Crisp, sweet, bright green, and ready in minutes, this Garlic Sesame Snow Peas Recipe somehow doesn't even feel like you're eating vegetables. A quick blanch keeps them perfectly tender and crisp, while fresh garlic and sesame oil turn them into the kind of side dish that everyone talks about. This easy vegetable side dish is light, slightly nutty, and comes together in less time than it takes to decide what to serve it with.
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Looking for more easy side dish recipes? I have plenty! My Greek lemon potatoes are loaded with bright citrus flavor and pair perfectly with this snow pea recipe. My lemon pepper roasted broccoli is a simple weeknight favorite, and sautéed red cabbage adds beautiful color to any meal. If you're craving something bolder, try my popular spicy bacon brussels sprouts or garlic roasted crispy kalettes. Pair any of these vegetable side dishes with one of my family-friendly main courses for a dinner that is just perfect!
Why You'll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Fast, fresh and easy. These garlic sesame snow peas can be on the table in under 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, holiday meals, or a last-minute meal addition.
- They pair with almost anything. These snow peas work beautifully alongside chicken, beef, pork, seafood, rice dishes, and noodles.
- Perfect every time. Blanching the snow peas first helps them stay vibrantly green and crisp instead of limp and overcooked.
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Ingredients You'll Need
- Snow Peas - When comparing sugar snaps vs. snow peas, sugar snap peas are thicker and crunchier, while snow peas are flatter, more tender, and cook faster. Both kinds can be used for making this recipe.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you want a sweeter, more mellow garlic taste, you can substitute my roasted garlic cloves instead.
- Sesame Oil - A small amount of sesame oil adds a rich and nutty flavor, that gives these snow peas their signature Asian-inspired taste. Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used instead, if preferred.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds - Toasted sesame seeds add texture, flavor, and a little crunch. Make your own using my tutorial for toasted sesame seeds.
A full list of ingredients with exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.
Easy Variations To Try
- Spicy - Add a pinch of chili pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha for a little heat.
- Add Toasted Almonds - Quickly toast a handful of sliced almonds in a dry skillet until they smell nutty and lightly brown.
- More Add-ins - A couple more tasty add-ins include caramelized onions, sliced green onions, freshly sautéed mushrooms or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Try Different Sauces - For even more Asian-inspired flavor, drizzle the finished snow peas with teriyaki sauce or Japanese roasted sesame sauce before serving.
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How To Make Garlic Sesame Snow Peas
Step 1
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and blanch the snow peas for 2 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2
Heat the sesame oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the snow peas and soy sauce. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Step 3
Transfer to a serving dish and finish with toasted sesame seeds and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Easy Expert Tips
- Don't skip blanching. Blanching helps the snow peas stay bright green, crisp, and perfectly cooked without becoming soggy and dull in the skillet.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but it won't deliver the same bold garlic flavor.
- Cook over medium-low heat. Sesame oil and garlic can burn quickly. Keeping the heat low allows the garlic to become fragrant without burning and turning bitter.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch. These snow peas are at their absolute best right after cooking when they're still crisp, vibrant, and full of flavor.
- Trim the ends. Trim the ends off the snow peas to prevent hard bits.
Storage Tips
Store leftover snow peas in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes over low heat until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Snap peas are slightly sweeter and thicker but work well with the same cooking method.
No, but blanching helps preserve their bright green color and creates a crisp-tender texture that can be difficult to achieve with sautéing alone.
Overcooking is usually always the cause. Blanching briefly and sautéing for only a few minutes helps maintain their vibrant color.
Sesame oil adds a nutty, delicious flavor. But avocado oil or vegetable oil can also be used.
What To Serve With Snow Peas
Pair this quick vegetable side dish with one of these dishes for a delicious, full meal:
If you made this Garlic Sesame Snow Peas Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating, a 💬 comment and share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!
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Garlic Sesame Snow Peas Recipe
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Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 200 grams (7 oz) Snow Peas trimmed
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- Toasted Sesame Seeds for topping (optional)
- Lemon Wedges for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the snow peas and blanch for 2 minutes, just until bright green and crisp. Immediately drain and rinse under cold running water or transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry if needed.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Add the blanched snow peas and soy sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the snow peas are heated through and coated in the garlic sesame mixture.
- Transfer the snow peas to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
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Notes
- Snow Peas: Sugar snap peas can be used instead, the only difference is that they are slightly thicker and crunchier.
- Sesame Oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used if you don't like sesame oil.
- Garlic: Make sure to use fresh garlic, garlic powder will not deliver the same flavor.
- Fun Add-ins: Try adding some red chili flakes, toasted almonds, caramelized onions, green onions, sautéed mushrooms, or parmesan. If you'd like to add a sauce, try my easy teriyaki sauce or roasted sesame sauce for a perfect pairing!
- Trim off the ends of the snow peas to avoid hard bits.
- Don't skip blanching the snow peas, this helps keep them bright green and tender.
- Store leftover snow peas in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator and it will vary based on the ingredients that you use.
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