Chinese String Beans Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish to complement your next meal? Look no further than this Chinese string beans recipe! This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and homes, and for good reason – it's incredibly versatile, adaptable to different tastes, and surprisingly simple to make. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound fresh string beans: Trim the ends and wash thoroughly. For optimal texture, you can snap them into 2-inch pieces, or slightly smaller, depending on preference.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. This adds a pungent, savory base to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon ginger: Grated or finely minced. Ginger complements the garlic beautifully and adds a subtle warmth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Use a lower-sodium variety if desired. Soy sauce provides the salty umami flavor characteristic of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: This adds a bright acidity that balances the saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil will provide the most flavor. This contributes a nutty aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Mixed with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This helps to thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prep the String Beans: Wash and trim the ends of your string beans. Snap them into 2-inch pieces. Blanching them for a minute or two before stir-frying will help them retain their vibrant green color and crispness. This step is optional but highly recommended.
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Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
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Add the String Beans: Add the string beans to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite to them.
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Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch slurry, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Finish the Dish: Pour the sauce over the string beans and stir-fry for another minute or two, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beans evenly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chinese string beans hot as a side dish with your favorite protein and rice.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: Feel free to add cooked protein like chicken, pork, or shrimp to make this a complete meal. Add it along with the string beans or at the end.
- Adjust the Spice: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns for a unique flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots would be delicious additions.
- Make it Vegan/Vegetarian: Ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it balances the savory soy sauce, the bright vinegar, the nutty sesame oil, and the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic. The cornstarch slurry creates a delicious, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the string beans. The technique of stir-frying ensures that the string beans retain their crisp texture while absorbing all the flavorful sauce.
This simple yet flavorful Chinese string beans recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Try it out and let us know what you think! Don't forget to share your creations using #Chinesestringbeans. Happy cooking!
