Garlic Ginger Snow Peas Stir-Fry Recipe for Flavorful Sides

This snow peas recipe with garlic and ginger is perfect when you want something fresh and flavorful that doesn’t take a lot of time or effort.

This quick snow peas recipe is one of my go-to side dishes. The peas stay sweet and crisp, and the whole dish comes together in minutes.

Snow peas are edible-pod peas with flat pods and tiny peas inside, distinct from sugar snap peas and garden peas. They cook fast and keep a bright green color when handled correctly.

The method here is simple: blanch the snow peas briefly in boiling water, then toss them in a hot skillet with aromatics and a light sauce made from soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. The result is a fresh, balanced side that pairs well with many mains.

You can adapt this technique to sugar snap peas, green beans, or other quick-cooking greens if you like. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and takes only a few minutes to finish.

Try it for a busy weeknight or as a bright side at a dinner party — it’s quick, healthy, and delicious.

1. Fast and easy – The recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish with straightforward steps.
2. Full of flavor – Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey form a sweet-savory glaze that complements the peas.
3. Healthy and fresh – Blanching and quick stir-frying preserve the peas’ crunch and bright color.

• Snow peas
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Green onions (separate white and green parts)
• Garlic
• Chili garlic sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Soy sauce
• Honey

1. Trim each snow pea by removing the tough string along the top and bottom seams.
2. Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a medium, deep saucepan.
3. Add the snow peas and stir for 30 seconds, until they turn bright green. Drain immediately and set aside.
4. Return the pan to the stove and wipe out any remaining water.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. Add the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, and grated ginger. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon honey until combined.
8. Add the blanched snow peas and toss until heated through and coated with the sauce.
9. Serve right away, garnished with the green parts of the scallions.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SNOW PEAS AND SNAP PEAS?

Snow peas have flatter pods with tiny peas inside and a delicate crunch. Sugar snap peas are rounder, sweeter, and meatier. Both are edible-pod peas, but snow peas cook faster and offer a lighter texture.

DO I HAVE TO BLANCH THEM?

Blanching is recommended — a quick 30-second boil preserves the vibrant color and crisp bite. After blanching, drain and proceed to the stir-fry step for best results.

ANY ADDITIONS?

This recipe adapts well to additions. Here are ideas to customize the flavor and texture:

• A dash of sesame oil for a nutty finish
• Toasted sesame seeds for crunch
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Sliced red bell pepper for color and sweetness
• Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil
• A drizzle of teriyaki sauce for extra glaze
• Add a few sweet peas, baby spinach, or sliced bok choy for variety
• A squeeze of lime or a bit of lemon zest to brighten flavors

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Feel free to swap ingredients to suit availability or dietary needs:

• Substitute sugar snap peas, green beans, or English peas for snow peas
• Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce
• Swap vegetable oil for olive oil or avocado oil
• If fresh garlic or ginger aren’t available, use garlic powder and ground ginger sparingly
• Replace chili garlic sauce with a touch of chili oil or red pepper flakes

ROOM TEMPERATURE: Not recommended—these peas keep best when stored properly after cooking.

REFRIGERATOR: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

FREEZER: Cooked peas can be frozen, but they may lose some crunch. Use a freezer-safe container and reheat with a splash of water in a hot pan or microwave.

This snow peas recipe is quick, flavorful, and ideal for busy nights or when you want a healthy, colorful side.

Give it a try — it’s an easy way to add more vegetables to your meals without extra fuss.

Learn more about the author, Dana DeVolk, on the ABOUT ME page!

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5 from 1 vote

Quick Snow Peas Recipe with Garlic and Ginger

Author Dana DeVolk

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 6 mins

This snow peas recipe with garlic and ginger is perfect when you want something fresh and flavorful that doesn’t take a lot of time or effort.

Servings 4 servings

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Ingredients

  

• 1 pound snow peas cleaned
• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 green onions thinly sliced, green part and white part separated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon honey

Instructions

• Clean the snow peas by pulling the strings off the seams.
• Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a medium, deep saucepan.
• Blanch the snow peas for 30 seconds until bright green, then drain and set aside.
• Wipe the pan dry and heat the oil over medium heat.
• Sauté the white parts of the green onions, garlic, chili sauce, and ginger, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add soy sauce and honey, stirring until the sauce is combined.
• Toss in the snow peas and heat through until evenly coated.
• Serve immediately, garnished with the green parts of the scallions.

Notes

• Trim the string from each pea for the best texture.
• Blanching preserves color and crunch—don’t skip it.
• Use medium-high heat when stir-frying to prevent overcooking.
• Stir constantly after adding the sauce so it coats the peas well.
• Separate the white and green parts of the green onions; they contribute different flavors and textures.
• Serve immediately for optimal crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g

Nutrition Disclaimer

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

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