Snow Peas Oriental
A quick and vibrant Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring crisp snow peas, carrots, and water chestnuts in a flavorful light sesame soy broth, perfect for a healthy, savory meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat a nonstick skillet with vegetable cooking spray.
- Add light sesame oil and heat over medium-high until hot.
- Add snow pea pods and sliced carrots; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add sliced water chestnuts and canned chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal freshness, select snow peas that are bright green and crisp. If you want a bit more flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger while sautéing. If you don't have light sesame oil, a neutral oil mixed with a touch of toasted sesame oil can work in a pinch. For a heartier dish, you could also toss in some cooked chicken or tofu, making it a great complement to Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a wonderful side with grilled chicken or fish, enhancing a light meal. It also pairs beautifully with Almond Vegetable Stir-Fry for a vibrant and nutritious dinner spread. Serve it over a bed of rice or noodles to complete the meal, adding a touch of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, preserving the crispness of the vegetables. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snow Peas Oriental contains roughly 338 calories, with 0g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen snow peas, but reduce the cooking time slightly as they are pre-cooked. Add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use jicama for a similar crunch, or sliced bell peppers for added color and sweetness. Both alternatives will give a nice texture to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables or tofu, making it a wholesome option for 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).