Charred Sugar Snap Peas are the ultimate answer to a vegetable side that’s as vibrant as it is crave-worthy. Imagine a snap: golden, blistered pods, still crisp within, each bite popping with smoky sweetness. That quick kiss of high heat turns them irresistible, making this recipe my favorite way to show off fresh peas. It’s a ten-minute transformation—healthy, unfussy, bursting with color—delivering a dish that wows (whether gleaming on a party platter or quietly accompanying your weeknight dinner). Let’s make Charred Sugar Snap Peas your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is blissfully simple, letting every flavor shine through. Each element is chosen for how it brings crunch, brightness, or just the right balance of flavor to your Charred Sugar Snap Peas.
- Sugar snap peas (12 ounces, trimmed): Choose fresh, plump pods for the sweetest snap and best char.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps peas blister beautifully and delivers richness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the peas’ natural sweetness and ensures seasoning in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a subtle depth that plays off the peas’ fresh flavor.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle for a nutty crunch and a finishing touch of texture.
- Lemon juice or rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional for brightness): A dash lifts the whole dish, offering a zingy contrast to smoky charred notes.
How to Make Charred Sugar Snap Peas
Step 1: Get the Pan Smoking Hot
The key to those coveted little char marks is high heat. Place a cast iron or heavy skillet on medium-high and be patient—wait until it’s truly hot. This ensures the peas sizzle instantly, creating that signature sear (rather than just steaming).
Step 2: Toss and Season the Peas
While your pan is heating, toss the trimmed sugar snap peas with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. The oil helps the seasoning adhere evenly and primes each pod for caramelization.
Step 3: Char the Sugar Snap Peas
Add the peas to your hot pan in a single layer—no crowding! Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, resisting the urge to stir. The bottom will blister and turn spotty golden-brown. After that, give them a toss and let them go another couple of minutes until they’re crisp-tender with charred edges.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Take the pan off the heat and scatter sesame seeds over the peas if you’re using them. Finish with a splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar to brighten and wake up the flavors. Serve the Charred Sugar Snap Peas immediately while warm, or let them cool to room temperature—either way, they’re hard to resist.
How to Serve Charred Sugar Snap Peas
Garnishes
Top your Charred Sugar Snap Peas with a flurry of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of nutty aroma, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a delightful crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped mint or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of toasted sesame oil turns up the savory depth.
Side Dishes
Charred Sugar Snap Peas are fabulously versatile. They brighten up a steaming bowl of rice, join crisp tofu or grilled chicken for a satisfying protein plate, or nestle alongside Asian-inspired mains like teriyaki salmon or sticky wings. The possibilities are endless—let their smoky sparkle complement whatever you love.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve Charred Sugar Snap Peas on a platter with toothpicks for a healthy appetizer, mound them in a grain bowl, or tuck them in veggie wraps for a fun twist. They’re also excellent tossed with cold noodles or added to salads for beautiful color and snap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (rare, but possible!), let the Charred Sugar Snap Peas cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp and full of flavor for up to three days, making them a fabulous prep-ahead snack or salad topper.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing Charred Sugar Snap Peas can alter their wonderful texture, making them a bit mushy when thawed. For best results, enjoy them fresh. If you do freeze, store in a single layer and use within a month for cooked dishes where texture matters a bit less.
Reheating
To recapture their just-charred magic, quickly reheat the peas in a hot dry pan for a minute or two. Microwaving works in a pinch, but can soften them more than pan-heating. They’re actually delicious chilled, too—try them straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I make Charred Sugar Snap Peas without a cast iron pan?
Absolutely! Any heavy-bottomed skillet will work as long as it can hold high heat. Nonstick pans can be used on medium-high, just be sure not to overcrowd so the peas still get nicely charred.
Should I remove the strings from the snap peas?
If your peas still have tough strings along the seam, it’s worth pulling them off for tenderness. Many store-bought peas come pre-trimmed, but a quick check makes a better eating experience.
What else can I add to Charred Sugar Snap Peas for extra flavor?
Mince a clove of garlic and toss it in during the last minute of cooking, or finish with a splash of toasted sesame oil for a richer, nuttier flavor. Chopped toasted peanuts or a little chili oil also add a unique twist.
Are Charred Sugar Snap Peas kid-friendly?
Definitely! Their sweet flavor and crunchy texture make them a huge hit with kids, and charring brings out their natural sugars. Just skip the finishing heat if they’re sensitive to pepper or optional spices.
Can I serve Charred Sugar Snap Peas at room temperature?
Yes! They’re just as tasty at room temp as they are sizzling from the pan, which makes them a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep lunches.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering snap peas, these Charred Sugar Snap Peas are guaranteed to surprise you with their flavor and ease. Give them a try—you’ll love how fast they come together and how quickly they disappear!
Print
Charred Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Charred Sugar Snap Peas are a quick and flavorful side dish that can be made in just minutes. The sugar snap peas are cooked until blistered and charred, then finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a splash of citrus for brightness. A perfect way to enjoy fresh vegetables with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Sugar Snap Peas:
- 12 ounces sugar snap peas (trimmed)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar (optional for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Snap Peas: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Toss sugar snap peas with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Char the Peas: Add seasoned peas to the hot pan in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until charred on one side. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until crisp-tender and charred all over.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and add a splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
- These peas are versatile and can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a healthy snack.
