Sweet and meaty snap peas get a quick and satisfying stir-fry treatment here. Ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil provide a savory, umami-rich backbone, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. The result is a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a side dish at a larger gathering.
Snap peas are one of those vegetables that I always have on hand. They're crisp, sweet, and versatile, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of my favorite ways to cook snap peas is to stir-fry them with garlic and ginger. This simple dish is quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound snap peas, trimmed
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Pour in the snap peas and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer.
Cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Why It Works
**Coconut oil:** Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the dish. It also has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to a high temperature without burning.
**Garlic and ginger:** Garlic and ginger are two essential ingredients in Chinese cooking. They provide a savory, umami-rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the snap peas.
**Soy sauce:** Soy sauce adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish. It also helps to brown the snap peas.
**Sesame oil:** Sesame oil adds a nutty, toasty flavor to the dish. It also helps to keep the snap peas from sticking to the pan.
**Red pepper flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to the dish. They also help to brighten up the flavors of the other ingredients.