Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to snap peas? You’re in luck.
This article will discuss what snap peas are, their nutrition benefits and the top five substitutes that provide equal—or even better—benefits.
If you’re trying to up your veggie intake and switch up your meals, look no further.
What is Snap Pea?
Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are the combination of snow peas and garden peas.
They have edible pods with small, crunchy seeds inside.
They are harvested when immature and the entire pea pod is edible.
This makes them very versatile in many recipes and sauces as well as a great snack item.
Snap peas are botanically classified as both a fruit and a vegetable, making them an ideal ingredient for use in salads or stir-fry dishes.
Their sweet flavor lends itself to many types of recipes while allowing the nutrients to be preserved in their entirety.
How to Cook Snap Peas? Tips on Cooking
Snap peas are a hybrid cross between snow peas and sugar snap peas and they are enjoyed cooked or raw in salads or stir-fries.
They can usually be recognized by their bright green pores and crisp pods.
Cooking snap peas is simple; just remember to get them out of the water as soon as their vibrant color returns after blanching, otherwise they can become soggy and lose flavor.
Here are a few handy tips for cooking fresh snap peas:
- Blanching: Before stir-frying, boiling or steaming, you may want to blanch snap peas first by placing them in boiling water for approximately three minutes, until the vibrant color returns. Then place them directly into an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Stir Frying: Heat some oil in a pan over high heat. Add the snap peas along with seasonings like garlic, soy sauce and some chili flakes and quickly toss all ingredients together until the vegetables are cooked through but still slightly crisp around the edges (approximately 3 minutes).
- Boiling/Steaming: Place the snap peas in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Cook for approximately three minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve immediately.
Using these tips can help you make the most of your snap peas instead of throwing them away next time you’re cooking with this versatile veggie.
5 Best Snap Peas Substitutes to Consider
Snap peas are low in calories, contain vitamin C and are a great source of dietary fiber.
However, if snap peas just isn’t your thing, or you can’t find them in your local grocery store, there are a few alternatives that may be more suitable.
From snow peas to edamame to broccoli, a variety of vegetable substitutes exist that can match the same nutritional profile and subtle crunch.
Here is a list of five snap pea substitutes you may want to consider:
1 – Green peas
Green peas are a great substitute for snap peas because they are the closest in texture and flavor.
Peas are smaller and more tender than their cousin the snap pea, but pack a similar punch of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin K, B-complex vitamins and dietary fiber.
Frozen or canned green peas could be used to replace snap peas in cooked dishes like soups, sautéed vegetables, stir fry dishes or added to salads.
Before using frozen or canned green peas make sure to rinse in cold water before adding them to your dish.
Green peas can also be served raw as a healthy snack or side dish – toss them with nuts or feta cheese or add them to your favorite garden salad.
2 – Snow peas
Snow peas are one of the best substitutes for snap peas.
They have similar sweet and grassy taste, and can also be served raw in salads or stir-fries, as well as boiled or steamed.
Snow peas feature tough but edible pods that contain small seeds.
Peas can be found at most grocery stores year-round and are often cheaper than snap peas.
Keep in mind that snow peas need to be cooked for a longer duration due to their thicker skin.
3 – Garden peas
Garden peas are a great substitute for snap peas because of its sweet flavor, crunchy texture and buttery aroma.
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Garden peas are slightly smaller than snap peas and they can easily be cooked in the same way.
Gently boil garden peas for a few minutes before adding into pasta dishes or stir fries.
Or you can use them raw in salads to add some sweetness and texture.
As with other green vegetables, use them fresh if possible as they may lose their flavor if frozen or canned.
4 – Yellow peas
Yellow peas are also known as garden peas, and they provide a wonderful crunchy texture similar to snap peas.
They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups or mixed with other vegetables.
Yellow peas are often an ingredient in traditional dal recipes in Indian cuisine and may be served with boiled rice.
These hearty little beans are a mix of sweet and nutty flavors come served roasted, salted, fresh, canned or frozen.
Although yellow peas don’t look much like snap peas on the outside, you can use them as snap pea substitutes for any recipe that calls for the crunchy green veggie.
With their mild flavor and slightly chewy texture, yellow peas will make your dishes just as delicious — but with a unique twist.
5 – Edamame
Edamame is an ideal substitute for snap peas.
They don’t have the same crunchy texture, but they provide a similar flavor and can be added to dishes in much the same way.
This type of beans is harvested while immature and still in the pod; they have a lightly sweet taste and a buttery texture that adds a different flavor to any dish.
Edamame is high in protein, fiber and vitamins so it’s much healthier than snap peas and makes an especially good substitute if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Edamame can be enjoyed fresh as well as frozen.
Store-bought frozen beans should be stored properly if they are not used immediately after purchase; however, edamame beans are often sold dried or canned too and will keep much longer that way.
You can also buy them pre-shelled or still inside their pods.
Conclusion
Snap peas are a delicious, sweet and crunchy vegetable with a lot of great culinary applications.
While they can be hard to find in some areas, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can also bring a unique flavor and texture to your dishes.
Snow peas, sugar snap peas, sugar snaps, edamame beans and green beans are all good substitutes for snap peas in different scenarios.
All these vegetables have advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when picking the right option for your dish.
Each one of them offers a diverse range of flavors and textures that you can capitalize on to make the best possible version of your favorite recipes.
Many experts recommend experimenting with each type of substitute before settling on one as it may surprise you with how different the end result tastes.
By trying out new combinations, you’ll be able to find the perfect substitute for your snap peas.
5 Best Snap Peas Substitutes to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Green peas
- 2 – Snow peas
- 3 – Garden peas
- 4 – Yellow peas
- 5 – Edamame
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!