Simple Sugar Snap Peas Recipe

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Published:

July 9, 2023

Last Modified:

May 8, 2024

Sugar Snap Peas with Sauteed Mushrooms is a refreshing new side dish. It’s healthy to the max and takes a mere 20 minutes. There are only 5 ingredients in this recipe for sugar snap peas.

Tilted forward and centered bowl of a green veggie side dish with a plaid handtowel on the side.

Sugar Snap Peas with Mushrooms and Mint is the perfect side dish. I don’t know why but I always forget about sugar snap peas.

At our local grocery store, they come packaged over by the lettuce. All ready to go!

I must be so enamored with all the varieties of lettuce that my eyes jump over the sugar snaps. Not anymore!

Angled bowl full of sugar snap peas with a fork pulling up the first bite.

Fun Facts About Sugar Snap Peas

  • Sugar snap peas, also known as just snap peas, are a cross between snow peas and garden peas.
  • Trim sugar snap peas with your fingertips, pinch the stem ends, and pull the pea pods down to remove the tough strings.
  • Their name is very descriptive. Sugar snap peas are sweet and snappy!
  • Eat the whole thing, and that’s a lot of fiber.
  • Any recipe for sugar snap peas is a simple one. They are just so darn easy to work with and taste so good.
  • Fresh sugar snap peas are a powerful antioxidant and contain a lot of the immune system-building Vitamin C.
  • If you grow legumes, you’re also improving the soil. They are great for rotating in between other crops.
  • Sugar snap peas are great in helping a person to lose weight. They’re non-starchy veggies, so eat up!
Overhead view and closeup of a bowl full of beautiful sauteed vegetables.

Equipment Needed

  • Large Pot
  • Large Bowl
  • Collander
  • Paper Towels
  • Large Skillet or Pan
  • Stirring Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

Sugar Snap Peas- The main ingredient in this recipe. These peas are packed with fiber and flavor.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Adds flavor and helps to sautee the veggies.

Fresh Mint Leaves- Light refreshing and just seem to be made to go with snap peas.

Salt- Used to salt the water for the snap peas. Kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or coarse salt, whatever you have on hand.

Pepper- Adds a bit of contrasting spice.

Button Mushrooms- The perfect earthy-tasting foil.

Tilted bowl full of green veggies mixed with mushrooms and mint with a plaid napkin on the side.

How To Make Sugar Snap Peas

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  • Add the peas to the boiling water and bring back to a boil.
  • Continue boiling until peas turn bright green, about 30 seconds.
  • Drain and immediately plunge into the ice water.
  • Let stand to thoroughly chill, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain and spread peas out on paper towels to dry.
Two photos of the process for preparing sugar snap peas for sauteeing.
  • Start the mushrooms first and it will save minutes.
  • In a large skillet add the olive oil and turn to medium high heat.
  • Saute the mushrooms for about 10 minutes.
  • Then take the pan off the burner.
Two process photos showing sauteeing mushrooms
  • You can be doing this while your snap peas are cooling and drying.
  • Just before serving, add the peas to the pan with the mushrooms.
  • Also, add the mint and pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Sugar Snap peas are added in the skillet along with fresh mint.
  • Cook, stirring often until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
  • Serve warm.
Overhead view of all ingredients cooked and waiting in the skillet for serving.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

  • For a bit more crunchy texture, you can add diced red bell pepper, sliced carrots, chopped shallot, or other veggies to the dish.
  • Use almond oil, toasted sesame oil, or coconut oil in place of the extra virgin olive oil.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices. Use things like, fresh thyme, dill, basil, and salt and pepper, for an additional twist.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice, melted vegan butter, or soy sauce for more delicious flavor.
  • If your family loves spice, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for an extra kick.
  • Lastly, if you want to make this dish even heartier, add some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein.
Close up view of glistening a sugar snap peas recipe with mushrooms in a white and silver striped bowl.

Can You Freeze These Snap Peas?

Yes, this sugar snap peas recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through.

Sugar Snap Peas Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the snap peas are cooked?

The snap peas should be bright green and tender. They should only take around 30 seconds to cook.

Can I use frozen sugar snaps instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely. Feel free to use frozen sugar snap peas for this recipe. Simply thaw the snap peas in a bowl of cold water, and then follow the instructions as listed in the recipe card.

How long do these sugar snap peas last in the fridge?

Leftover sugar snap peas can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days.

Tilted forward and centered bowl of a green veggie side dish with a plaid handtowel on the side.

Simple Sugar Snap Peas Recipe

Ginny McMeans
4.1600 from 13 votes
Sweet crunchy sugar snap peas, earthy mushrooms, and fresh mint sauteed to perfection make this easy, delicious, and nutritious side dish any night of the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 Servings

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Ingredients
  

  • 32 ounces sugar snap peas – tough strings removed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 16 ounces button mushrooms – sliced

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  • Add the peas to the boiling water and bring back to a boil.
  • Continue boiling until peas turn bright green, about 30 seconds.
  • Drain and immediately plunge into the ice water.
  • Let stand to thoroughly chill, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain and spread peas out on paper towels to dry.
  • This next little step is where my recipe veers from All You Magazine – it is the mushrooms.
  • In a large skillet add the olive oil and turn to medium high heat.
  • Saute the mushrooms for about 10 minutes.
  • Then take the pan off the burner.
  • You can be doing this while your snap peas are cooling and drying.
  • Just before serving, add the peas to the pan with the mushrooms.
  • Also add the mint and pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Cook, stirring often, until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Snap the stems and strings before cooking if it looks like the peas need it.

Nutrition

Serving:1Serving, Calories:93kcal, Carbohydrates:10g, Protein:5g, Fat:3g, Sodium:8mg, Potassium:423mg, Fiber:3g, Sugar:5g, Vitamin A:1350IU, Vitamin C:70.1mg, Calcium:57mg, Iron:2.8mg

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Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Hi, my name is Ginny and it is fantastic that you have come to visit and see my recipes. I have a positive attitude and can’t seem to be in nature enough. My North American bird count is 678 and I’m always watching for mammals and insects too. My head is stuffed full of recipes that I want to create and life is just to dang short. The recipes feature healthy and delicious vegan food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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