Sauteed Snow Peas

When you need a quick, colorful side that delivers big on flavor, these Sauteed Snow Peas are hard to beat. A quick toss in a hot pan keeps them crisp and vibrant, while garlic, ginger, and soy sauce bring bold, savory notes. A sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end adds just the right amount of crunch.

In just a few minutes, you get a plate of bright green, tender-crisp veggies that feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. We love pairing them with Sesame Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, or Teriyaki Chicken!

Before You Get Started

• Choose the right peas: Look for snow peas that are bright green and snap easily when bent. You can also use frozen snap peas, but make sure to thaw them completely then pat dry before cooking so they don't steam.
• Prep ahead: Wash and trim the ends before you start cooking to save time.
• Have everything ready: The cooking goes fast, so measure and chop all ingredients first.

What is the difference between a Snow Pea and a Sugar Snap Pea?

While both of these veggies are members of the legume family and grow similarly (they string themselves up a stalk or pole), they are pretty different.

First of all, snow peas are thinner and flatter than a sugar snap pea. Snap peas are plumper and are often eaten raw. They are sweeter than snow peas and pretty crunchy when you bite into them, hence the "snap" of a sugar snap pea.

Snow peas are not as sweet, tasting milder in flavor when eaten raw. (I think their true flavor comes out when cooked, and I prefer them cooked over raw.) Also, the actual "peas" are very tiny in snow pea pods, whereas they are much bigger in snap peas.

How to Make Sauteed Snow Peas

Follow these easy steps for the perfect sauté.

1. Heat the oil

Warm coconut oil in a skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers.

Pro tip: Make sure the pan is fully heated before adding the oil so the peas sear instead of steaming.

2. Cook the veggies

Add the snow peas and green onions. Stir constantly until they're bright green and tender-crisp.

Pro tip: Keep them moving in the pan to avoid overcooking and to preserve their crunch.

3. Add flavor

Stir in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Cook briefly until the garlic is fragrant.

Pro tip: Add the garlic and ginger at the end so they stay fresh and aromatic rather than burning.

Mix It Up

• Kick up the heat: Add red pepper flakes, sliced chili, or even a spoonful of chili paste if you love a deeper, spicier flavor. Adjust the amount so it's as mild or fiery as you like.
• Switch up the oil: Trade the coconut oil for toasted sesame oil for a rich, nutty finish. You can also mix the two for a balanced flavor that's both light and aromatic.
• Add a touch of sweetness: Drizzle in honey or maple syrup near the end of cooking to highlight the natural sweetness of the snow peas without masking the savory notes.
• Pile on more veggies: Try adding sliced bell peppers for color, mushrooms for earthy umami, or snap peas for extra crunch. Toss them in early so they soften slightly while keeping their bite.
• Make it a meal: Add shrimp, chicken, salmon, or tofu for protein. Cook them separately until done, then mix them in at the end so they soak up the garlicky, gingery sauce.

Serving Snow Peas

These snow peas can be served with so many different types of main dishes, but since they have an Asian twist, I love to pair them with an Asian inspired meal. Here are some favorites:

• Pork tenderloin: This Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin can be made on the grill, in a grill pan, or in the oven, and pairs so well with the sweetness in these snow peas.
• Beef: Mongolian Beef is the perfect healthy swap for takeout, and serving it with these crispy snow peas and some steamed rice makes it truly feel like a restaurant meal.
• Chicken: When I don't have a lot of time, I toss this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken into the crockpot in the morning and then make these snow peas right before it's time to eat.
• Takeout twist: Another takeout-inspired dish that pairs great with Sauteed Snow Peas is this easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe.
• On a platter: Serve them as part of a veggie platter. If you find them too chewy, you can pull the string off that runs down the length of the pod.
• In a stir fry: I can't say it enough, but adding snow peas to stir-fries is really such a good idea!
• With dip: Dip them in hummus or another veggie dip.
• In salads: Dice them and add them to salads for a bit of crunch.
• With pasta: Add them to a spaghetti and sundried tomato dish with olive oil and garlic instead of a red sauce.

Storage, Reheating, and Leftovers

Here's how to keep leftover snow peas fresh and reheat for later:

• Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm quickly in a skillet over medium-high heat to keep the peas crisp.
• Leftovers: Chop and toss into salads, Healthy Fried Rice, or wraps.