Garlic Stir Fried Snow Peas Recipe
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Garlic Stir-Fried Snow Peas are a simple yet flavorful side dish that comes together in just 5 minutes! With crisp snow peas sautéed in garlic and olive oil, this healthy recipe is perfect to serve alongside any meat or seafood main course. It’s quick, easy, and packed with fresh, delicious flavor.
Snow peas are often used in Chinese stir fry recipes – they are a very tasty addition to beef, chicken or shrimp stir fry dishes. Snow peas are also a part of many frozen stir fry vegetable mixes. However, snow peas don’t have to be just a small part of a stir fry recipe. Snow peas taste wonderful on their own!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Stir Fried Snow Peas
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute side dish for any meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Snow peas are packed with vitamins and fiber, and this stir-fry keeps them light and healthy with minimal oil.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic and olive oil gives the snow peas a rich, savory flavor that enhances their natural sweetness.
- Great for Any Meal: These garlic stir-fried snow peas pair well with a variety of dishes, from chicken and beef to seafood and vegetarian meals.
- Perfect Hot or Cold: Enjoy these snow peas right off the stove or serve them cold as a refreshing side or appetizer.
This easy recipe for garlic stir fried snow peas makes a very delicious and healthy vegetable side dish. Snow peas are quickly stir-fried with a little olive oil and minced garlic, until tender but still crispy! Serve these tasty garlic snow peas alongside any meat or seafood main dish.
Stir fried garlic snow peas taste great hot or cold. If you are serving them cold, these snow peas will be a wonderful appetizer!
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Garlic Stir Fried Snow Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb snow peas: Crisp, fresh snow peas are the star of this dish, offering a light and crunchy texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and snow peas, olive oil adds richness and helps create a slight crisp on the peas.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Minced garlic brings a bold, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the snow peas.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/8 tsp pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Garlic Stir Fried Snow Peas
- Non-stick frying pan: Essential for cooking the garlic and snow peas evenly without sticking.
- Spatula: Useful for stirring and tossing the snow peas to coat them evenly in the oil and garlic.
- Knife: For mincing the garlic and trimming any ends from the snow peas if needed.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for preparing the garlic and snow peas.
- Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil and seasonings precisely.
Instructions How To Cook Snow Peas
- Heat the oil and garlic in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, until the garlic starts to sizzle.
- Add the snow peas and stir, so they are coated with oil.
- Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, until the snow peas are bright green.
- Remove the snow peas from heat and serve.
- Do not overcook the snow peas – they should still be crisp :)
Enjoy these healthy and yummy garlic snow peas! They are perfect served alongside orange chicken!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these garlic stir-fried snow peas alongside grilled chicken, air-fried beef, or shrimp for a balanced meal.
- Pair them with steamed rice or ramen noodles for a simple and healthy side dish.
- Enjoy them cold as a refreshing appetizer or add them to green salads for extra crunch.
- Use them as a side to Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki or stir-fried beef for a complementary flavor.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or drizzle soy sauce on top for a little extra flavor and texture.
Tips For Success
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the snow peas; they should remain tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can make them mushy and less vibrant.
- Stir Constantly: Stir frequently to evenly coat the snow peas with garlic and olive oil, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor for this dish. Pre-minced or jarred garlic can sometimes lack the same intensity.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
- Prep Ahead: Trim the snow peas in advance to save time, and have all ingredients ready before you start cooking for a quick and seamless stir-fry process.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Soy Sauce: For an Asian-inspired twist, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari during the last minute of stir-frying for added umami flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Spicy Option: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the snow peas just before serving.
- Butter Substitute: Swap the olive oil for butter to create a richer, more indulgent flavor profile.
- Other Vegetables: Mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a more colorful and hearty side dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stir-fried snow peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the snow peas in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or microwave them for about 1 minute until warmed through.
- Serving Cold: These garlic snow peas taste great cold as well, so feel free to serve them straight from the fridge for a quick snack or add them to salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sugar snap peas instead of snow peas?
Yes, sugar snap peas work just as well in this recipe. They will be slightly sweeter and have a thicker pod, but the cooking process remains the same.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, garlic stir-fried snow peas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat well and can also be enjoyed cold.
What can I serve with stir-fried snow peas?
These snow peas are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or alongside steamed rice or noodles.
How do I keep the snow peas from getting soggy?
Be sure not to overcook the snow peas. They should remain crisp after stir-frying, so cook them for no more than 2-3 minutes on high heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be added to the stir-fry for a more colorful and filling dish.
Other Easy Snow Peas Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Snow Peas Recipe: These snow peas turn out perfectly crispy in the air fryer, making a quick and healthy snack or side dish.
Quick Instant Pot Snow Peas: This Instant Pot recipe delivers tender, perfectly cooked snow peas in just a few minutes.
Garlic Sesame Sautéed Snow Peas: Snow peas are sautéed with garlic and sesame oil for a flavorful, Asian-inspired side dish.
Instant Pot Steamed Snap Peas: Enjoy perfectly steamed sugar snap peas in no time with this easy Instant Pot recipe.
Garlic Stir-Fried Sugar Snap Peas: These crisp sugar snap peas are stir-fried with fresh garlic for a simple and delicious vegetable side.
Garlic Stir Fried Snow Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb snow peas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Measuring spoon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it begins to sizzle.
- Add the snow peas to the pan and stir to coat them in the garlic and oil.
- Stir-fry the snow peas for about 2 minutes, until they are bright green but still crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
- Serve hot or cold, and enjoy your garlic stir-fried snow peas as a healthy side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a splash of soy sauce while stir-frying the snow peas.
- Be careful not to overcook the snow peas – they should remain crisp for the best texture.
Nutrition
See More Stir-Fry Recipes
- Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli Garlic Stir-Fry
- Healthy Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Stir-Fried Scallops with Shiitake Mushrooms and Bok Choy