This Asian Green Bean Recipe is a celebration of the bright green, tender-crisp texture of fresh green beans, wok-tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce that’s both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
It’s a perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from fluffy rice to succulent tofu, and even stands out on its own for a light yet satisfying meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re using fresh green beans or frozen ones, the result is always flavorful, spicy, and aromatic.
The combination of slightly charred green beans, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a base of rich flavors, enhanced by the subtle heat of sliced chili and the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds.
It’s a dish that’s quick and easy to prepare in a large skillet or wok, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a last-minute addition to your dinner table. 🙂
CHINESE STRING BEAN RECIPE – WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- While deeply rooted in Asian cuisine, this recipe incorporates a fusion of flavors that can go well with various international dishes.
- This dish is a great way to add green beans to your diet in a tasty and appealing way.
- Whether you need it gluten-free or wish to substitute different ingredients, this recipe is highly adaptable.
- These green beans reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits right in. It’s a kind of recipe that’s both versatile and wonderful, suitable for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. Green Beans (Clean, dried, and trimmed)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shiao Xing Rice wine)
- 11/2 tbsp Light soy sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Vegan oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Water
Garnish: Sliced red chilies, chili flakes, or toasted sesame seeds.
HOW TO MAKE ASIAN GREEN BEAN
- Make the stir-fry sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Heat sesame oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or a wok over medium-high heat, add green beans, and saute for 6-8 minutes, stirring and moving them around occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the green beans are nicely charred on the surface and slightly softened. Add the sauce and toss well.
- Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is reduced to half, the beans are ready! Garnish with sliced red chili or sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!
TIPS, VARIATIONS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS
🌱 Avocado oil or peanut oil: You can substitute the sesame oil with avocado oil or peanut oil for a different flavor profile. Each oil brings its own unique taste to the dish.
🌱 Vegan sriracha, vegan sambal oelek, or red pepper flakes: If you love a bit more heat, include a teaspoon of sriracha, sambal oelek, or red pepper flakes in the sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red chili pepper.
🌱 Maple syrup or brown sugar: A splash of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar can balance the spiciness with a subtle sweetness.
🌱 Rice vinegar: A tablespoon of rice vinegar can add a tangy zing to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
🌱 Green onions: Besides red chili and toasted sesame seeds, try garnishing with green onions for a fresher bite.
🌱 Tamari: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
🌱 Frozen Green Beans: If fresh beans aren’t available, frozen green beans work just as well. There’s no need to thaw them; just add the green beans directly to the pan and cook for 3 minutes longer.
🌱 Chili oil or chili garlic sauce: Experiment with adding a bit of chili oil or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
🌱 Bell peppers or carrots: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mix. This not only adds color but also different textures to the dish.
🌱 Adjust Cooking Time for Texture: If you prefer softer beans, sautee for an additional 1 minute. For crispy beans, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
HOW TO STORE ASIAN GREEN BEAN
Storing your delicious Asian Green Bean dish is simple and ensures you can enjoy this wonderful recipe for days after you’ve made this recipe. Here’s how to keep your cooked green beans tasting great:
- Cooling Down: Allow the green beans to cool to room temperature after cooking. This is important to prevent moisture build-up in the storage container, which could make the beans soggy.
- Choosing the Right Container: Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container. This helps to maintain their crisp texture and flavor. If you’ve added pork, salmon, or any other proteins, they will also keep well in the same container.
- Refrigeration: Place the container in the refrigerator. The leftover green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This method is ideal for retaining the crisp and tasty quality of the dish.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the stored green beans, heat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to ensure even heating. If the dish seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture and flavor. (But do you know you can eat them cold? They taste great when cold too!)
- Avoid Repeated Reheating: It’s best to only reheat the portion you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can reduce the quality and flavor of the green beans.
OTHER ASIAN INSPIRED RECIPES
- Asian Vegetable Stir Fry
- Asian Tofu Lettuce Wraps
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Vegan Chop Suey
- Vegan Pad See Ew
- Pad Pak Thai
- Vegan Thai Basil Stir Fry
- Chinese Eggplant Stir-Fry with TVP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEANS FOR THIS RECIPE?
Yes, you can! While this recipe calls for Chinese green beans, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
WHAT ARE SOME SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ASIAN GREEN BEANS?
These green beans are great as a side dish with rice, and noodles, or as part of a larger meal with other Asian-inspired dishes. They also love being paired with a simple grilled protein like tofu.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE THIS RECIPE WITH CANNED GREEN BEANS?
While fresh or frozen green beans are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans in a pinch.
Be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before cooking. Note that canned beans may not have the same crisp texture as fresh or frozen beans.
ANY TIPS FOR THOSE TRYING THIS RECIPE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Please read the recipe card carefully and gather all your ingredients before starting. Remember, the key to great stir-fry is to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Asian Green Bean Recipe (Chinese String Bean Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine Shiao Xing rice wine
- 1½ tbsp light soy sauce tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp vegan oyster sauce I use L.K.K.brand
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- 1. Make the stir-fry sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- 2. Heat sesame oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or a wok over medium-high heat, add green beans, and saute for 6-8 minutes, stirring and moving them around occasionally to prevent burning.
- 3. Once the green beans are nicely charred on the surface and slightly softened. Add the sauce and toss well.
- 4. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is reduced to half, the beans are ready! Garnish with sliced red chili or sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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