Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic
Bright green snow peas quick-cooked with garlic and dried chilies for a crisp, vibrant side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs snow peas, dried red chilies, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz snow peas
- 1 tbsp dried red chilies
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim snow peas, discarding ends and strings, and cut in half diagonally for even cooking. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp dried red chilies and stir-fry for 10 seconds until they darken and release their aroma, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 5 seconds more.
- Step 3: Add snow peas in a single layer, stirring constantly with tongs for 2 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp but still hold their shape.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp soy sauce and 1/4 tsp sugar, tossing for 15 seconds until the peas are evenly coated and the sugar dissolves. Immediately transfer to a plate to stop cooking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep snow peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Dried Chili and Garlic?
Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegetarian recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegetarian dishes though.
