Snow Peas
Creamy crab-filled snow peas offer a refreshing appetizer with a delightful crunch and bright flavors, perfect for entertaining or light snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, crab meat, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight.
- Rinse the snow peas in cold water.
- Blanch the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute.
- Drain the snow peas and place them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the peas dry, then slit the curved edge of each pea to about 1/2 inch.
- Fill each slit with the chilled cream cheese mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the crab meat with shredded cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought crab dip instead of making the cream cheese mixture from scratch. Ensure the snow peas are fresh and crisp for the best texture. Blanching them properly helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed snow peas make for an elegant appetizer at gatherings. Pair them with a light dip or a refreshing salad, such as a Quick 'N Easy Seafood Salad, for a delightful contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish, enhancing the seafood flavors already present in the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream cheese mixture can separate slightly, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. To reheat, avoid microwaving the snow peas, as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snow Peas contains roughly 198 calories, with 5g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% 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 make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, to allow the flavors to meld. This not only saves time but also enhances the taste, making your snow peas even more delicious when served.
What if I can't find snow peas?
If snow peas are unavailable, sugar snap peas can be a suitable substitute. They have a similar texture and sweetness. Alternatively, you could use thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for a crunchy vessel for the cream cheese mixture.
How do I know when the snow peas are blanched properly?
Blanch the snow peas for about 1 minute, until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. They should retain their crunch; overcooking will make them limp and less appealing.
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).