Chinese Style Green Beans: A Flavorful Sichuan Appetizer
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, crunchy textures, and quick, easy cooking, then Chinese Style Green Beans will soon become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Inspired by the spicy and aromatic flavors of Sichuan cuisine, this recipe brings a delightful balance of tangy soy sauce, fragrant ginger and garlic, and the perfect amount of heat to keep your taste buds intrigued. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish to accompany your dinner or a light, healthy meal on its own, these green beans will certainly satisfy your craving for something savory and satisfying.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Sichuan
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (French beans) | 250 grams (strings removed, washed, and cut into 2” pieces) |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece, julienne |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| White wine vinegar | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Red chili sauce (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2, broken into pieces |
| Corn flour (cornstarch) | 2 teaspoons |
| Vegetable stock | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds (til seeds) | 2 tablespoons, toasted |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~100 kcal |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Fat | ~6 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Begin by preparing your green beans. Rinse them thoroughly, remove the strings, and cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces. This will ensure that the beans cook evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame (gingelly) oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and julienned ginger. Stir-fry them for about 1-2 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let them brown.
Step 3: Add the Chilies and Green Beans
Add the broken dry red chilies to the wok, followed by the prepared green beans. Stir-fry the beans for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the oil and spices. The goal is to keep them crunchy while infusing them with the ginger and garlic flavor.
Step 4: Cook with Vegetable Stock
Pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable stock to help the beans cook evenly. Cover the wok and let the beans cook for 1-2 minutes. This will allow the beans to steam slightly and become tender, but still retain a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Season the Beans
Now, add salt to taste, along with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and the optional red chili sauce for an added kick. Stir well to ensure the beans are coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the remaining vegetable stock (3 tablespoons) with the corn flour (cornstarch) to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the green beans. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the wok from the heat. Garnish with the toasted sesame seeds, giving the dish a nutty crunch that complements the tender beans.
Serve your Chinese Style Green Beans immediately, either as a side dish with some fragrant Thai Jasmine Sticky Rice or as a standalone light meal. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, with a touch of heat from the red chilies and a deep umami flavor from the soy sauce and sesame oil.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant dish pairs wonderfully with other Sichuan-inspired meals such as Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, or Hot and Sour Soup. You can also enjoy it with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
If you prefer a vegetarian variation, you can substitute the vegetable stock with water or a plant-based broth to keep the flavors intact while making it suitable for vegans as well.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of dry red chilies or skip the red chili sauce. For more spice, feel free to add extra chili sauce or use fresh red chilies in place of dried ones.
- Add Protein: If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you can easily add some stir-fried tofu, tempeh, or even grilled chicken to this dish for extra protein.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: To bring out the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Enjoy your homemade Sichuan-inspired Chinese Style Green Beans, a dish full of flavor, texture, and a delightful punch of spice! Whether as a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer, these beans are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
