious, healthy and delicious! The perfect Asian side dish, crispy and topped with pine nuts. A 10 minute side dish everyone will love. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Equipment
- Wok or skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- ¼ pound /250g snow peas
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ribs celery thinly sliced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 can water chestnuts
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts in a skillet until they are golden brown, set aside.
- Trim the ends off the snow peas, removing the stringy fibre on the side.
- Heat the skillet on high heat until hot, saute garlic for 30 seconds
- Add snow peas and celery and fry for 2 minutes
- Toss in water chestnuts, green onions and soy sauce for 30 seconds
- Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts
Notes
©Peter's Food Adventures
