Crisp, sweet snap peas meet nutty black sesame seeds in this quick, flavour-packed side dish. Lightly sautéed with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil, these vibrant green vegetables retain their satisfying crunch while soaking up a savoury, slightly tangy glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, Black Sesame Snap Peas are a delicious addition to weeknight dinners, stir-fries, or Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado or canola2 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil1 teaspoon rice vinegar1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)1 tablespoon black sesame seeds¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the snap peas. Rinse the snap peas under cool water and pat dry. Trim the stem ends and remove any tough strings.
2. Toast the sesame seeds. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the black sesame seeds and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl.
3. Sauté the aromatics. Add the neutral oil to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Cook the snap peas. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the snap peas and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, tossing frequently. They should turn bright green and remain crisp-tender.
5. Add the sauce. Stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup, if using. Pour over the snap peas and toss for another 30–60 seconds until evenly coated.
6. Finish and serve. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the toasted black sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Black Sesame Snap Peas
- Keep them crunchy. Avoid overcooking the snap peas. A quick stir-fry preserves their natural sweetness and crisp texture.
- Use a hot skillet. Medium-high heat gives the peas a lightly blistered exterior without making them soggy.
- Try a citrus twist. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for a refreshing finish.
- Make it vegan. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add extra crunch. Sprinkle chopped cashews or sliced almonds over the finished dish.
Serving Suggestions
These snap peas pair beautifully with grilled salmon, teriyaki chicken, sesame tofu, or steamed jasmine rice. They also make a colourful addition to grain bowls and noodle dishes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a skillet over medium heat, or enjoy them chilled as part of a salad. The peas will soften slightly after refrigeration.
