Have you ever had Pea Shoots aka Snow Pea Leaves before? Pea Shoots Stir Fry is a very popular veggie side dish win Chinese Restaurants. That’s not very surprising because these tender and crisp leafy greens are super tasty! If you’d like to make this at home – it’s actually pretty easy too!

What are Pea Shoots?

First things first – what are Pea Shoots? Pea shoots are the leaves of the pea plant! It’s usually the snow peas – hence it’s also known as Snow Pea Leaves.

Peas actually take a whole summer to grow, but the leaves for the peas can be harvested about 2 to 4 weeks in, and when harvested they are about 2-6 inches.

Chinese Vegetables

There’s a giant variety of vegetables in Chinese cuisine, and Shanghai bok choy is only one of them! If you are a fan of veggies, then you’re also going to enjoy Yu Choy, Chinese Broccoli, Red Amaranth, Malabar Spinach, Bok Choy and more!

How to cook Snow Pea Leaves / Pea Shoots?

The most common, easy, and delicious way is to Stir Fry Snow Pea Leaves, and I recommend with smashed garlic! Stir Fry Pea Shoots aka  炒豆苗 Chao Dou Miao brings out it’s delicious flavor along with the garlic and takes only a few mins to make!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cooking oil of choice
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 lb pea shoots / Snow Pea Leaves
• Salt as desired

Preparing the Snow Pea Leaves

Clean the pea shoots by rinsing it in water. Then, with a pair of kitchen shears (or with your hands) cut and remove the tough ends of the pea shoots.

Directions

In a large wok or skillet over medium high heat, heat oils add garlic.

After a minute (you’ll start smelling the delicious garlic flavor) add Snow Pea Leaves

Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves soften and are tender.

Add salt as desired, and mix well, and then serve!

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If you love simple veggie stir fries like this – check out my Lettuce Stir fry with Onions and my Broccoli and Cauliflower Stir Fry

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