Sesame Snow Peas
Crisp-tender snow peas stir-fried with aromatic ginger, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds create a vibrant, flavorful side perfect for Asian-inspired meals or light vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To de-stem peas decoratively, pinch off stem end from each pod, pulling strings down pod to remove.
- Make a "v-shaped" cut at opposite end of pod.
- Heat wok or large skillet over high heat. Add sesame and vegetable oils, swirling to coat sides.
- Heat oils about 30 seconds or until hot.
- Add onions, ginger root, peas and carrot; briskly toss and stir, keeping vegetables in constant motion for about 4 minutes, or until peas are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Stir in soy sauce.
- Transfer to warm serving dish; sprinkle with toasted sesame seed.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami kick. If snow peas are unavailable, you can substitute with sugar snap peas. Ensure the wok is preheated properly for the best stir-fry results, as it helps maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables. This recipe is also easily adjustable to include other veggies like bell peppers or carrots, similar to those found in Bernie Arnold's Chinese Pepper Steak.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame snow peas as a vibrant side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a versatile addition to your table. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or as part of a larger spread with other Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, quickly stir-fry in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to retain texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the peas mushy. For best results, enjoy fresh but if reheating, keep it brief.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Snow Peas contains roughly 126 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2131mg per serving (93% 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 frozen snow peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen snow peas, but keep in mind that they may not have the same crunch as fresh ones. If using frozen, add them directly to the hot skillet without thawing, and stir-fry for a shorter time to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use peanut oil or a light olive oil as a substitute. However, this will alter the flavor profile slightly. For a closer match, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds to maintain that nutty flavor.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. To enhance it further, consider adding tofu or tempeh for extra protein. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables to suit your taste, keeping it aligned with vegan recipes.
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).