Quick and flavorful restaurant-style Chinese green beans, blistered and tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight side dish.
Author:oliviarosewood
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stir-fry
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain immediately and pat dry thoroughly.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
Add the dried green beans and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to blister and char in spots.
Push the green beans to the sides of the wok/skillet, creating a space in the center. Add the minced garlic to the center and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the center. Stir to combine with the garlic.
Toss the green beans with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of Shaoxing wine with the garlic.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used, added with the sauce ingredients.
Vegetable broth can be used in place of some of the soy sauce for a less salty version.
Serve with your favorite Chinese main dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu.