Chinese food often features noodles or rice combined with sauces, meats, and fresh vegetables. When you dine at an Asian restaurant, you might notice snow peas in certain dishes and wonder how they compare to similar legumes such as sugar snap and garden peas. Here's what to know about snow peas and their use by chefs in Chinese eateries. 

What Are Snow Peas?

Also known as Chinese pea pods, snow peas are native to Southwest Asia. These bright green legumes have wide and flat pods about 2 to 3 inches long. Though they may contain small peas, farmers often harvest them before peas form in the pods. Both the pod and peas are edible. 

These legumes are widely beloved for their tender yet crisp texture and mild sweet pea flavor. Additionally, they are a rich source of vitamin C, which the body uses to heal wounds and fight infections. A 1-ounce serving of snow peas contains about 16 milligrams of vitamin C, 18% of the recommended daily value. 

Snow peas differ from garden peas, which have starchier and rounder pods containing larger peas that you must remove from the shell before eating. They also vary from the sweeter sugar snap peas that also have tough strings along the seams of the pods that you may need to pull off prior to enjoying. 

How Are Snow Peas Used In Chinese Food? 

When you go out to a Chinese restaurant or order takeout, you might notice snow peas in stir-fries, fried rice, and lo mein. These crisp and crunchy legumes can provide delicious textural contrast to tender chicken, pork, or beef in Chinese food dishes. Additionally, their slightly sugary notes may enhance the sweet flavors of seafood such as shrimp, prawns, or scallops. 

During the cooking process, snow pea shells often absorb soy, garlic, or sweet and sour sauces, providing a delectable flavor burst when you bite into them. They may also offer a cooling and refreshing reprieve when incorporated into spicier dishes such as Szechuan beef, Hunan pork, or chicken with garlic sauce. 

When you're in the mood for Chinese food featuring delicious snow peas, dine at Hong Wah Restaurant in Penfield, NY. This Asian establishment offers classic fare, such as fried rice, stir-fry, and lo mein. Call (585) 385-2808 to place a takeout order, or visit their website to browse their lunch and dinner menus.