Hot Szechuan-Style Green Beans
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Description: If you’re craving a zesty, spicy vegetable side dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Hot Szechuan-Style Green Beans recipe. This dish, adapted from Sunset Magazine, can be prepared up to two hours ahead of time. Simply let it cool, then cover and let it sit at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. The recipe features a bold combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes, which bring a delightful heat to the crisp green beans. Adjust the chili flakes according to your taste preference—use the maximum amount for a fiery kick! This dish is perfect for adding an Asian flair to your potluck or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
Instructions:
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Prepare the Green Beans: Begin by rinsing and draining the green beans thoroughly. Trim off and discard the stem ends. Cut the beans into 2- to 3-inch lengths for an even cook.
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Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and white pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will provide a tangy, spicy glaze for the green beans.
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Heat the Pan: Place a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over high heat. Allow the pan to become very hot, which is crucial for getting a nice sear on the beans.
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Cook the Beans: Add the green beans to the hot pan along with 1/4 cup of water. Cover the pan and cook, stirring once, until the beans are bright green and slightly crunchy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps to steam the beans slightly, which retains their crisp texture.
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Finish Cooking: Remove the cover and continue cooking until the remaining water has evaporated. The beans should now be tender yet crisp.
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Add Flavor: Pour the canola oil into the pan. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir continuously until the green beans and garlic are lightly browned and fragrant, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the beans with a rich, aromatic flavor.
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Add the Sauce: Stir the prepared soy sauce mixture and pour it into the pan with the beans. Bring to a boil and continue to stir until most of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens, coating the beans evenly. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Serve: Transfer the Hot Szechuan-Style Green Beans to a serving dish. These beans can be enjoyed hot straight from the pan or served cold, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or even a hearty beef stir-fry. It also makes a great addition to any potluck or buffet spread, offering a deliciously spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and enjoy the compliments!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 44.4
- Fat Content: 1.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 255.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.3g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Protein Content: 1.7g
Keywords: Asian, Potluck, Spicy, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
