Sugar snap peas are a delightful and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One of the simplest and most flavorful methods of cooking sugar snap peas is sautéing them with garlic. This quick and easy recipe enhances the natural sweetness and crunch of the peas while adding the aromatic flavors of garlic. In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to cook sugar snap peas to perfection.
1. How To Cook Sugar Snap Peas (Sauteed Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 pound sugar snap peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Snap Peas
Start by rinsing the sugar snap peas under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, trim off the ends of the peas by snapping them off or using a knife. If desired, you can also remove the string that runs along the length of each pea by gently pulling it. This step is optional but can make the snap peas more enjoyable to eat.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Add the Olive Oil
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. The hot oil will help to cook the sugar snap peas quickly and evenly.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the hot pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds to a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 4: Add the Sugar Snap Peas
Carefully add the sugar snap peas to the pan, spreading them out into a single layer. This allows them to cook evenly and ensures that they get nicely coated in the garlic-infused oil. If you’re using a large quantity of peas, you may need to cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Sauté the Sugar Snap Peas
Using tongs or a spatula, toss the sugar snap peas in the pan to coat them with the garlic and oil. Continue sautéing them for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and tender-crisp. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they should still retain some of their natural crunch.
Step 6: Season with Salt, Pepper, and Optional Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sugar snap peas are cooked to your desired level of tenderness, season them with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the peas for an added kick. Give everything a final toss to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the sautéed sugar snap peas to a serving dish, allowing any excess oil to drain. These vibrant green beauties are now ready to be enjoyed. They make a wonderful side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or stir-fried dishes. You can also enjoy them as a healthy and flavorful snack on their own.
Additional Tips
For added freshness and brightness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the sautéed sugar snap peas just before serving.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers or snow peas for a colorful medley.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the sugar snap peas for a bit longer until they are fully tender. Just keep in mind that they will lose some of their crunchiness.
This quick and easy recipe allows the natural sweetness and crunch of the peas to shine, while the garlic adds a flavorful kick. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a vibrant and nutritious side dish or snack
