This simple recipe for Sesame Snap Peas might just be the perfect veggie side dish! Crisp-tender, delicious, and fresh snap peas are sauteed quickly with sesame oil and soy sauce for a fast and flavorful dish with oodles of flavor.
If there’s one thing that being a busy parent has taught me, it’s that everyone should have a few simple, super-fast recipes up their sleeve. If those recipes are kid-friendly, then that’s even better! Made in about ten minutes, this snap peas recipe is a quick-cooking veggie with a pleasant, nutty taste, thanks to the sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.
Snow Peas Vs Snap Peas
Snow peas and snap peas are often used interchangeably. Snow peas have thin, edible pods with small peas, while snap peas have thicker, crunchier pods with fully developed peas inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- There’s a burst of freshness and a crunchy texture with every bite.
- For those who love a hint of excitement, this dish carries a subtle zest and nuttiness.
- This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious dish ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients For Sesame Snap Peas
- Sesame Oil and Avocado Oil: The sesame oil is crucial for flavor.
- Snap Peas: Washed and dried well so the oil doesn’t spatter when you cook them.
- Soy Sauce: You could also use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnishing the dish.
How to Cook Sesame Snap Peas
- Saute the Snap Peas. Heat the avocado oil and sesame oil in a medium or large skillet set over high heat. Add the snap peas to the heated oil; turn down the heat and saute the peas for two minutes, shaking the pan to cook them evenly.
- Add the Soy Sauce. Stir in the soy sauce and let that cook for another twenty seconds or so. Take the skillet off the heat and cover it with a lid or a piece of foil. Let the snap peas rest for five minutes.
- Enjoy! Stir the snap peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Discard the Snap Peas Strings: Just pinch the edge and pull the string away before cooking.
- Dry the Peas: Make sure to dry the peas well with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel before cooking.
- Substitute: Since snap peas and snow peas are so similar, feel free to swap them if needed.
- Lemon-Garlic Snap Peas: For another fun flavor profile, try using olive oil and a little minced garlic, instead of sesame oil. Replace the soy sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of salt, and enjoy!
- Chicken and Snap Peas: Make an ultra-quick homemade version of this classic stir-fry by sauteing thinly-sliced chicken with salt and pepper, and then add the cooked chicken to the snow or snap peas for the final minute or so of cooking. Drizzle with additional sesame oil and soy sauce to make the recipe saucier.
Serving Suggestions
Snap Peas are often served with Asian-inspired dishes like this Egg Drop Soup and my Asian Beef Skewers. A big, satisfying bowl of Teriyaki Noodles or Garlic Peanut Noodles makes an easy dinner with tons of umami flavor. I also like to pair the peas with this better-than-takeout Shrimp Fried Rice.
Storage
- Transfer the snap peas into an airtight container or food storage bag, and refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
ENJOY!
Sesame Snap Peas
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
- 1 pound fresh snap peas, washed and dried
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil and sesame oil in a frying pan set over high heat.
- Add the snap peas to the hot oil; turn down the heat to medium-high, and cook for about 2 minutes, shaking the pan and tossing the snap peas as needed.
- Stir in the soy sauce and cook for 20 seconds. Remove from heat; cover and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Stir and taste; season with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
- Remove Strings: Check sugar snap pea pods for strings before cooking, despite not needing to shell them.
- Dry the Peas: Ensure peas are dry before cooking to prevent oil spatters that could cause mess or burns.
- Substitutes: Feel free to interchange snow peas and sugar snap peas in recipes.
- Flavor Variations: For a lemon-garlic version, use olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of salt in place of sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Add Protein: Saute thinly-sliced chicken and add it to the peas during the final cooking minute for a quick, homemade stir-fry. Drizzle with extra sesame oil and soy sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
