How to Cook Snap Peas

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Snap peas are peas that are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. They are bright green and contain a pod that holds peas inside. They have a crispy texture and a slightly sweet taste. You can eat these vegetables raw or you can prepare them different ways. Two ways to cook snap peas are by sautéing or by steaming. However, to make sure they hold their crispy texture, it is important to cook them for a short time. If you want to master the different methods of cooking snap peas, see Step 1 below to get started.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Boiling Snap Peas

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    Take them out of the sink and place them inside a paper towel. Use a blotting motion to dry them.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Remove any snap peas that have too many blemishes on them or cut off the blemishes and preserve the remaining snap pea.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Chop off the ends of the snap peas on each side.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Place the water on the stove. Adjust the temperature on the stove so it begins to boil. Once you notice steam coming from the pot, place the snap peas inside a netted steamer. Place the netted steamer inside the pot so it is submerged in the boiling water.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Leave the snap peas on the stove and inside the pot to allow the hot water to boil and cook the peas.
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    Remove the pot from the stove and place it on a cooling rack.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Place the snap peas on a dish. Place a spoonful of butter onto the peas. Season the peas with a dash of salt and pepper.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Sautéing Snap Peas

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    Place them in a medium sized bowl.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Place a few spoonfuls of butter into the pan. Set the temperature on medium heat.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Once the butter begins to sizzle, place the snap peas in the pan.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Move the snap peas around using a non-stick utensil. Cook the peas for 1 to 2 minutes until they are done.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Snap Peas
    Place the pan on a cooling rack or potholder. Remove the peas from the pan and place them onto a plate.
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    Can I microwave snap peas?
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    Yes, you can.
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    Steam the vegetables until softened, then puree using a blender or food mill.
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  • Question
    When microwaving the snap peas, I noticed that some of the pods were tough and stringy. Others were OK. Any suggestions for this? Maybe microwaving longer?
    Donagan
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    The toughness of pods is related to their age. Water-boiling or microwaving can help, but some may be too old to eat.
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      Tips

      • To give snap peas even more flavor when sautéing, you can add garlic and onions or mushrooms to create a vegetarian stir-fry.
        Thanks
      • You can substitute olive oil instead of butter when sautéing snap peas or you can add it as well as the butter when cooking snap peas. The olive oil and butter mixture produces a richer flavor.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Snap peas
      • Colander
      • Cold water
      • Cutting board
      • Sharp knife
      • 3 quart (2839 ml) pot
      • Netted steamer
      • Salt
      • Pepper
      • Medium bowl
      • Non-stick pan
      • Butter
      • Non-stick utensil
      • Potholder or cooling rack

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      References

      1. http://www.everydayguide.com/how-to-cook-snap-peas/
      2. https://www.recipetips.com/knowledge.asp?content=t--1141/all-about-peas.asp

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook snap peas, start by cutting off the blemishes or removing any peas with too many blemishes. Then, rinse the peas under cold running water, chop off the ends on each side, and place the peas in a netted steamer. Next, boil 3 quarts of water in a pot, place the steamer inside once you notice steam coming from the pot, then cover with the lid and cook for 5 minutes. Finally, take the pot off the stove and let it cool for 5 minutes before removing the steamer. To learn more, including how to saute your snap peas in butter, scroll down.

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        Nov 3, 2016

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