Description
A flavorful Chinese buffet-style green beans recipe featuring crisp-tender green beans stir-fried with garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness and heat. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or part of an Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim the ends by snapping or cutting them off to ensure they cook evenly.
- Boil the Green Beans: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the green beans in a colander and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to keep them crisp.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Wait until it is hot and shimmering.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Green Beans: Toss the blanched green beans into the skillet and stir gently, coating them evenly with the garlic and oil.
- Add Sauces and Sugar: Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sprinkle the sugar over the green beans. Stir thoroughly so the beans are uniformly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Season with Heat: Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the beans to add a subtle heat flavor.
- Stir-Fry: Continue stir-frying the green beans for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken on the beans.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the green beans and stir to combine all flavors.
- Remove from Heat and Garnish: Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the green beans just before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or part of a larger meal.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans before stir-frying helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling.
- This dish is best served fresh to enjoy the crisp texture of the green beans.
