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Restaurant-Style Garlic Green Beans (Dry Fried)

Close-up of vibrant green beans coated in a savory, dark garlic sauce, ready to eat.
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Make blistered green beans with a punchy garlic soy sauce right in your wok or skillet. This is a fast, flavorful Chinese side dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.
  2. Heat the wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the neutral oil.
  3. Add the trimmed green beans to the hot wok in a single layer if possible. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to start blistering and charring.
  4. Stir the green beans and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed dark spots (blisters).
  5. Push the green beans to one side of the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the empty space. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Toss the garlic and ginger with the green beans.
  7. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beans. Toss quickly and continuously for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beans evenly.
  8. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot as a perfect Chinese side dish.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use a teaspoon of Sichuan chili oil instead of red pepper flakes.
  • If you do not have a wok, use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. High heat is key for achieving the blistered texture.
  • If you need a substitution for soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option or vegetable broth mixed with a little extra salt if you are avoiding soy entirely.
  • These garlic green beans pair well with simple stir-fries or takeout favorites like General Tso’s chicken or vegan mock duck.

Nutrition

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