Sesame Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas sauteed in sesame oil seasoned with garlic and chili flakes and sprinkled with sesame seeds are now one of my favorite vegetable side dishes to prepare. Simple, quick, and perfect to pair with any meal.

I am always on the lookout for new side dishes that come together quickly and are interesting, and add some variety to my normal steamed or sautéed veggie repertoire. Adding new vegetables is one way to switch up the routine and sugar snap peas are now one of my new favorites.

This simple recipe makes use of sesame oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds instead of my normal go-to of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make up a double batch and use the leftovers in salads, lettuce wraps, and rice bowls.

Consider making up these sugar snap peas for your next Asian-inspired dish, or roast up a big batch to add to salads, rice bowls, and even just for snacking. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why we think you’ll enjoy these sugar snap peas.

• Healthy: Loaded with vitamins and fiber, sugar snap peas are a healthy side dish.
• Easy: Nothing complicated about sauteing snap peas in sesame oil and a few seasonings.
• Versatile: Sugar snap peas will pretty well go with anything.
• Fun: Crunchy and chewy, we think these sugar snap peas are fun to eat.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here’s a list of what you need to prepare these sugar snap peas and some alternatives.

• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a light Asian flavor to these snap peas but you can use any kind of oil to saute them. Realize though that a different oil will not have the same flavor impact.
• Red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes give these snap peas a touch of spice.
• Garlic clove: Fresh garlic, minced adds great flavor but jarred garlic also works.
• Sugar snap peas: Nice and crunchy, sugar snap peas taste great in this recipe but you can also use snow peas, asparagus, or green beans.
• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add some crunch and more sesame flavor. Toast them beforehand for a more intense sesame flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sesame Sugar Snap Peas

It couldn’t be easier to make these peas.

• Heat the sesame oil: Pour the sesame oil into a pan and let it heat up over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic and let them cook for 1-2 minutes until nice and fragrant.
• Add the sugar snap peas: Mix in the sugar snap peas and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender crisp. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of water.
• Turn off the heat: Turn off the heat and toss the peas with sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper.

What To Serve With Sugar Snap Peas

While we think anything will pair well with these snap peas we especially like to eat them alongside these dishes.

With grilled dishes: If you put the sugar snap peas on the grill here are some great options to cook along with them: Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese, Grilled Red Snapper, or this Grilled Tofu.

With roasted or baked dishes: If you decide to roast the sugar snap peas in the oven try one of these recipes: Balsamic Flank Steak with Roasted Tomatoes, this Chicken Fra Diavolo, or this Crispy Baked Fish.

Rice and grain bowls: If I have leftover snap peas I love adding them to rice bowls like this Salmon Sushi Bowl, this Korean Beef Bowl, or this Chicken Kofta Bowl.

Double up the sesame flavor: Pair the snap peas with this Pan Fried Sesame Tofu With Edamame, Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna, or Sesame Beef.

How To Store Leftover Sugar Snap Peas

If you have a few sugar snap peas left over, here is how to store them.

• Fridge: Leftover sugar snap peas will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftover snap peas for up to 4 months.
• Thaw: Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Or place them in the microwave.

Recipe Ideas

Here are a few ways you can change this recipe for sugar snap peas.

• Switch up the oil: Use coconut oil to add some coconut flavor or swap in olive oil for a more neutral flavor.
• Add spice: Spice up the sugar snap peas by adding sriracha.
• Use a different vegetable: Change the sugar snap peas for snow peas, asparagus, green beans, Chinese broccoli, or bok choy.
• Add a garnish: Garnish the sugar snap peas with green onions, chopped peanuts, or cashews.
• Add a sauce: Finish the dish with some homemade stir-fry sauce, teriyaki sauce, or peanut sauce.