Chinese Peas
Chinese Peas is a flavorful vegetable dish featuring tender peas, crunchy celery, and water chestnuts in a savory soy broth, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and salad oil in a large skillet or wok.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, peas, and drained water chestnuts; cook about 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Dissolve 1/4 cup of beef broth and cornstarch together, then add the remaining broth and soy sauce.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then pour over the cooked vegetables.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger when sautéing the vegetables. If you're out of beef broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also use fresh peas if they're in season, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the beef broth and soy sauce or use a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a great accompaniment to dishes like Beef With Buckwheat Noodles In Spicy Peanut Sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crispy spring rolls. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Peas contains roughly 665 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1957mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch them briefly before adding to the skillet, as they will cook faster than frozen peas. This will enhance their sweetness and retain their bright color.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use chopped jicama or even diced celery for a similar crunch. While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still add a nice texture to the dish.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it and add the cornstarch and broth mixture when you're ready to serve. This will save time on busy nights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).