Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (2024)

Home » Recipes » Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea

Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (1)

Get simple instructions for steaming sugar snap peas. It's super simple and makes this naturally sweet veggie taste even better!

One key to healthy snacking? Planning ahead! If you have a pre-planned snack prepped and ready to go, you have a no-thinking-involved snack you can grab when hunger strikes. Otherwise, if you wait until you're hungry, the chances of selecting an in-the-moment healthy snack are slim.

Steaming sugar snap peas (snack peas?) is an easy way to have a healthy snack on-hand for the week.

Snap peas are one of my favorite veggies. While they can be eaten raw, I love them steamed as they take on an even sweeter flavor. The key is to steam for a very short time- 2-3 minutes max. I either eat plain or dip into a low-sodium tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) or a veggie dip of choice (like hummus). These also work as a quick & easy side, I prefer tossing with a tiny sprinkle of red chili flakes & sea salt.

For more meal prep recipes & tips on the regular, make sure to sign up for my free weekly newsletter! Bonus – you'll get a free meal plan when you sign up!

steamed snap pea snack

Easy Method for Steaming Snap Peas

Servings: 4

Calories: 35kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups snap peas
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Steam snap peas for 2-3 minutes only. Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator for future snacking. Serves ~4.

Notes

*Nutrition information is for one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g

FAQ for Steaming Sugar Snap Peas

If you're wondering how to cook snap peas, check out the below FAQ for optimal results.

How long do sugar snap peas take to cook?

Wondering how long to steam sugar snap peas? The answer is, not very long at all!

Steam sugar snap peas for just 2-3 minutes for best results. After all, you can eat them raw, so it's really just about getting them to your desired texture.

How do you cook sugar snap peas so they are not stringy?

Some sugar snap peas are stringier than others. Look for the “stringless” type in your grocery store for best results. It also helps to buy them in season, in the spring and summer months.

Finally, avoid overcooking so your snap peas don't get stringy. Steaming sugar snap peas takes just 2-3 minutes so make sure to set that timer for the best taste and texture!

How do you steam sugar snap peas without a steamer?

While there are a few options for steaming without a steamer, it's simpler to just blanch your snack peas instead if you don't have a steamer basket. To do this, add sugar snap peas to boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.

That said, a steamer basket is an inexpensive cooking tool that takes up very little space so I do think it's worth adding to your kitchen tools.

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

Steamed sugar snap peas last for 3-4 days in the fridge, like other cooked veggies. Check out my food safety and storage guide for more information on how long various items stay fresh.

I want more easy, healthy snack ideas!

I've got you covered! I'm a big believer in having healthy snacks on hand, especially since I've become a mother. I know from experience that there's not always time to wash and chop produce when hunger strikes, especially when we're talking snacks. Here are a few of my favorite prep-ahead snacks.

Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (4)

Basil Aioli w/ Chopped Veggies

I find that having an easy homemade veggie dip on hand is one of the best ways to encourage healthy snacking for my family. This basil aioli is a great choice, as is my homemade paleo ranch dressing! Serve with carrot sticks, raw bell peppers, cucumber slices, or…you guessed it, steamed sugar snap peas!

Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (5)

Healthy Energy Bites

Healthy energy bites are one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand because everyone loves them and it's so easy to make a big batch and freeze. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe as, at least in my house, these tend to disappear quickly!

Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (6)

Homemade Popcorn

Homemade popcorn is quick and easy to make. It's also a whole lot of fun! Involve the kiddos as they'll love listening for the first pops. Enjoy homemade popcorn on its own or mix with nuts and dried fruit.

What healthy foods do you like to snack on? Do you prep them ahead of time? Share your ideas and pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram as @prepdish in all 3 places, or leave a comment below.

Steaming Sugar Snap Peas: Prep-Ahead Snack Idea (2024)

FAQs

How to eat sugar snap peas as a snack? ›

Place the sugar snap peas on a cutting board and use a knife to carefully cut off the tip of the pea pod that the stem is attached to. Eat the whole pod. Unlike with garden peas, the pods on sugar snap peas can be eaten. Don't worry about removing the round peas inside.

Can diabetics eat sugar snap peas? ›

Non-starchy vegetables, including sugar snap peas, are especially beneficial. 1 Due to their high phytonutrient content and fiber (which keeps blood sugar stable), sugar snap peas are a wonderful snack for helping to manage diabetes.

Do sugar snap peas need to be cooked before eating? ›

Sugar snap peas are also known as snap peas, and are pod fruits. Both the peas and the pod are edible and they don't need to be cooked.

How do you cook sugar snap peas so they are not stringy? ›

Look for the “stringless” type in your grocery store for best results. It also helps to buy them in season, in the spring and summer months. Finally, avoid overcooking so your snap peas don't get stringy. Steaming sugar snap peas takes just 2-3 minutes so make sure to set that timer for the best taste and texture!

What does sugar snap peas do for your body? ›

Snap peas are a good source of vitamin C which helps with immune function and helps heal cuts and wounds. Snap peas also contain iron which helps produce red blood cells. Vitamin K is also in snap peas, which helps with blood clotting and bone health.

Can you just eat sugar snap peas raw? ›

Snap peas are also known as sugar snap peas and are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The whole pod is eaten and has a crunchy texture and very sweet flavor. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked.

Can peas spike your blood sugar? ›

Is Peas Low Glycemic? Yes, peas are considered low glycemic due to their high fiber and protein content, which slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This makes them a good option for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

Are sugar snap peas anti inflammatory? ›

Peas are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. Other nutrients, such as vitamins A and B and coumestrol, help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Can you eat the skin of a sugar snap pea? ›

Can You Eat the Skin of Sugar Snap Peas? Yes! The skin on sugar snap peas is crisp and totally edible. If you purchased loose snap peas from the farmers market or grocery store, chances are they're not trimmed, so you may want to remove the stem and pull the string off the side, both of which can be tough.

Are white spots on sugar snap peas ok? ›

The white spots are scarring and you can eat them.

Do you need to devein sugar snap peas? ›

First, rinse and dry fresh sugar snap peas. If you want, you can remove the tips and any strings that come off with them, but we find it makes a minor difference and isn't worth the effort. However, if you're using older peas, the strings may be more stiff and noticeable.

How do you eat stringless sugar snap peas? ›

A product award-winner, these tasty sugar snaps are a great, crunchy and nutritious snack-right out of the bag! Dip them in a hummus or wrap in prosciutto for elegant presentations. Sweet and stringless… kids love 'em!

Why are my sugar snap peas so tough? ›

Sugar snap peas become stringy and tough if left too long, so pick as soon as they start to plump up and make a satisfying snap when bent. Hold the stem as you remove each pod to reduce the risk of damage to the plant.

Can you eat sugar snap peas by themselves? ›

If you've never tried raw sugar snap peas, you're in for a treat. You can eat the whole pod, with the peas inside, and if you can get them fresh from the farmer's market, they will be so impressively sweet.

What part of sugar snap peas do you eat? ›

Sugar snap peas are small, crunchy and sweet peas. The entire pod is edible and can be used in various recipes. Sugar snap peas are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system.

Are snap peas a good snack? ›

Snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. They are a low calorie, naturally sweet vegetable, with a low glycemic index value. Snap peas can be eaten raw or sauteed, roasted, steamed, stir-fried, or pan grilled. Snap peas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, fiber, and vitamin A.

Can you eat sugar snap peas raw skin? ›

Can You Eat the Skin of Sugar Snap Peas? Yes! The skin on sugar snap peas is crisp and totally edible. If you purchased loose snap peas from the farmers market or grocery store, chances are they're not trimmed, so you may want to remove the stem and pull the string off the side, both of which can be tough.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 6503

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.