When cooking with snow peas, the most common question involves preparation methods. While most know they can be served raw in salads, many seek advice on how to properly sauté, steam, or blanch them. Another common issue is the stringy spine that runs along the edge of the pod. Although edible, some find it tough and prefer to remove it which, if done improperly, can damage the peas.
To get the most out of snow peas, cook them for minimal time to maintain the crunchy texture and vibrant colour, which also helps preserve the nutritional value. Blanching is the best method for this — just boil for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately immerse in iced water. To remove the stringy spine, hold the snow pea at the stem end, snap off the top and pull downward, it should come away with the string attached.
A little-known tip about cooking snow peas is the 'stir-fry' rule - to avoid overcooking and losing the crisp texture, add the peas last when preparing a stir-fry. They need only a minute or two to cook in this high heat method. Additionally, snow peas pair well with richer flavors. Try pairing them with sesame oil, garlic, or even bacon to add a depth of flavor to your dish.
How do you briefly cook snow peas?
Is it necessary to remove the string from snow peas?
Can you eat snow peas raw?
How long do you sauté snow peas?
Are the pods of snow peas edible?
What's the best way to serve snow peas in a stir-fry?
Are snow peas good for you ?
Are snow peas and snap peas the same?
Can snow peas be steamed?
What flavors pair well with snow peas?