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A plate of Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, showcasing vibrant green beans coated in a rich, spicy chili-garlic sauce
25 minutes Easy

Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans

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Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans are a vibrant and spicy dish that brings the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine to your dinner table. Known for its characteristic use of chili paste, garlic, and ginger, this dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Combining these ingredients with the stir-fried green beans and fresh garnishes makes this dish visually appealing and delicious.

Szechuan cuisine, originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China, is famous for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors, often achieved through chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. The heat in Szechuan dishes is typically balanced with other flavors like sweetness, sourness, and a touch of saltiness, creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate.

Chili paste is the star ingredient in this recipe, bringing the quintessential heat that defines Szechuan cuisine. It is mixed with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, creating a spicy and tangy sauce with a hint of sweetness. Adding freshly grated ginger and minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor, adding warmth and an aromatic quality that is signature to many Asian stir-fry dishes.

Stir-frying is the perfect cooking method for green beans, allowing them to retain their natural crispness while absorbing the flavors of the sauce. The green beans are first stir-fried in hot vegetable oil until they blister and soften. This step not only cooks the beans but also gives them a slightly charred flavor, which adds to the overall complexity of the dish.

After the beans are blistered, the minced garlic and ginger are added, releasing their fragrant oils and infusing the skillet or wok with even more flavor. Care is taken not to let the garlic burn, as this would introduce bitterness. Instead, the garlic and ginger are sautéed just long enough to become fragrant and golden.

The sauce is then poured over the green beans, coating them evenly. The sauce thickens as it cooks, clinging to the beans and adding a glossy finish. The result is a dish where each bean is enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce that delivers a punch of heat and umami.

What sets this dish apart is the thoughtful use of garnishes that add to the flavor and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender beans. To balance the dish’s heat, freshly chopped cilantro is also incorporated. Cilantro adds a refreshing, herbaceous burst that cuts through the spiciness of the dish, making each bite more balanced and enjoyable. The bright green color of the cilantro also enhances the dish’s presentation, making it as attractive as it is delicious.

Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans can be served as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course when paired with steamed rice. Their bold flavors make them a perfect accompaniment to more subtly flavored dishes, but they’re strong enough to stand independently. Whether you want to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests with Szechuan-inspired cuisine, this dish will surely be a hit.

Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: SidesCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Szechuan Stir-Fried Green Beans is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring crisp green beans stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a bold chili sauce, then garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated

  • 2 tablespoons chili paste

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • for garnish, toasted sesame seeds

  • for garnish, freshly chopped cilantro

Directions

  • Prepare the Sauce:
    Mix the chili paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Stir-Fry the Green Beans:
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they start to blister and soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  • Add the Sauce:
    Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans. Stir to coat them evenly, and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    Remove from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot as a side dish or with steamed rice for a complete meal.

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