Stir Fried Green Beans with Sprouts and Cellophane Noodles
This vibrant and savory dish brings together the goodness of green beans, fresh bean sprouts, and cellophane noodles, infused with rich Asian flavors. Inspired by a family favorite, Paula G’s Green Beans with Cashews, this recipe puts a spicy twist on the original, adding heat and a bold, oriental flair. Whether served as a flavorful side dish or enhanced with shrimp to create a satisfying main course, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weekday meal. A fantastic blend of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans | 1 lb |
| Cashews | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 2 cups |
| Scallions (sliced) | 8 stalks |
| Onion (sliced) | 1/2 medium |
| Fresh bean sprouts | 8 oz |
| Oyster sauce | 4 tbsp |
| Sambal oelek (chili paste) | 1-2 tbsp |
| Cellophane noodles | 6 oz |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 |
| Total Fat | 13.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 584.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g |
| Sugars | 5.8 g |
| Protein | 7.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cellophane Noodles:
In a large bowl, add the cellophane noodles and pour over very hot or boiling water. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soften. Once done, drain the noodles and season them with sesame oil. Set aside. -
Blanch the Green Beans:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for about 4 minutes. Drain the beans and refresh them by placing them in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. -
Prepare the Stir-Fry Ingredients:
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the sliced onions (or scallions), cashews, garlic, grated ginger, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and the cashews become lightly toasted. -
Add the Green Beans:
Once the vegetables and cashews are ready, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors and become slightly browned. -
Season the Stir-Fry:
Pour in the oyster sauce, sambal oelek (adjust the amount for your spice preference), and soy sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce evenly coats the vegetables and cashews. -
Add the Bean Sprouts:
Toss in the fresh bean sprouts and stir-fry for another 2 minutes, just enough to heat them through without overcooking them. The bean sprouts will add a crisp texture to the dish. -
Combine with Noodles:
Add the softened cellophane noodles to the pan and stir everything together. Ensure that the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and evenly distributed with the other ingredients. -
Serve:
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with additional scallions or cashews if desired.
Tips for Customizing Your Stir-Fry:
-
Protein Add-ins:
For a heartier meal, you can easily turn this dish into a main course by adding shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Simply sauté the protein of your choice along with the onions and mushrooms before adding the green beans. -
Adjust the Spice Level:
If you love spicy dishes, feel free to increase the amount of sambal oelek or add some sliced fresh chili peppers. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a milder dish, reduce or omit the sambal oelek and opt for a touch of honey or sugar to balance the flavors. -
Vegetable Variations:
This stir-fry is versatile, and you can swap in other vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. Bell peppers, carrots, and baby corn would be great additions to this dish.
Servings: 4
Recipe Yield: 1 delicious stir-fry that will satisfy everyone at the table!
This quick stir-fry offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crispness of the green beans to the chewy cellophane noodles and crunchy cashews. It’s easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and incredibly customizable. Perfect for those busy nights when you want to whip up a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes!
