Snow Peas With Red Pepper
A bright, crunchy side that pairs fresh snow peas with sweet red pepper, garlic, and sesame for a zesty, peppery bite—perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
- Heat over medium-high until hot.
- Add snow peas and sweet red pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add garlic, sesame seed, and seasonings, then cook 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring constantly.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal crunch, don't overcook the snow peas; they should remain bright green and crisp. If you don’t have sesame seeds, try sunflower seeds for a similar texture and nutty flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish also works well with other seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these snow peas with red pepper as a vibrant side dish to grilled chicken or fish. They also pair beautifully with recipes like Volunteer Cornbread for a heartier meal. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving alongside quinoa or brown rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, quickly sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the peas soggy and lose their vibrant texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snow Peas With Red Pepper contains roughly 285 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 be aware that they may become softer when cooked. Add them to the pan towards the end of cooking for best results, ensuring they retain some crunch.
What can I substitute for sesame seeds?
If you don't have sesame seeds, you can use chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy alternative. Alternatively, sunflower seeds provide a similar texture and flavor without the nuts.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, for best texture, it’s ideal to consume it fresh. If preparing for meal prep, consider undercooking slightly to maintain crispness when reheating.
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).