Garlic Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
This Garlic Sugar Snap Peas recipe is a quick and healthy side dish that comes together in just minutes! With crisp snap peas sautéed in garlic and a touch of seasoning, it’s a flavorful and versatile side that pairs well with any meal. Whether served hot or cold, these sugar snap peas are always a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic sugar snap peas is a very easy side dish recipe. To make garlic sugar snap peas, all you need to do is to pan fry the sugar snap peas with a little bit of oil, then add minced garlic, salt and pepper at the end.
For best results, make sure you don’t overcook the peas – the sugar snap peas should still be crispy. Overcooked peas will be limp and soggy, and you certainly don’t want that :) When it comes to cooking the sugar snap peas, it’s better to err on the undercooked side!
Garlic sugar snap peas are delicious hot or cold. If cooking right before dinner, I serve them hot. If there are leftovers, just store them in refrigerator and serve them cold the next day.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Sugar Snap Peas
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in just 6 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast side dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Sugar snap peas are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the snap peas, creating a flavorful side that complements any meal.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether served alongside chicken, fish, or added to a stir-fry, these garlic sugar snap peas are a great addition to any meal.
- Perfect Hot or Cold: Enjoy these peas right off the stove or refrigerate leftovers for a refreshing cold side or snack.
Garlic Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sugar snap peas: Crisp and naturally sweet, they are the star of this simple side dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor to the sautéed peas.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the sugar snap peas and garlic.
- 1/8 tsp pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the sugar snap peas and garlic.
- 1 tbsp oil: Helps cook the peas evenly and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Garlic Sugar Snap Peas
- Non-stick frying pan: Essential for sautéing the peas and garlic evenly without sticking.
- Spatula: Helps stir and coat the snap peas with garlic and oil for even cooking.
- Knife: Used to mince the garlic.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for preparing the garlic and trimming the snap peas if necessary.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the oil, salt, and pepper.
How To Make Garlic Sugar Snap Peas
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sugar snap peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the oil.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, either hot or cold.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these garlic sugar snap peas alongside grilled boneless chicken, roast beef, or baked fish for a balanced and healthy meal.
- Pair them with steamed rice or quinoa for a light and nutritious vegetarian option.
- Add them to stir-fry dishes like shrimp and broccoli for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy as a cold side or snack straight from the fridge for a refreshing and flavorful bite.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce for an added burst of flavor.
Tips For Success
- Don’t Overcook: Be sure to cook the snap peas just until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Overcooking can cause them to become limp and lose their vibrant color.
- Stir Constantly: Keep stirring the snap peas as they cook to ensure even cooking and prevent the garlic from burning.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced or jarred garlic for optimal results.
- Season to Taste: Taste the peas before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Prep Ahead: Trim the snap peas and mince the garlic ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster and easier.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Soy Sauce: For an Asian-inspired twist, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari at the end of cooking for extra umami flavor.
- Spicy Option: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha for a bit of heat.
- Use Butter Instead of Oil: Swap olive oil with butter for a richer flavor and a slightly creamy texture.
- Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Mixed Veggies: Toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to create a more colorful and hearty dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover garlic sugar snap peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the snap peas in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or microwave them for about 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Serving Cold: These peas taste great cold, so feel free to enjoy them straight from the fridge as a quick and healthy snack or salad topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen sugar snap peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sugar snap peas. Thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn to make the dish more colorful and filling.
How do I prevent the snap peas from becoming soggy?
Be sure not to overcook them. Stir-fry the peas for just 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, garlic sugar snap peas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be served cold or reheated before serving.
How do I serve leftover snap peas?
Leftover snap peas make a great cold snack or can be tossed into salads, pasta, or grain bowls for added crunch and flavor.
Other Easy Snap Peas Recipes
Instant Pot Perfectly Steamed Sugar Snap Peas: These sugar snap peas are quickly steamed in the Instant Pot, keeping them crisp and full of natural sweetness.
Air Fryer Roasted Sugar Snap Peas Recipe: Sugar snap peas are roasted in the air fryer to perfection, creating a crisp, healthy side dish or snack.
Vegetarian Dinner with Veggie Patties, Quinoa, Tzatziki, and Garlic Sugar Snap Peas: This hearty vegetarian meal combines veggie patties, quinoa, tangy tzatziki, and garlicky sugar snap peas for a balanced and flavorful plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Snow Peas Recipe: Snow peas turn irresistibly crispy in the air fryer, making a fast and healthy snack or side.
Garlic Stir-Fried Snow Peas with a Touch of Crunch: These snow peas are stir-fried with garlic until just tender, delivering a fresh, flavorful, and crunchy side dish.
Garlic Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sugar snap peas
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Measuring spoon
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sugar snap peas to the pan and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and serve hot or cold.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving.
- Be sure not to overcook the snap peas – they should remain crisp and vibrant green for the best texture.
Nutrition
Just wanted to let you know that I was at the market here in Berlin, Germany the other day and found some Snap Peas (which are unusual here) and I am excited to try this recipe tonight. I have my own food blog and will post the recipe if it turns out, but will make sure you give you credit! Thanks for posting this!