Are you looking for a new way to bring an extra “pop” of flavor and texture to your dishes?
Snap peas are sure to do the trick.
These crunchy, sweet legumes may look like snow peas on the outside, but they have so much more to offer with their sweet and tender green pods.
Not only are snap peas incredibly delicious, they are also incredibly versatile – you can eat them raw or cooked, in salads, on sandwiches or as a side item.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different spices or even honey and vinegar for a completely unique taste that will leave your tastebuds wanting more.
And in case you’re out of snap peas and looking for substitutes, fear not – there are plenty of options including green beans, sugar snaps and celery that can provide a similar texture and experience.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Snap Peas
Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are types of edible-pod peas that you can both cook and eat raw.
These green vegetables are crunchy and sweet, making them ideal for salads, stir-frys or as a snack.
However, if you don’t have access to snap peas or need an alternative, there are plenty of substitutes that can fit your recipe needs.
1 – Green peas
Green peas are often seen as a popular substitute for snap peas as they have a similar flavor.
Green peas can be eaten fresh or cooked, making them an ideal alternative to snap peas.
They are often used in curries, soups, stews, and salads.
They also make an excellent addition to stir-fry dishes and sautéed with other vegetables.
When buying green peas, look for pods that are firm and brightly colored.
Discard any that are wilted or discolored.
As with snap peas, green peas should be shelled before cooking or eating.
2 – Snow peas
Snow peas are a type of flattened pea in the legume family.
They have an edible pod and a light, sweet flavor when consumed raw.
They can also be cooked and stir-fried, or included in casseroles, soups, salads, or vegetable side dishes.
These peas are harvested before they mature when the pods are still flat and tender, making them a great substitution for snap peas in recipes.
Snow peas pair well with ginger, garlic, scallions, mushrooms, and other vegetables for an Asian-inspired meal.
3 – Garden peas
Garden peas are a great substitute for snap peas.
They’re similar in flavor and can be prepared in much the same way as snap peas.
The only difference is that garden peas need to be shelled before cooking whereas snap peas can be cooked with their pods intact.
So if you’re looking for a quick, easy substitution for snap peas, garden peas may be the way to go.
Garden peas are widely available and can usually be found fresh or frozen at most grocery stores.
You can also find pre-shelled frozen garden peas, which make them even easier to prepare than snap peas.
4 – Yellow peas
Yellow peas offer a sweet flavor similar to that of snap peas.
They’re one of the most widely available substitutes.
Yellow peas are large, plump and round and can be used in almost any dish in place of snap peas.
As with other substitutes, make sure you adjust cooking times as these will take longer to cook than snap peas.
To make preparations easier, look for canned yellow peas or buy them dried and pre-soaked.
If doing this yourself vary the soaking time to achieve the desired texture — about four hours for more al dente, and up to eight hours for a softer result.
5 – Edamame
Edamame are the young, sweetly flavored and nutrient-rich green pods of immature soybeans.
As a result, Edamame has similar texture and flavor to snap peas and can be used as an ideal replacement for them.
These legumes are rich in dietary fiber as well as essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, folate and manganese.
Edamame is readily available in the frozen section at most grocery stores or it can be bought fresh at many Asian markets.
They can be quickly cooked in boiling water or simply microwaved and added to dishes such as stir-fries or served on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt — either way they make a delicious snack.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Snap Peas
Ingredients
- Green peas
- Snow peas
- Garden peas
- Yellow peas
- Edamame
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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