Take your culinary adventure to the next level with this Sesame Garlic Snap Peas recipe. This dish features the crisp texture of snap peas combined with a hint of garlic and sesame for a flavorful side dish that's easy to make and pairs well with numerous main dishes.
The key components of this dish are snap peas, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. While you may easily find snap peas and sesame seeds in the fresh produce and bulk sections of your supermarket, sesame oil might not be as readily available in your pantry. This oil is a cornerstone of Asian cuisine and offers a rich, nutty flavor that really shines in this recipe. You'll likely find it in the international foods aisle.
Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Ingredients
Olive oil: This oil is used to sauté the snap peas, as well as garlic and ginger.
Garlic: Provides a robust flavor that complements the snap peas.
Ginger: Adds a spicy, aromatic touch to the dish.
Snap peas: The star of the dish, snap peas are known for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Soy sauce: Enhances the overall taste of the dish, adding a hint of umami.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds contribute nuttiness and a delicate crunch.
Sesame oil: Gives the dish a distinctive, rich flavor that sets it apart.
One reader, Francisca Pruitt says:
This sesame garlic snap peas recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the snap peas are cooked to perfection. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, and the garlic and ginger give it an extra kick. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy side dish!
Cooking Techniques for Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Recipe
How to sauté garlic and ginger: In a heated pan, add olive oil and then the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
How to cook snap peas: Add the snap peas to the pan with the sautéed garlic and ginger. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the snap peas are tender-crisp.
How to toast sesame seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sesame seeds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
How to toss with sesame oil: Once the snap peas are cooked, remove the pan from the heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the snap peas. Toss them gently to ensure the sesame oil is evenly distributed.
How To Make Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Put together a quick side that pairs with just about any dish! These crunchy and flavorful snap peas are tossed with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1clovegarlic
- 1tspfresh ginger,shredded
- 3cupssnap peas
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 1tbsptoasted sesame seeds
- ½tspsesame oil
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute just until fragrant.
-
Add in snap peas and soy sauce. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until snap peas are tender-crisp.
-
Remove from heat and toss with sesame seeds and sesame oil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 82.21kcal
- Fat: 5.23g
- Saturated Fat: 0.74g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.16g
- Carbohydrates: 6.61g
- Fiber: 2.23g
- Sugar: 2.98g
- Protein: 2.84g
- Sodium: 223.17mg
- Calcium: 56.33mg
- Potassium: 180.05mg
- Iron: 1.95mg
- Vitamin A: 39.69µg
- Vitamin C: 44.36mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
When toasting your sesame seeds, ensure you do it over low heat and keep them moving in the pan. This will prevent them from burning and will bring out their nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your snap peas.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking to save time and make the process smoother.
One-pan wonders: Look for recipes that can be made in a single pan to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Consider making larger quantities and freezing the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite the cooking process.
Plan your menu: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
Substitute Ingredients For Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar rich, savory flavor that works well in this dish.
toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the dish, offering a suitable replacement for sesame seeds.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a nutty flavor similar to sesame oil and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Plating Ideas for Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Elevate the snap peas: Arrange the snap peas in a circular pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation that showcases the vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the dish with thinly sliced red radishes or vibrant edible flowers, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by strategically placing the snap peas on the plate, allowing for ample negative space to draw attention to the simplicity and elegance of the dish.
Highlight the sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds in a deliberate manner, ensuring that each seed is showcased, adding a touch of sophistication and texture to the presentation.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the arrangement of the snap peas, ensuring that each piece is meticulously placed to demonstrate culinary expertise and attention to detail.
Incorporate a drizzle: Introduce a delicate drizzle of sesame oil around the snap peas, creating an artistic and flavorful addition that elevates the overall visual and gustatory experience.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine, high-quality plate that complements the colors of the dish, allowing the snap peas to take center stage while exuding an air of refinement and elegance.
Add a touch of greenery: Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh mint or microgreens, infusing a subtle hint of natural beauty and freshness to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
- Pan: A flat-bottomed utensil used for cooking, typically made of metal and equipped with a handle.
- Olive oil: A liquid fat obtained from olives, commonly used in cooking and as a dressing for salads.
- Garlic: A pungent bulb used to add flavor to dishes, often minced or crushed before use.
- Ginger: A knobby root with a spicy, fragrant flavor commonly used in Asian cuisine and for its medicinal properties.
- Soy sauce: A savory, salty condiment made from fermented soybeans and wheat, often used in Asian cooking.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Seeds derived from sesame plants that have been toasted to enhance their nutty flavor and aroma.
- Sesame oil: An aromatic oil derived from sesame seeds, commonly used in Asian cooking for its rich, nutty flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
To store leftover sesame garlic snap peas, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked snap peas:
- Spread the cooled snap peas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the snap peas are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen snap peas to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat frozen sesame garlic snap peas:
- Remove the desired amount from the freezer and place them in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the snap peas in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and crisp-tender.
Note that while freezing is an option, the texture of the snap peas may change slightly upon thawing and reheating, as they may become softer than when freshly cooked. However, the flavor of the sesame garlic seasoning will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat: place the leftover sesame garlic snap peas in a skillet or wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This method helps to retain the crisp texture of the snap peas and refreshes the flavors of the garlic and sesame.
Microwave reheating: transfer the leftover sesame garlic snap peas to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the snap peas are heated through (about 1-2 minutes total). This method is quick and convenient, but the snap peas may lose some of their crispness.
Oven reheating: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover sesame garlic snap peas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method is ideal if you have larger quantities of leftovers and want to reheat them all at once.
Cold leftovers: leftover sesame garlic snap peas can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. They make a refreshing and flavorful addition to salads, grain bowls, or as a quick and healthy snack.
Stir-fry with other ingredients: add the leftover sesame garlic snap peas to a stir-fry with other vegetables, tofu, or meat for a quick and easy meal. The flavors of the snap peas will complement many other ingredients, and this is a great way to use up any other leftovers you may have.
Interesting Trivia About Sesame Garlic Snap Peas
Snap peas are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Just one cup of snap peas provides over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
This sesame garlic snap peas recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as snap peas and garlic, are affordable and readily available. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. This dish is a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meals without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Healthy?
This sesame garlic snap peas recipe is a healthy and nutritious side dish. Here's why:
- Snap peas are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like iron and potassium
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- Garlic and ginger offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Soy sauce is a good source of umami flavor and contains some beneficial compounds, but it's also high in sodium
- Sesame seeds and sesame oil add healthy fats, fiber, and a nutty flavor
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative
- Increase the amount of ginger for added anti-inflammatory benefits
- Add other colorful vegetables like red bell peppers or carrots to boost the nutrient content
- Use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil for a more intense flavor, allowing you to use less overall
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and a slight metabolism boost
- Serve alongside a lean protein source like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal
Editor's Opinion on This Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Recipe
This sesame garlic snap peas recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh ginger and garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth, while the soy sauce and sesame oil bring a savory umami richness. The snap peas are cooked to perfection, maintaining their vibrant color and crispness. The toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch, elevating the dish to a new level. Overall, this recipe is a simple yet elegant way to showcase the natural sweetness of snap peas while infusing them with a delicious Asian-inspired flair.
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Why trust this Sesame Garlic Snap Peas Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with snap peas - a versatile and nutritious vegetable. The combination of garlic and ginger infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, while the addition of soy sauce brings a savory umami taste. The finishing touch of toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil adds a delightful nuttiness. Trust this recipe for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish that will elevate your dining experience.
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