Sugar Snap Peas with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter (such as PB2) or 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chopped peanuts, for serving

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, and grated ginger.
2. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a desired dipping consistency.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat.
4. Add the sugar snap peas and salt to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the peas are blistered and show some charred spots, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Serve the peas with lime wedges and the peanut dipping sauce on the side.
6. Garnish the peanut sauce with chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	127
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	654mg
Total Carbohydrate	17g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	7g
Vitamin C	77mg
Calcium	84mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	400mg

Servings per recipe: 4

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin: The combination of sugar snap peas and peanut dipping sauce is rooted in Southeast Asian cuisine, where bold and savory flavors are commonly paired with fresh vegetables. This dish brings together the delicate sweetness of snap peas with the rich, creamy depth of peanut butter, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The peanut dipping sauce, often seasoned with tamari or soy sauce, ginger, and lime, draws on traditional flavors found in Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese cooking.

Regional Variations

In many parts of Southeast Asia, vegetables like snap peas are enjoyed as a quick snack or side dish, served alongside a variety of sauces. For example, in Thailand, the pairing of fresh vegetables with a spicy or tangy peanut sauce is common, offering a refreshing contrast to rich, savory main dishes. The use of lime juice and ginger also reflects the region's love for citrus and aromatic spices, adding a refreshing zing to the dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional stir-fries or cooked vegetables in peanut sauce, this recipe features sugar snap peas that are quickly blistered in a hot skillet, leaving them crisp-tender. The peanut dipping sauce is lighter compared to some heavier, more elaborate peanut sauces used in other Asian dishes. This recipe is a quicker, simpler version that emphasizes the freshness of the peas, offering a unique contrast to the rich sauce. In comparison, dishes like satay skewers often use peanut sauce as a marinade, rather than a dipping option.

Common Places of Serving

Sugar snap peas with peanut dipping sauce are typically served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack in casual settings. The dish is a great addition to summer gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks, where its refreshing and light qualities make it a favorite among guests. In Southeast Asian restaurants, you might also find it as a starter or part of a vegetable platter, served alongside other fresh, raw ingredients. Its perfect for those seeking a healthier, vibrant dish to accompany heavier main courses.

Interesting Facts

• Sugar snap peas are a hybrid between snow peas and garden peas, known for their sweet taste and edible pods.
• The popularity of peanut sauces in Southeast Asia is tied to the influence of early trade routes, where peanuts were introduced to the region by explorers and traders.
• This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. The combination of peas and peanuts makes it a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
• Peanut butter in the sauce can be substituted with powdered peanut butter (such as PB2) for a lighter, lower-fat version, making this dish adaptable to different dietary preferences.

Recipe Details

This simple yet flavorful dish comes together in under 20 minutes. The sugar snap peas are lightly cooked to retain their crunch, while the peanut dipping sauce offers a savory and slightly tangy contrast. The addition of lime wedges and chopped peanuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter (such as PB2) or 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Lime wedges and chopped peanuts, for serving

Instructions

1. Whisk together powdered peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, and ginger in a small bowl. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach a dipping consistency.
2. Heat oil in a very large skillet over high heat. Add peas and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peas are blistered with some charred spots, about 5 minutes.
3. Serve with lime wedges and peanut sauce. Garnish sauce with chopped peanuts.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 127
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 17g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 654mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamin C: 77mg

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