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By Chris Joe
5 from 1 vote
May 02, 2022, Updated Mar 31, 2024
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This simple and delicious Sesame Garlic Snap Peas is one of my favorite vegetable side dishes! The naturally sweet sugar snap peas get taken to the next level when they’re sautéed to a blister with a smoky char. You’re going to love this super fast and flavorful dish that will go perfectly with all of your favorite Asian dishes!
Watch the Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Recipe Video Below!
Sugar Snap Peas vs. Snow Peas
Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas are very similar but they are not the same thing!
Sugar Snap Peas are rounder, whereas snow peas are flatter. The peas inside Sugar Snap Peas are sweeter and juicier.
You can eat the entire pod with both vegetables and they CAN be used interchangeably in most recipes – including this one!
How to Prepare Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas have a tough inner lining along the flat edge of the snap pea. The inner lining is chewy and tough if not removed, so I highly suggest removing it prior to cooking. You’ll see a small piece sticking off of one edge of the snap pea. Pull the piece and the stringy lining will pull straight off!
Ingredient Tips for Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Ingredients
- 1lbsugar snap peas,washed and trimmed – Once you’ve washed your sugar snap peas, make sure to trim the ends. Once you do so, you might notice a thread on either side. If you do, pull the thread down to remove. This simple step will make your snap peas taste better and look more palatable.
- If you can’t find sugar snap peas, you can use snow peas.
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1/4tspwhite pepper – I love white pepper and it’s used very commonly in Chinese cooking (another “secret ingredient” for cooking restaurant quality Chinese food at home). It has an earthier, less spicy flavor than black pepper. I recommend having some in your pantry but if you can’t find it, you can always substitute with black pepper.
- 1/2tspgranulated sugar
- 1/4tspmsg – I like to use MSG as a flavor enhancer in moderation. This is always optional.
- 6clovesgarlic,chopped
- 2tbspneutral oil – I use avocado oil as my go-to neutral oil when sauteing. You can also use canola or vegetable oil.
- 1tbspsesame oil – A drizzle of sesame oil will add a beautiful layer of nutty flavor that takes your Sesame Garlic Snap Peas to the next level!
Recipe Instructions: Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
1. Wash and Trim Snap Peas
The first thing you’ll want to do after washing your snap peas is to trim the ends and remove the string (if there is one). I recommend taking this extra step because the string can be tough and does not make for the best eating experience.
Once you locate where the string starts, use your finger to pull it all the way down – it should come off in one piece!
2. Sauté Snap Peas
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp of neutral oil over high heat. Add your snap peas. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes or until they are blistered and bright green.
Once the snap peas are nicely blistered and bright green, add your dry seasonings and fresh garlic. Continue cooking for 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Finish your Sesame Garlic Snap Peas with a drizzle of sesame oil (roughly 1 tbsp) and toss for another 30-seconds before enjoying!
3. Add Garlic and Continue Cooking the Snap Peas
Immediately add your garlic and seasonings and stir fry for 1 minute, adding a touch more oil if necessary to help sauté the garlic.
4. Finish with Sesame Oil and Enjoy!
Finally add 1 tbsp of sesame oil then toss for another 30 seconds and enjoy! Plate up the sugar snap peas and garnish with some toasted sesame seeds.
Pro TipS
Expert Tips for Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Sugar Snap Peas vs. Snow Peas
Sugar Snap Peas are rounder, whereas snow peas are flatter. The peas inside Sugar Snap Peas are sweeter and juicier.
You can eat the entire pod with both vegetables and they CAN be used interchangeably in most recipes – including this one!
Trim Your Snap Peas
Once you’ve washed your sugar snap peas, make sure to trim the ends. Once you do so, you might notice a thread on either side. If you do, pull the thread down to remove. This simple step will make your snap peas taste better and look more palatable.
Storage and Reheating
You can store Sesame Garlic Snap Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I like to reheat them by stir-frying them quickly in a hot pan or wok. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
What to Eat with Sesame Garlic Snap Peas?
Due to the mild flavors, Sesame Garlic Snap Peas are the perfect side dish to your favorite Asian dishes. I would include this in your next multi-course dinner at home!
- Start with a soup – my favorite is the ultra-comforting Egg Drop Soup or the crowd favorite Hot and Sour Soup
- Don’t forget the rice – make my fluffy Egg Fried Rice, or juicy Shrimp Fried Rice (here’s a Chicken Fried Rice if that’s what you prefer!)
- Noodles always belong at my table – I would make Chicken Lo Mein (Shrimp Lo Mein or Beef Lo Mein are great choices, too!)
- If you need a heartier protein, my top picks are String Bean Chicken or Black Pepper Chicken – these are less saucier and would go well with the Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
- Other vegetable dishes that would go well with this meal is restaurant-style Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce and a refreshing Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad!
5 from 1 vote
Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 5 minutes mins
Save
These Sesame Garlic Snap Peas will be a vegetable side dish you'll make again and again! The crisp and delicious snap peas cook up in just under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sugar snap peas, washed and trimmed
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp msg
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Wash and trim your snap peas by taking the tough string off the back of the peas. Chop your garlic, then in a bowl add kosher salt, white pepper, sugar, and msg and set aside.
Over medium high heat, add 2 tbsp of neutral oil and saute your snap peas for 3-4 minutes or until nicely blistered and bright green.
Immediately add your garlic and seasonings and stir fry for 1 minute, adding a touch more oil if necessary to help saute the garlic.
Finally add 1 tbsp of sesame oil then toss for another 30 seconds and enjoy!
Notes
KEY TIPS:
Sugar Snap Peas vs. Snow Peas: Sugar Snap Peas are rounder, whereas snow peas are flatter. The peas inside Sugar Snap Peas are sweeter and juicier. You can eat the entire pod with both vegetables and they CAN be used interchangeably in most recipes – including this one!
Trim Your Snap Peas: Once you’ve washed your sugar snap peas, make sure to trim the ends. Once you do so, you might notice a thread on either side. If you do, pull the thread down to remove. This simple step will make your snap peas taste better and look more palatable.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
You can store Sesame Garlic Snap Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I like to reheat them by stir-frying them quickly in a hot pan or wok. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1173mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2466IUVitamin C: 139mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!
