Simple Chinese Snow Peas Stir Fry

Written by
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
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Rhonda Parkinson
Updated 02/10/21
Stir Fried Snow Peas

kool99 / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
65 Calories
4g Fat
6g Carbs
3g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 65
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 502mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 3g
Calcium 33mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Snow peas are one of those vegetables which seem to enjoy universal popularity. Asians use snow peas in stir-fry dishes often due to their tender sweetness and fresh, crispy texture.

Apart from a delicious flavor and texture, snow peas are also extremely healthy. Considered a superfood, they are high in fiber, protein, vitamins A and C, healthy fats, iron, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, and antioxidants. These nutritional elements are great for helping our bodies stay healthy to prevent conditions such as inflammation, cancers, eye disease, scurvies, and digestive problems.

You can add protein to this simple dish by stirring in 8 to 10 prawns or 6 ounces of waxed pork (see the information below the directions) with snow peas. If you choose prawns, add 1 teaspoon of rice wine to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 ounces snow peas
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil (alternatively, use olive or peanut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons low-​sodium soy sauce

Steps to Make It

  1. Rinse the snow peas, trim the ends and string them if necessary.

  2. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add finely chopped garlic. Stir-fry briefly to release aromatics.

  3. Add snow peas and salt.

  4. Stir-fry briefly. Add soy sauce. Stir-fry for another minute. Serve while hot. (Total stir-frying time for snow peas is about 2 minutes.)

All About Waxed Pork

Chinese waxed meat, also known as Chinese New Year pork or Chinese pancetta, is a stronger version of pancetta. It’s delicious, smoky, salty, and great on its own with fried rice or perfect in a stir-fry with almost any kind of vegetable. It’s a great meat to steam and goes well with garlic sprouts or leeks. For most Chinese, every time they see or smell waxed pork, they are reminded of Lunar New Year.

Waxed Pork Memories

Liv Wan shares this story about Chinese New Year Pork:

"When I was growing up in Taipei, we would always buy our Chinese New Year Pork from one particular shop. This shop would be closed for 11 months of the year but open for just one month during the Chinese New Year period. Their meat was so delicious and so popular and they sold so much product during this month that they could close for the rest of the year."

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