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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    How to Cook Sugar Snap Peas

    Published: Mar 30, 2023 by Gitta Grether-Sweeney · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Closeup of cooked sugar snap peas
    Cooked sugar snap peas in a white bowl with a gold serving spoon

    Sugar snap peas are crunchy, sweet, and a delightful addition to any meal. If you are looking for a quick and delicious side dish, these veggies are sure to satisfy.

    Cooked sugar snap peas in a white bowl seasoned with pepper and salt

    Sugar snap peas are one of my favorite spring vegetables to cook and eat. They are versatile because you can eat them raw or cooked.

    They have a sweet, crisp flavor and are a perfect addition to salads, stir-fry dishes, or served as a side dish. Best of all, they are prepared in a few minutes and are delicious.

    Many recipes call to saute them. However, I prefer boiling them for 2 minutes so that they turn beautiful bright green but remain crisp.

    Once they are cooked, you just need to add a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, and they are ready to serve.

    Jump to:
    • What is the Difference Between Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Leftover Storage
    • Common Questions
    • What to Serve with Sugar Snap Peas?
    • 📋 Recipe
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    • 💬 Comments

    What is the Difference Between Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas?

    Sugar snap peas and snow peas are both members of the legume family and are similar in appearance, but they do have some key differences:

    1. Texture: Sugar snap peas have a thicker and crunchier texture than snow peas, which are thinner and more delicate.
    2. Flavor: Sugar snap peas are sweet and slightly earthy, while snow peas have a milder, grassy flavor.

    Ingredients

    The list of ingredients is short! See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities,

    Raw Sugar snap peas in a bowl, butter in a glass bowl and salt and pepper in glass bowls.
    • Sugar Snap Peas-I like to buy fresh stringless sugar snap peas. They are packaged, and you can find them in the refrigerated section of your produce aisle at your favorite grocery store.
    • Butter-The recipe calls for unsalted butter. However, you can use salted butter. If you do, you may need to reduce the salt in the recipe.
    • Salt-I like Kosher salt because it is coarse and works well in this recipe. If you use regular table salt, decrease the amount in half because it is a finer grind.
    • Black Pepper-Freshly ground black course pepper adds great flavor. You can also use preground black pepper. Use white pepper if you don't want to see the specs.

    That's it! Only 4 ingredients are necessary to make this delicious side dish!

    Instructions

    Boiling water in a sauce pan

    Add water to a medium saucepan. Over high heat, bring water to a low boil

    Sugar Snap Peas in boiling water in a sauce pan

    Add the snap peas to the saucepan.

    sugar snap peas in a sauce pan that has a clear plastic cover on it

    Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green.

    sugar snap peas in a colander

    Drain. If you are not going to eat them right away, run cold water on them until they are no longer warm.

    salt, black pepper and butter in a sauce pan

    Add butter, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Melt the butter and stir to combine.

    sugar snap peas in a sauce pan with a wooden spoon

    Add the peas and stir to coat them with butter and seasonings.

    closeup of sugar snap peas with butter, salt and pepper

    Serve and enjoy these tasty little gems!

    Variations

    Try some of these flavorings that pair well with sugar snap peas.

    • Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder with the salt and pepper.
    • Fresh minced garlic, about 1-2 cloves, is delicious and adds a nice flavor.
    • Freshly squeezed lemon juice1-2 teaspoons to brighten the peas.
    • Soy Sauce adds a nice flavor. Add about 1-2 teaspoons
    • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

    Equipment

    • Medium saucepan with a lid
    • Colander
    • Cooking spoon

    Leftover Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight refrigerator container for 2-3 days.

    Reheat them in a microwave.

    Common Questions

    Do I need to remove the strings from sugar snap peas before cooking?

    If you purchase them with stems and strings on them, you will want to remove them. The stem is hard and the strings aren't pleasant to eat.

    How do I store snap peas to keep them fresh?

    Refrigerate them in a plastic bag. They should keep for 5-10 days.

    Can I freeze sugar snap peas?

    Yes, you can freeze fresh sugar snap peas. Be sure to blanch them and cool them completely before freezing them.

    How can I tell if snap peas are fresh?

    They should be green with smooth skin and free of brown or black blemishes. The peas should snap when you bend them.

    Do you have to peel snap peas?

    No, the skin is edible and the best part.

    Are snap peas healthy?

    Yes, they have many nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. They are also high in fiber and low in calories They make a great addition to a healthy diet.

    Can you eat sugar snap peas if they have white spots?

    The white spots are scarring and you can eat them.

    Can you make the sugar peas ahead of time?

    Yes. After you boil them, run cold water over them to stop the cooking process. When you are ready to serve them, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the salt & pepper, and stir to combine. Add the snap peas and heat them until they are warm.

    What to Serve with Sugar Snap Peas?

    These crunchy gems pair well with almost any meal.

    My personal favorites are to serve them with Roasted Chicken and Chicken Schnitzel. They would also be delicious with pork chops, meatloaf, or grilled steak.

    Click here to PIN for later

    I hope you try this recipe! Please rate it and comment below. I love hearing from you! ❤️

    Print

    📋 Recipe

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    cooked sugar snap peas in a white bowl

    Easy Buttered Sugar Snap Peas

    ★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
    • Author: Gitta Grether-Sweeney
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 minutes
    • Total Time: 7 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Stove top
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Sugar snap peas are crunchy and sweet and are a delightful addition to any meal. If you are looking for a quick and delicious side dish, these veggies are sure to satisfy. 


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 pound fresh sugar snap peas
    • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper


    Instructions

    1. Bring 3 cups water to boil in a medium-sized saucepan. 
    2. Add sugar snap peas, cover, and cook about 2 minutes, until they turn bright green.
    3. Drain the snap peas in a colander.
    4. Put butter, salt, and pepper in the saucepan.  Melt the butter and stir to combine the butter and seasonings.
    5. Add the sugar snap peas and gently stir them to coat them in the butter-spice mixture. 
    6. Serve immediately.  

    Notes

    *Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 65
    • Sugar: 4.5 g
    • Sodium: 314.8 mg
    • Fat: 2.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
    • Protein: 3.2 g
    • Cholesterol: 5.1 mg

    Keywords: #sugar snap peas, #buttered sugar snap peas, #boiled sugar snap peas, #quick and easy side dish

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    1. Annie Jones

      April 11, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      I made this tonight. I had to use frozen sugar snap peas.
      It was quick and easy and they were yummy. Even my hubby said that he liked them.
      We have never had sugar snap peas before….but we will sure have them again!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Gitta Grether-Sweeney

        April 12, 2023 at 11:28 am

        Hi Annie-
        Yay! I am so happy you and your hubby liked the sugar snap peas! Thanks for trying this recipe!
        Happy Cooking!
        Gitta

        Reply
    2. Marti

      March 30, 2023 at 3:26 pm

      Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Susan

      March 30, 2023 at 3:25 pm

      I usually saute sugar snap peas. I need to try this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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