Are you ready to transform ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance? This Sauteed Snow Peas and Peppers recipe is not just a side dish – it's a quick, colorful, and nutrition-packed explosion of flavor that will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent in just 15 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook, a health enthusiast, or someone looking to add a touch of Asian-inspired elegance to your dinner table, this recipe is your perfect go-to solution for a delicious and quick vegetable side.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups snow peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: trim the ends of snow peas and remove any stringy parts. Slice red and yellow bell peppers into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch wide.
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté quickly for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure even cooking and slight softening while maintaining their crisp texture.
- Add snow peas to the skillet and continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should remain bright in color and have a slight crunch.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a serving dish and serve hot as a side dish or light vegetable accompaniment.
Tips
- Heat Management is Key: Ensure your skillet or wok is at the right temperature. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, which helps maintain the vegetables' vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Prep Work Matters: Slice your bell peppers and trim snow peas before you start cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents last-minute kitchen chaos.
- Don't Overcook: The secret to perfect sauteed vegetables is minimal cooking time. You want them bright, crisp, and slightly tender – not soggy or limp.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic quickly and watch carefully. It should become fragrant but not brown, which can make it bitter.
- Seasoning Tip: Add salt and pepper at the end of cooking to preserve the vegetables' natural flavors and prevent drawing out excess moisture.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor dimensions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
