Steamed Snow Peas
Bright green snow peas steamed just until tender-crisp, preserving their natural sweetness and satisfying snap. A quick, elegant side dish that comes together in under 10 minutes with nothing more than a steamer basket and a drizzle of butter.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Trim the snow peas.
Snap off the stem end of each snow pea and pull away the string along the seam. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- boil · ~3 min
Bring water to a boil.
Pour 2 cups of water into a pot. Set the steamer basket inside, making sure the water level is just below the basket. Cover and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
TIPDon't let the water touch the peas — they should steam, not boil. - steam · ~3 min
Steam the snow peas until bright green and tender-crisp.
Arrange the snow peas in the steamer basket in an even layer. Cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn vibrant green and are just tender but still have a crisp snap.
TIPCheck at the 2-minute mark — overcooked snow peas turn dull and limp. - mix · ~1 min
Toss with butter and season.
Transfer the hot snow peas to a serving bowl. Add the butter, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently until the butter melts and coats every pod.
- serve
Serve immediately.
Pile the steamed snow peas into a warm serving dish and serve right away while they're still hot and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Trim the string from both seams of each snow pea for a tender texture.
- 2Pat the trimmed peas dry before steaming to prevent water spotting.
- 3Use a timer and check at 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- 4Toss the butter into the hot peas immediately so it melts smoothly.
- 5Serve in a warmed bowl to keep the peas hot and crisp longer.
- 6For extra flavor, substitute butter with toasted sesame oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace butter with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or olive oil for a plant-based version that adds nutty richness without dairy.
asian inspiredAsian-inspired
Swap butter for 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and finish with a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
garlic butterGarlic-butter
Melt the butter with one minced garlic clove before tossing with the steamed peas for a savory, aromatic twist.
herb freshHerb-fresh
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint or basil when tossing with butter for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
Snow peas are naturally low in calories, making this side dish a light addition to any meal.
Good Source of Vitamin C
These bright green pods provide a boost of vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality.
High in Dietary Fiber
Each serving of snow peas contributes fiber that aids digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Snow peas contain plant compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. Steam for only 1-2 minutes since frozen peas are already blanched.
