This colorful vegetable combination is quick and simple to prepare and makes a bright, crisp side dish. Tender-crisp snow peas pair beautifully with sweet red bell pepper and fragrant shallots, creating a fresh accompaniment for grilled meats, fish, noodles or rice. The dish comes together in minutes and keeps the vegetables vibrant and crunchy by using high heat and short cooking time.
Stir-Fried Snow Peas, Red Pepper and Shallots
10
5
15
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh snow peas, ends trimmed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced shallot and chopped garlic and stir for about 1 minute, until fragrant—take care not to let the garlic burn. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook briefly until it begins to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the trimmed snow peas and continue to stir-fry until they are crisp-tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately so the vegetables retain their texture and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fried mix as a light vegetable side alongside grilled chicken, fish or pork. It also complements Asian-inspired mains such as teriyaki salmon, sesame chicken or noodle bowls. For a simple vegetarian meal, toss with cooked rice or noodles and a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil.
Variations and Add-Ins
Customize the recipe easily: add sliced carrots, snow pea sprouts, thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms or snap peas for extra crunch. For more savory depth, stir in a teaspoon of soy sauce, tamari or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end add a pleasant aroma.
Tips for Best Results
- Prepare and cut all ingredients before heating the pan—stir-frying is a fast process and requires everything ready to go.
- Use a hot wok or large skillet and keep the ingredients moving so they cook evenly without steaming.
- Trim the snow peas and remove any tough strings to ensure a tender bite.
- Cook just until crisp-tender to preserve the bright color and fresh texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking. Note that vegetables will soften with storage and reheating.
Nutritional Note
This simple stir-fry highlights fresh vegetables with minimal oil and seasoning, making it a light, nutrient-rich accompaniment to most meals. Adjust seasoning and additions according to dietary preferences.