This Sugar Snap Peas Recipe is quick, fresh, and totally customizable. After 30 years of cooking for a family of seven, I've learned that the best side dishes are always the easiest ones. With no chopping and minimal dishes, this one's a regular in our rotation. Once you learn the simple stovetop technique, you can tweak it anyway you like. The best part? They're ready in about 8 minutes from start to finish!
This is just one of our easy vegetable side dish recipes! From green beans to corn to carrots, we have plenty of delicious recipes to round out any meal.
Dang, this Sugar Snap Peas Recipe really cooks up fast! It is one of those simple side dishes you can throw together in just a few minutes with the confidence that it will be delicious. With just three main ingredients, this is a total game changer when time (or motivation) is tight.
The cooking method for these quick sautéed snap peas came from something we've been doing for years with skillet potatoes: a splash of water at the end to finish them off. You still get that bright, crisp sautéed texture, but with the tenderness of a little steam. It really is the best of both worlds.
This really is such a real life recipe, just like some of our other quick skillet sides: Pan Roasted Corn and Butter Peas. Both of those use frozen vegetables so if your fridge is running low, just grab a bag from the freezer.
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Why this recipe is great
With a big family to feed, you can trust that Borrowed Bites recipes are tested and re-tested until they're ready to work in real life kitchens. Here is why this snap pea recipe passed the test:
- Quick: Less than 10 minutes and your easy side dish is done!
- Few ingredients: Just 3 main ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
- Delicious: Honestly, this is the number one requirement for anything that makes it to our site.
Ingredients
With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is the essence of simplicity. Here are some tips so you get the best results every time.
- Sugar snap peas: You will need a pound of fresh stringless snap peas, but if all you have on hand are snow peas, those will work as well.
- Toasted sesame oil: This is one of those non-negotiable ingredients for flavor. It must be toasted oil or it won't have the same rich, nutty flavor.
- Garlic: We like to use pre-minced garlic to keep things quick, but of course fresh minced garlic also works.
- Salt & pepper: Kosher salt and pepper are our go-to seasoning for just about all of our savory dishes.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to cook sugar snap peas
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. You will know it is hot enough when a drop of water dances across the surface.
Add the sesame oil, garlic, and fresh sugar snap peas. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After three minutes, pour in the small amount of water and allow it to cook off for an additional 3 minutes. This helps the peas get tender without loosing that bright crisp finish. Serve hot.
Variations and Substitutions
This is a very basic recipe that's easy to adjust based on what you like or what you have on hand.
- For a more neutral flavor profile, swap out the toasted sesame oil for extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
- You can swap out the fresh garlic for garlic powder.
- For even more flavor add in additional sesame oil and a little soy sauce.
- If you are looking for bold flavors, add in a teaspoon of ginger and a few shakes of red chili flakes.
- Finish it off with toasted sesame seeds for a bit more flavor and nice crunch.
What to serve with sugar snap peas
If you are looking for a main course, we have got you covered:
How to store
Any leftover snap peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Jazz up your snap peas with garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick flavor boost. If you want a little heat, add on some gochujang sauce or hot honey.
First, buy or grow a variety that is naturally stringless. If they do have strings, you will need to remove them before cooking. Second, don't overcook them. Overcooking can make them stringy and tough.
Tips & tricks
- Use the freshest peas you can find. The fresher they are, the firmer they will be and the better your end result.
- Toasted sesame oil is essential for a deep, nutty flavor that makes the dish. Do not mix it up with regular sesame oil.
- When they are in the pan, stir occasionally but not constantly. You want them to start blistering for an added layer of flavor.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 lb snap peas or snow peas
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add in oil, garlic, and peas. Sprinkle on salt and pepper Saute for 3 minutes stirring occasionally.3 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 lb snap peas, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Pour in water and allow water to cook off for another 3 minutes or so. Serve hot.2 tablespoon water
Notes
- Use the freshest peas you can find. The fresher they are, the firmer they will be and the better your end result.
- Toasted sesame oil is essential for a deep, nutty flavor that makes the dish. Do not mix it up with regular sesame oil.
- When they are in the pan, stir occasionally but not constantly. You want them to start blistering for an added layer of flavor.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
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