Asian Style Sweet & Spicy Green Beans
Description:
The Asian Style Sweet & Spicy Green Beans is a delightful and vibrant side dish that brings together the fresh crunch of green beans with a tangy and flavorful sauce. This simple recipe uses fresh green beans tossed in a sticky and aromatic mixture of Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, and garlic. The roasted peanuts add a perfect crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor profile. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a festive meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and rich taste.
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (French beans) | 300 grams, cut into halves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Thai sweet chili sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon | 1, juice only |
| White wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sesame (gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Green Beans:
Start by placing the green beans in a pressure cooker. Add salt to taste and 2 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook the beans for one whistle and immediately release the pressure to maintain their fresh green color. Set the cooked beans aside. -
Stir-fry the Aromatics and Sauce:
Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds until the aroma of garlic becomes fragrant. -
Make the Sauce:
Add the soy sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir the mixture well to combine and create the sauce. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors will develop at this stage. -
Combine the Beans and Peanuts:
Add the cooked green beans to the sauce and stir well. Toss in the roasted peanuts and stir-fry the entire mixture on high heat for 3-4 minutes. Ensure the green beans and peanuts are coated evenly with the sticky sauce. -
Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spice levels if necessary. You can add a little extra soy sauce for saltiness or a dash more chili sauce for heat, depending on your preference. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Turn off the heat and transfer the Asian Style Sweet & Spicy Green Beans to a serving bowl. Serve the dish hot, and for a complete Thai-inspired meal, pair it with Thai Jasmine Sticky Rice and a fragrant Thai Pineapple Vegetarian Curry.
Tips & Variations
- Peanut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, substitute the roasted peanuts with cashews or almonds for a similar crunch.
- Spice Level: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by altering the quantity of sweet chili sauce and lemon juice.
- For Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving for additional texture and flavor.
Enjoy this sweet, savory, and slightly spicy side dish, packed with protein and bursting with Thai flavors!
