Name: Sesame Snow Peas as a Side Dish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Ingredients: 4 cups snap peas or snow peas (trimmed); 4 teaspoons soy sauce; 3 teaspoons sesame oil (divided); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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Discover how to cook snow peas as a side dish with this quick and flavorful sesame snap peas recipe—perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Ready in just minutes, this easy snow pea side dish brings bold, savory flavor to your table with simple ingredients.

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If you’ve ever wondered how to cook snow peas as a side dish that’s both flavorful and fast, this sesame snow peas recipe is about to become a staple in your weekly rotation.

With just a few ingredients, a quick cook time, and tons of flavor, it’s the perfect answer when you’re in need of easy snow pea recipes for a side dish.

Whether you’re serving up a weeknight dinner or preparing a veggie side for guests, sesame snap peas are a terrific choice.

They’re crisp-tender, packed with umami from soy sauce and garlic, and finished with toasted sesame oil for a nutty, restaurant-quality finish.

Why You’ll Love This Snow Peas Side Dish

Snow peas (and their close cousin, snap peas) are underrated when it comes to side dish potential. Most of us default to broccoli or green beans, but these sweet, crunchy pods bring a whole new texture and flavor to the table.

Here’s why this sesame snow peas recipe will be on repeat in your kitchen:

Meal prep friendly – they reheat surprisingly well!
They’re fast and easy to cook – ready in under 15 minutes.
They’re loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
They pair well with rice bowls, stir-fries, grilled proteins, and more.
It requires minimal ingredients.

Wide overhead shot of sesame snow peas in a rustic white bowl on a grey wooden surface, capturing a clean, minimalist food presentation.

What You Will Need to Make Sesame Snow Peas

4 cups snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
4 teaspoons soy sauce
3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Snow peas vs. snap peas: You can use either in this recipe. Snap peas are slightly plumper with a sweeter taste, while snow peas are flatter and more delicate. Both work beautifully with sesame and soy flavors.

How to Cook Snow Peas as a Side Dish

Step 1: Make the Flavor Base

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and one teaspoon of the sesame oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Peas

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the remaining two teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add your trimmed snap peas or snow peas and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister slightly.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the soy sauce mixture over the peas and stir well to coat. Cook for about one more minute, just until everything is heated through and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Finish with Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds. They add a delightful crunch and toasted flavor that takes the peas to the next level.

Overhead view of a bowl of glistening sesame snow peas, lightly charred and tossed with a savory sauce and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Sesame Snow Peas

Remove the tough ends and strings from the peas before cooking.
Don’t be afraid to let the peas blister slightly; this adds depth.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like heat.
These are best hot and fresh, although leftovers can be gently reheated in a skillet.

Variations to This Sesame Snow Peas Recipe

This base recipe is flexible! Here are a few variations and add-ins to keep things interesting:

1. Garlic Sesame Snow Peas

Add extra garlic (up to 4 cloves) and skip the ginger for a more intense garlicky flavor.

2. Sweet & Spicy Snow Peas

Stir in a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet heat combo.

3. Lemon Sesame Snap Peas

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness and acidity.

4. Asian-Inspired Vegetable Medley

Mix your snow peas with other quick-cooking veggies like shredded carrots, mushrooms, or red bell pepper.

5. Sesame Snow Peas with Rice or Noodles

Turn this snow pea side dish into a full meal by tossing it with cooked rice noodles or jasmine rice and adding tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

Close-up view of sesame snow peas coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, highlighting their texture and vibrant green color.

What Can I Serve with Sesame Snap Peas

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses:

Grilled or roasted chicken
Soy-glazed salmon or teriyaki tofu
Stir-fried beef or pork
Fried rice or veggie lo mein
Egg rolls, pots tickers, or dumplings

Looking for a light dinner? Pair your sesame snow peas with a bowl of miso soup and steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are snow peas and snap peas the same?

Not quite. Snow peas are flat with tiny peas inside and an ultra-crisp texture. Snap peas are plumper and sweeter, with a crunchy edible pod. Both are great in this recipe.

Can I use frozen snow peas?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and trim the peas in advance. For best results, cook just before serving.

A white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green sautéed snow peas, garnished with sesame seeds and bits of caramelized garlic, set on a light woodgrain background.

This Sesame Snow Pea Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’re tired of the same old steamed vegetables and looking for an easy side dish recipe, this sesame snap peas recipe is a must-try. It hits all the right notes—crunchy, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned.

So next time you’re pondering how to cook snow peas as a side dish, reach for your soy sauce and sesame oil.

You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into just a few minutes of cook time.

Save this recipe, experiment with the variations, and bring something fresh and exciting to the table—without spending hours in the kitchen.

More Side Dishes You May Love

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Sesame Snow Peas as a Side Dish

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5

Cook Time:6

Ingredients

4 cups snap peas or snow peas trimmed
4 teaspoons soy sauce
3 teaspoons sesame oil divided
2 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and one teaspoon of the sesame oil.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the remaining two teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add your trimmed snap peas or snow peas and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister slightly.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the peas and stir well to coat. Cook for about one more minute, just until everything is heated through and the garlic is fragrant.
Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds. They add a delightful crunch and toasted flavor that takes the peas to the next level.

Notes