Crisp, vibrant sugar snap peas tossed in fragrant garlic and a hint of lemon make for a quick, flavorful side dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and vibrant: Ready in under 10 minutes, it brings vibrant color and bright flavors to your plate.
Low-effort elegance: Simple ingredients create a refined side without fuss.
Nutritious crunch: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants while retaining crisp texture.
Versatile pairing: Complements grilled meats, pasta, seafood, or stir into grain bowls.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh sugar snap peas, tender-crisp
Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
Olive oil or butter
Lemon zest and a squeeze of juice
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, fresh herbs (parsley or mint)

Directions

Prep the peas
Rinse sugar snap peas and trim ends. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure even sautéing.
Heat the pan
Warm olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sauté garlic
Add garlic (and chili flakes if using), sauté 20–30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
Cook the peas
Add snap peas in a single layer. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp—about 4–5 minutes.
Finish with citrus & seasoning
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with lemon zest, a squeeze of juice, salt, pepper, and herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately
Transfer to a serving dish while still warm to maintain crispness and aroma.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4 side-dish portions
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 9 minutes

Variations

Asian twist: Use sesame oil, add soy sauce, and finish with toasted sesame seeds.
Spicy: Garnish with red pepper flakes or drizzle with Sriracha.
Cheesy: Top with shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta.
Herbal zing: Mix in fresh mint or basil just before serving.
Nutty crunch: Add toasted sliced almonds or chopped cashews.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Quickly rewarm in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave for 30–60 seconds. Add fresh lemon to revive brightness.

Tips for the best results

Dry peas thoroughly: Water causes steaming rather than sautéing, reducing crispness.
Don’t overcrowd: Ensure peas are in a single layer for even browning.
High heat works best: Helps seals bright green color and locks in snap.
Watch the garlic: Remove from heat immediately once garlic is fragrant to prevent bitterness.
Lemon finish: Adds elevated freshness and prevents dish from tasting heavy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen sugar snap peas?

Yes—thaw and dry them thoroughly before sautéing for best texture.

2. How can I keep peas crisp?

Cook just until bright green and soft edges appear—overcooking leads to mushiness.

3. Is this vegan?

Yes—use olive oil and omit cheese; it’s naturally plant-based.

4. What garlic amount works well?

1–2 cloves per 200 g peas is ideal—more if you love a bold garlic punch.

5. Can I use garlic powder?

Fresh garlic is preferred due to its bright flavor but ½–1 tsp garlic powder can be substituted.

6. Can I cook peas in butter?

Yes—a mix of butter and oil gives rich flavor and prevents burning.

7. What pairs well?

Serve with grilled steak, baked salmon, roasted chicken, or toss into pasta or grain bowls.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes—snap peas pair well with asparagus, broccoli florets, or baby corn in a quick sauté.

9. Can I make it spicy?

Yes—add fresh chili slices or red pepper flakes during cooking.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use a larger pan and sauté in batches to avoid steaming.

Conclusion

Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic is a fast, tasteful side that adds bright color and crisp texture to any meal. Simple, fresh ingredients unite for a dish that’s as appealing to make as it is to eat.

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a twist of fresh lemon zest just before serving for an instant gourmet touch.

Ready to add a crunchy, garlicky side to your meal? Try this dish tonight and tell me which variation you loved best—I can’t wait to hear your twist!

Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic

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Crisp, vibrant sugar snap peas tossed with fragrant garlic and a touch of lemon, making for a quick, healthy side dish full of flavor and freshness.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
Yield: 2–4 side-dish servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

200g fresh sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley or mint

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Instructions

Rinse and trim sugar snap peas. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure even sautéing.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add garlic and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add snap peas in a single layer. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with lemon zest, a squeeze of juice, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan or herbs.
Serve warm, immediately after cooking, to maintain crispness and flavor.