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.
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.
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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:
- Texture: Sugar snap peas have a thicker and crunchier texture than snow peas, which are thinner and more delicate.
- 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,
- 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
Add water to a medium saucepan. Over high heat, bring water to a low boil
Add the snap peas to the saucepan.
Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green.
Drain. If you are not going to eat them right away, run cold water on them until they are no longer warm.
Add butter, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Melt the butter and stir to combine.
Add the peas and stir to coat them with butter and seasonings.
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
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.
Refrigerate them in a plastic bag. They should keep for 5-10 days.
Yes, you can freeze fresh sugar snap peas. Be sure to blanch them and cool them completely before freezing them.
They should be green with smooth skin and free of brown or black blemishes. The peas should snap when you bend them.
No, the skin is edible and the best part.
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.
The white spots are scarring and you can eat them.
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.
I hope you try this recipe! Please rate it and comment below. I love hearing from you! ❤️
Print📋 Recipe
Easy Buttered Sugar Snap Peas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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
- 1 pound fresh sugar snap peas
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring 3 cups water to boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add sugar snap peas, cover, and cook about 2 minutes, until they turn bright green.
- Drain the snap peas in a colander.
- Put butter, salt, and pepper in the saucepan. Melt the butter and stir to combine the butter and seasonings.
- Add the sugar snap peas and gently stir them to coat them in the butter-spice mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
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
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Mary DeJardine
The best recipe for sugar snap peas ever! Easy, one pan, and absolutely delicious. Thank you..
Gitta Grether-Sweeney
I am glad you liked this recipe. Easy, one pan is the only way to cook! Makes for easy clean-up too! Happy Cooking!
Virginia
Thank you.
I made these veggies for the first time.
Did not have any idea how they needed to be cooked.
Very easy recipe and turned out to be delicious.
Thank you
Gitta Grether-Sweeney
I am happy you liked this recipe! They can also be eaten raw, but I prefer them cooked! Happy Cooking!
Beth
I had sugar snap peas that were less than fresh. This technique cooked them perfectly. They were excellent!
Gitta Grether-Sweeney
Thank you for letting me know that this recipe turned out for you! I am working on one that is easier and only requires a few minutes to cook! Stay tuned.
Happy Cooking!
Gitta
Annie Jones
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!!!
Gitta Grether-Sweeney
Hi Annie-
Yay! I am so happy you and your hubby liked the sugar snap peas! Thanks for trying this recipe!
Happy Cooking!
Gitta
Marti
Yum!
Susan
I usually saute sugar snap peas. I need to try this recipe!