This Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for any day of the week. Crisp, vibrant sugar snap peas meet tender, juicy shrimp in a savory stir-fry that's light yet satisfying. The best part? It's on the table in under 30 minutes!
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Snow peas vs sugar snap peas
Snow Peas and Snap Peas are very similar - Both are shelled with peas in the pod. They both are low in calories, while being nutritious (fiber, vitamin C, etc.). However, Snow Peas and Snap Peas are not the same.
Snap Peas (aka Sugar Snap Peas) are actually crossed between snow peas and garden peas (aka sweet peas)! Physically, snow peas are flatter and contain smaller peas inside. Snap Peas pods are more rounded and their peas are also bigger.
Taste wise, snow peas are less sweet than snap peas. But both are tender and crisp. Also, opposite of garden peas/sweet peas, you can eat the shell of snow peas and snap peas.
Personally I actually like snap peas more than snow peas, but I think just because it's crunchier and sweeter - so if you don't like those things as much, try my snow peas shrimp recipe!
Wild Caught Shrimp vs. Farm Raised Shrimp
If you've followed my blog for a while, you know I'm passionate about wild caught shrimp... mostly because I have to be! I'm allergic to farm-raised shrimp (breakout in hives!), but honestly, that's been a blessing in disguise.
Here's why:
- Unsanitary conditions: Farm-raised shrimp often come from overcrowded, unsanitary environments.
- Contaminants: Many contain pesticides, banned antibiotics, and contaminants like salmonella or E. coli.
- Unappetizing extras: Bits of rat hair and insects have even been found in them. Gross!
So go for wild-caught shrimp if you can! I usually buy mine frozen, peeled, and deveined - super convenient and still delicious.
How to cook Snap Peas Shrimp Stir Fry (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, separated
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- ½ pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
- Salt, to taste
Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, mix shrimp with cornstarch, rice wine, and salt. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
During this time you can trim your sugar snap peas if you'd like.
Stir fry the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp and garlic, stir fry until shrimp start turning pink and are no longer translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
Cook the snap peas: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add sugar snap peas and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they're tender-crisp and bright green.
Bring it all together: Return shrimp and garlic to the pan, and stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, or just enjoy it on its own!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
For best texture, reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes until warmed through. This keeps the shrimp juicy and the snap peas crisp. If you use the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, but note the snap peas will soften more.
FAQ
Do I need to trim snap peas before cooking?
It's optional. Trimming off the ends and removing the string makes them a little more tender. My mom won't eat them unless they're trimmed - she swears it makes a big difference! Many bagged snap peas are pre-trimmed, but it's worth checking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work great - just thaw completely, pat dry, and then marinate as directed. I recommend wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
Can I substitute snow peas?
Definitely. Snow peas cook a little faster and are less sweet and crunchy than snap peas, but they still work well in this stir fry. Just shorten the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
What can I serve this with?
This dish goes perfectly over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a lighter meal, try it with cauliflower rice or on its own.
Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry Recipe
This Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry brings together succulent, plump shrimp and crisp, sweet sugar snap peas in a vibrant, savory sauce. It's an incredibly fresh and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and delicious, fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- ½ teaspoon salt (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, separated
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- ½ pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
- Salt, to taste (for seasoning at the end)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with cornstarch, rice wine, and ½ teaspoon salt. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep the snap peas.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add shrimp and chopped garlic, then stir-fry 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Stir-fry snap peas for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Return shrimp and garlic to the pan. Stir everything together until hot. Season with more salt if needed.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly! Keep an eye on them during stir-frying to ensure they remain tender and juicy rather than rubbery. They're done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Customization: Feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil at the end for extra flavor, if desired. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Recommended Products
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10 Pcs Fine Bone China Blue and White Chinese Soup Bowls Ceramic Porcelain Bowl, with Free 10 Porcelain Spoons Rice Bowl -
Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
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Eleulife Wok Pan with Lid, 13 Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Spatula, Nonstick Woks and Stir-fry Pans, No Chemical Coated Flat Bottom Chinese Wok for Induction, Electric, Gas Stove, All Stoves
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台灣米酒 Rice cooking wine michiu - 3 liter
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Clabber Girl Corn Starch, 6.5 Ounce, Package my vary
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 233Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 239mgSodium: 1513mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Sugar Snap Pea Recipes
If you love snap peas as much as I do, here are a few more tasty recipes to try:
- Snap Peas Chicken Stir Fry - Juicy chicken and crisp snap peas, tossed together for a quick and healthy meal.
- Snap Peas Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry - A fast veggie stir fry featuring earthy shiitake mushrooms and sweet, crunchy snap peas.
- Oven Roasted Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic & Sesame - Quick and easy oven-roasted snap peas tossed with garlic, olive oil, and sesame, lightly blistered for the perfect crunch.
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