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Restaurant-Style Chinese Green Beans with Garlic Sauce

A close-up shot of vibrant, glossy chinese green beans with garlic sauce piled high in a white bowl.
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Make fast, flavorful garlic green beans with a blistered texture right in your wok or skillet. This easy Chinese side dish delivers big flavor for your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine (if using), sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  2. Blister the beans: Heat the neutral oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the trimmed green beans in a single layer if possible. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to char and blister in spots.
  3. Stir-fry: Toss the beans and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and nicely blistered all over.
  4. Add aromatics: Push the beans to one side of the wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Combine: Toss the beans with the garlic and ginger. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beans. Add the red pepper flakes now if you are using them.
  6. Finish: Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the green beans evenly. Serve immediately for your perfect Chinese side dish.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, you can substitute vegetable broth for the rice wine.
  • If you do not have a wok, use the largest, heaviest skillet you own and cook the beans in batches to maintain high heat for proper blistering.
  • These garlic green beans pair well with any takeout-night dinner like Kung Pao Chicken or Vegan Stir Fry.

Nutrition

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