Crispy Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Recipe for Snack Time

Let me share a delightful garlic parmesan sugar snap peas recipe that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crisp green pods meet savory cheese in a quick culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple side dish.

Hungry folks appreciate how quickly these snap peas come together in the kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through with the classic combination of aromatic garlic and nutty parmesan.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and rich, umami flavor.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal prep moment.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste incredibly delicious.

Why the Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Recipe Works

• Whips up deliciously in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is precious.
• Transforms boring vegetables into a crowd-pleasing side dish that even picky eaters will devour, making healthy eating fun and tasty.
• Requires only a handful of simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, and Parmesan, ensuring you can create a gourmet-style vegetable dish without complicated shopping.
• Preserves snap peas' crisp texture and vibrant green color while adding rich, savory elements that elevate the nutritional profile of your meal.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas

• Sugar Snap Peas: Sweet and crisp vegetable that forms the base of the recipe, look for bright green and firm pods.
• Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor, fresh cloves are best for maximum taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for garnish and added freshness, optional but recommended.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps cook the snap peas, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates a delicious coating, freshly grated recommended.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, freshly ground preferred.

• Lemon: Provides a zesty brightness, fresh lemon juice recommended for best flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Snap Peas

Wash sugar snap peas under cool running water. Trim off any tough ends using kitchen scissors. Gently pat the peas completely dry with clean paper towels to ensure crisp texture.

Step 2: Sizzle With Aromatic Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add butter and let it melt smoothly. Sprinkle in minced garlic and quickly saute until fragrant and golden, releasing incredible flavor.

Step 3: Cook Snap Peas To Perfection

• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes. Watch for bright green color and tender-crisp texture. The peas should look glossy and vibrant.

Step 4: Coat With Cheesy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over hot peas. Gently toss until every pea gets a delicious cheesy coating.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Flair

Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over peas. Scatter chopped parsley on top for extra brightness. Serve immediately while warm and wonderfully appetizing.

Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Snap Peas

• Maximize Freshness: Choose crisp, vibrant green sugar snap peas without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
• Perfect Sautéing Technique: Keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to prevent garlic from burning and ensure even cooking of the peas.
• Cheese Coating Trick: Sprinkle Parmesan off the heat to prevent cheese from becoming tough or rubbery, maintaining its creamy consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version, or use vegan Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Add red pepper flakes or lemon zest for an extra punch of flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan.

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Snap Peas Storage Advice

• Store leftover snap peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Warm the peas in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of butter to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheating in the microwave can make snap peas mushy and lose their crisp texture. If you must use a microwave, heat in short 15-second intervals and check consistency.
• These garlic Parmesan snap peas taste best when served immediately after cooking. Leftovers will be slightly less crisp but still delicious.

What to Pair with Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the buttery, garlicky snap peas with their bright, zesty acidity and light mineral notes.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pan-seared pork chops to create a balanced, flavorful meal that highlights the snap peas' vibrant taste.
• Mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potato wedges provide a smooth, rich contrast to the crisp, tangy snap peas, creating a satisfying textural balance.
• Crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia helps soak up the delicious butter and garlic sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the dish.

Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace butter with ghee or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the cheesy flavor while keeping carbohydrates low.
• Vegan Vegetable Delight: Swap butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. Add roasted cashews for extra protein and crunch.
• Herb-Infused Edition: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary during garlic sautéing. Sprinkle dried herbs like oregano or basil for additional Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Replace parsley with chopped chives for a mild onion undertone.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking peas. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Garnish with smoked paprika to enhance the spice profile.

Common Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Questions

• How do I know when sugar snap peas are cooked perfectly?

Look for bright green color and a tender-crisp texture. They should be slightly softened but still have a snap when you bite into them, which takes about 3-4 minutes of cooking.

• Can I use frozen sugar snap peas instead of fresh?

Fresh is best for this recipe, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen peas might release more moisture and take slightly longer to cook.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

No problem! You can skip the parsley or substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or basil. The herbs are optional and mainly add color and a fresh flavor.

• Is this a healthy side dish?

Absolutely! Sugar snap peas are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins. Adding a small amount of butter and Parmesan provides flavor without overwhelming the nutritional benefits.

Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas elevate simple vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Crisp, tender pods mingle with savory parmesan and garlic, promising a delightful companion to any main course you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse sugar snap peas under cool water, carefully trimming any tough ends with kitchen scissors.
2. Gently pat the peas completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crisp texture during cooking.
3. Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow butter to melt smoothly, creating a delicate golden base.
4. Quickly introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring rapidly to release its aromatic essence without burning, approximately 30-45 seconds.
5. Carefully add prepared sugar snap peas into the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Sauté the peas, stirring intermittently, allowing them to develop a vibrant green color and maintain a delightful tender-crisp consistency, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove skillet from heat source and immediately sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot peas, gently tossing to ensure uniform coating.
8. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the peas for a bright, zesty finishing touch.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
10. Transfer to a serving dish and present warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Cooking Time Matters: Aim for that sweet spot of 3-4 minutes to keep snap peas crisp and vibrant green without turning mushy or losing their fresh crunch.
• Butter Alternatives: Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use vegan butter to make the dish dairy-free and plant-based friendly.
• Cheese Flexibility: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor, but nutritional yeast works perfectly for a vegan option that still provides a cheesy, nutty taste.
• Seasoning Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or red pepper flakes to add extra depth and personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 116
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg