Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Chinese Yam

Chinese Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Chinese Yam

Introduction

Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Chinese Yam  is a refreshing and healthy Chinese dish often served in home-cooked meals. The crisp texture of snow peas pairs beautifully with the soft, slightly sticky texture of Chinese yam (shan yao). It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish that emphasizes natural sweetness and a clean, elegant flavor — typical of traditional Chinese home cooking.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200g (about 7 oz) snow peas 

• 200g (about 7 oz) Chinese yam 

• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

• 1 small red chili (optional, for color and mild heat)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

• ½ teaspoon chicken powder or mushroom powder (optional)

• A few drops of sesame oil (optional, for aroma)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the snow peas thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove the tough strings along the sides for a tender bite.

2. Peel the Chinese yam carefully (wearing gloves if needed, as yam may cause slight skin irritation).

3. Slice the yam into thin slices or sticks, about 5 cm long.

4. Slice the garlic and red chili for stir-frying later.

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Step 2: Blanch the Ingredients

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

2. Add the yam slices first and blanch for about 30 seconds to remove excess starch.

3. Then add the snow peas and blanch for 20 seconds more.

4. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to keep them crisp and bright green. Set aside.

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Step 3: Stir-Fry

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then add garlic slices and red chili. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 10 seconds).

3. Add the blanched yam and snow peas to the wok. Stir quickly to mix everything evenly.

4. Season with salt and chicken powder (optional). Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, keeping the heat high to preserve color and crunch.

5. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before turning off the heat for extra aroma.

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Step 4: Serve

Transfer the stir-fry to a plate and serve immediately while hot.
The snow peas should be bright green and crisp, while the Chinese yam remains tender and slightly chewy — creating a beautiful contrast in texture.

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Tips

• Avoid overcooking the vegetables; the key is to keep them crisp and fresh.

• You can add carrot slices or wood ear mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.

• If you prefer a more savory flavor, a dash of light soy sauce can be added during stir-frying.