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Restaurant-Style Chinese Green Beans with Garlic Sauce

Close-up of vibrant green beans coated in a savory, spicy Chinese green beans with garlic sauce.
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Learn how to make blistered green beans tossed in a punchy, garlicky soy sauce right in your wok or skillet. This is a fast and flavorful Chinese side dish perfect for takeout night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the green beans. This step is key for getting a good char.
  2. Heat the neutral oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until it shimmers.
  3. Add the green beans to the hot wok in a single layer if possible. Cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to allow them to blister and char slightly.
  4. Toss the beans and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed dark spots, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Remove the beans from the wok and set them aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the remaining oil in the wok. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Pour the sauce mixture into the wok. Let it bubble for about 15 seconds. Add the water or vegetable broth to create a light sauce.
  8. Return the blistered green beans to the wok. Toss everything quickly to coat the beans evenly with the garlic sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Serve your dry fried green beans immediately as a fantastic Chinese side dish.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, try adding a teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns with the garlic.
  • If you do not have a wok, a large cast-iron skillet works well for achieving that necessary high heat for blistering.
  • Substitute tamari for soy sauce if you need a gluten-free option.
  • These garlic green beans pair well with fried rice or any simple stir-fry protein.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/chinese-green-beans-with-garlic-sauce/