Description
Make these quick, flavorful garlic green beans at home. You achieve a delicious blistered texture perfect for a fast Chinese side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat the wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil. When the oil shimmers, add the green beans in a single layer if possible.
- Dry fry the green beans for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and char slightly. This step creates the authentic texture.
- Push the beans to one side of the wok. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty space. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss the beans with the garlic and ginger mixture.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture and the water or vegetable broth over the beans. Stir quickly to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beans.
- Remove from heat immediately and serve hot as a great vegan chinese side or main accompaniment.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns with the garlic and ginger.
- If you do not have a wok, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and cook the beans in batches to maintain high heat for blistering.
- This dish pairs well with simple rice and any protein, making it a perfect takeout night dinner solution.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0