Steamed Snow Peas
Crisp-tender snow peas steamed to perfection and lightly seasoned. A quick, healthy, and vibrant green side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken, fish, or rice, ready in under 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 3 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Snow Peas
- b.Rinse the snow peas under cold water.
- c.Snap off the stem end of each pea and pull downwards to remove the tough string that runs along the straight edge. Discard the stems and strings.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up the Steamer
- b.Pour about 1 inch of water into a pot or saucepan.
- c.Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water level is below the basket.
- d.Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Steam the Snow Peas
- b.Carefully place the trimmed snow peas into the steamer basket.
- c.Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 2-3 minutes.
- d.The snow peas are done when they turn a vibrant bright green and are crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Immediately transfer the steamed snow peas to a serving bowl.
- c.Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- d.Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- e.Toss gently to coat evenly and serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the snow peas; they should retain a slight crunch. Overcooking makes them limp and dulls their color.
- 2For extra crispness, prepare an ice bath. After steaming, immediately plunge the snow peas into the ice water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly before seasoning.
- 3Ensure the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket to properly steam, not boil, the peas.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold in salads or lightly reheated.
Adapt it for your goals.
Asian-Inspired
Instead of olive oil and lemon juice, toss the steamed peas with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Garlic HerbGarlic Herb
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or one finely minced garlic clove to the bowl before tossing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper for a touch of heat.
Buttery BlissButtery Bliss
Replace the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Boosts Immunity
Snow peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
Supports Digestive Health
High in dietary fiber, snow peas promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Aids in Weight Management
Being very low in calories and high in fiber and water content, snow peas can help you feel full and satisfied, making them a great addition to a weight-loss or maintenance diet.
Promotes Bone Health
Snow peas contain a good amount of Vitamin K, which is essential for bone mineralization and plays a crucial role in helping blood clot properly.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of these Steamed Snow Peas contains approximately 65-75 calories, making it a very light and healthy side dish.