Craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's quick to prepare? Look no further than this recipe for Chinese-style green beans! This recipe elevates the humble green bean into a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the fresh, crisp texture of the beans perfectly complemented by a savory, subtly spicy sauce. Forget bland boiled beans; this dish bursts with aromatic garlic, a hint of chili, and a touch of umami that will leave you wanting more. It's the ideal accompaniment to any Chinese-inspired meal, or a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
This simple yet sophisticated recipe relies on a few key ingredients and a straightforward technique to achieve maximum flavor. Forget complicated cooking methods; this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks. Ready to transform your green beans from basic to brilliant? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this irresistible Chinese-style green bean side dish.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- White pan or wok
Ingredients
- Green beans
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cooking oil
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chili flakes
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 2 teaspoons
- Sugar
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Green Beans
- Wash and pat dry the green beans. Chop off the edges and cut them into your preferred size.
- Boil water in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Add green beans and boil for 5-6 minutes, or until tender.
- Immediately transfer the boiled green beans to a bowl of ice water to retain their green color (optional). Drain and pat dry.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Green Beans with Aromatics and Seasoning
- Heat oil in a pan or wok. Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until lightly browned.
- Add the cooked green beans and stir-fry for about 1.5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and a little salt (optional, as salt was already added during boiling). Stir well.
Step 3. Thicken the Sauce and Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water. Add to the pan and stir to create a thicker sauce.
- Add sugar (white or brown) and stir-fry on high heat for about 1.5 minutes, until the sugar melts and creates a shiny glaze.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Green beans are low in calories and rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and Vitamin K.
- Using a wok is more convenient for stir-frying.
- Adjust the amount of salt and sugar to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-250
- Fat: 8-15g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent steaming.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce or chili flakes you add. Start with less and add more to taste.
This Restaurant-Style Garlic Spicy Green Beans Stir-Fry is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that's sure to become a family favorite. The perfect balance of garlic, spice, and crisp green beans makes it a versatile accompaniment to countless meals. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious taste of this restaurant-quality recipe, made easily at home!