Ginger-Infused Snow Peas Stir-Fry
This vibrant Ginger-Infused Snow Peas Stir-Fry brings a burst of flavor and freshness to your dining table. Inspired by traditional Hong Kong cooking, this dish features crisp snow peas that are sautéed to perfection with aromatic minced ginger, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The addition of soy sauce and a drizzle of nutty dark sesame oil elevates the dish, making it a simple yet elegant side option for any meal. Easy to prepare in just a few minutes, this recipe showcases the beauty of vegetables and the magic of seasoning.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn oil or grapeseed oil
1 (tablespoon)
Fresh ginger
1 (teaspoon, peeled and minced)
Snow peas
2 (cups)
Soy sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Dark sesame oil
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Heat a 10- or 12-inch non-stick skillet over high heat and add the corn oil (or grapeseed oil). Allow the oil to heat for about one minute until shimmering.
2
Add the minced fresh ginger to the skillet, stirring frequently to release its aroma, and sauté for about 30 seconds until it begins to caramelize.
3
Introduce the snow peas to the pan, tossing them with the ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are bright green and slightly charred, maintaining their crisp texture.
4
Pour in the soy sauce, adjusting the heat to medium. Gently stir to coat the peas evenly and allow them to absorb the flavor for an additional minute.
5
Remove the pan from heat and transfer the snow peas to a serving platter. In the same skillet, add the dark sesame oil and heat for approximately 10 seconds until fragrant.
6
Drizzle the hot sesame oil over the snow peas, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginger-Infused Snow Peas Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant, quick-cooking vegetable side dish inspired by Hong Kong cuisine, featuring crisp snow peas and aromatic ginger.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include snow peas, fresh ginger, soy sauce, corn or grapeseed oil, and dark sesame oil.
How long do I stir-fry the snow peas?
Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly charred.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe uses soy sauce, which often contains wheat. To ensure it is gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
What type of oil is best for this stir-fry?
Use a high-smoke point oil like corn oil or grapeseed oil for the initial sautéing.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and finely minced to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Can I use sugar snap peas instead?
Yes, you can use sugar snap peas, but they may require an extra minute of cooking time due to their thickness.
What does the dark sesame oil add to the dish?
It provides a nutty, aromatic finish that elevates the overall flavor profile of the vegetables.
Should I remove the strings from the snow peas?
Yes, it is best to trim the ends and pull off any tough strings for a better eating experience.
At what temperature should I cook the peas?
Start on high heat to get a nice char, then reduce to medium when adding the soy sauce.
How do I avoid burning the ginger?
Stir the ginger frequently and only sauté it for about 30 seconds before adding the peas.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely, minced garlic would complement the ginger and soy sauce perfectly.
What is the best skillet to use?
A 10- or 12-inch non-stick skillet or a traditional carbon steel wok works best for this recipe.
Why is the sesame oil added at the end?
Sesame oil has a low smoke point; adding it briefly at the end preserves its delicate, nutty aroma.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the snow peas, but it can be reheated briefly if needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the snow peas will lose their signature crispness upon thawing.
What can I serve with these snow peas?
They pair excellently with steamed white rice, grilled salmon, or tofu stir-fries.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is savory and aromatic. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
How many cups of snow peas are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh snow peas.
What is the benefit of using fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger provides a sharp, zesty brightness that ground ginger cannot replicate.
Can I substitute the corn oil?
Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, will work.
How do I know when the peas are done?
They should be vibrant green and tender-crisp, not soft or mushy.
Why adjust the heat to medium for the soy sauce?
Lowering the heat prevents the soy sauce from burning and evaporating too quickly.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is low in calories and features fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your pan is large enough so the snow peas aren't crowded, which causes them to steam rather than sear.
What if I don't have dark sesame oil?
You can omit it, but the dish will lose its characteristic toasted, nutty finish.
Should I wash the snow peas?
Yes, always rinse fresh produce and pat them dry before stir-frying to avoid splattering oil.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to season the vegetables.