Easy Asian Vegan  Wasabi Peas

To make Wasabi Peas, a crunchy and spicy snack, you can follow this simple recipe using freeze-dried peas. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• ½ cup finely grated fresh wasabi (or wasabi paste)
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dry mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 cups freeze-dried peas

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 225°F (about 107°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Wasabi Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the grated wasabi, mirin, rice vinegar, dry mustard powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
3. Coat the Peas: Add the freeze-dried peas to the bowl and gently toss them in the wasabi mixture until they are fully coated. Be careful not to break the peas while mixing.
4. Bake: Spread the coated peas evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until they are dry and crunchy.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the peas cool completely before transferring them to a bowl for serving.

Tips

• Using freeze-dried peas is essential for achieving the right texture; fresh or regular dried peas will not yield the same results.
• For an alternative method, you can also use dried whole peas with wasabi paste or powder, adjusting quantities based on your spice preference.

Here are some variations and tips for making wasabi peas, including alternatives to using fresh peas, methods without an oven, and additional flavor options:

Variations of Wasabi Peas Recipes

1. Matcha Wasabi Peas: Incorporate matcha or sencha powder along with wasabi for a unique flavor twist. This adds a subtle umami taste and enhances the nutritional profile[3].
2. Air Fryer Wasabi Peas: Use an air fryer to make crispy peas quickly. Toss fresh or frozen peas with olive oil and your choice of spices (like garlic powder and salt) and air fry at 360°F for about 10-15 minutes[2].
3. Wasabi Pea Snack Mix: Combine wasabi peas with nuts (like cashews or almonds), seeds, and other snacks to create a crunchy mix that balances the heat of the wasabi[4].

Using Fresh Peas

Using fresh peas instead of freeze-dried peas is not recommended. The high water content in fresh peas causes them to shrivel during drying, leading to a poor texture. Freeze-dried peas maintain their crunchiness and are essential for achieving the desired snack consistency[1].

Making Wasabi Peas Without an Oven

You can make wasabi peas without an oven by using an air fryer or stovetop methods:

• Air Fryer: Toss dry peas with wasabi seasoning and cook in an air fryer at 360°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through[2].
• Stovetop: Sauté dried peas in a pan with a bit of oil and wasabi seasoning until they become crispy.

Additional Flavor Ingredients

To enhance the flavor of wasabi peas, consider adding:

• Garlic Powder: For a savory kick.
• Sesame Seeds: For added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: For extra heat.
• Lime Zest: To add a refreshing citrus note.

Vegetarian and Vegan Versions

Wasabi peas are naturally vegetarian and vegan as they typically consist of peas, wasabi seasoning, and optional oils or spices. Ensure that any additional ingredients (like oils or flavorings) are also plant-based to maintain the vegetarian or vegan status.

Enjoy your homemade wasabi peas as a bold-flavored snack!