Chinese Green Bean Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Side Dish
This recipe for Chinese green beans delivers a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. It's quick, easy, and uses readily available ingredients, making it a weeknight staple. Learn how to achieve that signature savory-sweet taste that characterizes classic Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed. (Consider using organic for the best flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. (Fresh garlic adds so much more flavor than pre-minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds a touch of brightness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for aroma and a subtle nutty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with the cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (or to taste – balances the savory flavors)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
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Stir-Fry the Garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Add the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Don't overcook them; you want them to retain some bite.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the green beans and stir to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to the beans.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chinese green beans hot as a side dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chinese Green Beans:
- Don't overcook the green beans: Overcooked beans will be mushy and lose their vibrant green color.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, sugar, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger (if you add it!), and green beans will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Experiment with other vegetables: Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a more substantial side dish.
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