One of my earliest food memories is of my grandmother's garden, overflowing with vibrant vegetables. Among them, the string beans always stood out, their slender green pods glistening in the sunlight. She had a knack for transforming these humble beans into a mouthwatering dish that I couldn't get enough of.

Her secret? A simple yet irresistible Chinese string beans recipe that combines the freshness of the beans with the aromatic punch of garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce. The beans were always cooked to perfection—crisp-tender, with a vibrant green hue.

Every time I took a bite, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. That perfect balance of savory and sweet… I just couldn't get enough! ( like Vietnamese pho spices).

You know, I've kept that recipe close to my heart all these years. Sure, I've tweaked it here and there to match my own taste buds. But at its core, it's still my grandma's dish – a real tribute to fresh, seasonal ingredients and the pure joy of a home-cooked meal.

Table of Contents

Chinese String Beans Recipe

For 4 Servings

Author: Chris
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound string beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps:

Prepare the String Beans: Wash and trim the string beans. Cut them into 2-inch pieces if they are too long.
Blanch the String Beans: In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the string beans for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the Chinese garlic green beans and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the String Beans: Add the blanched string beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the sauce mixture and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are well-coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Notes:

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 80
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 290mg
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

What to Serve with Chinese String Beans Recipe?

When serving a dish like Chinese String Beans, you'll want to complement it with other flavors and textures to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Main Dishes:

Stir-Fried Chicken or Beef: A simple stir-fry with marinated chicken or beef cooked in soy sauce and garlic pairs well.
Tofu Dishes: For a vegetarian option, serve with tofu stir-fried with vegetables or a spicy tofu dish.
Pork Chops: Asian-style grilled or pan-fried pork chops with a soy sauce glaze enhance the flavors of the string beans.

Rice and Noodles:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice complements the savory flavors of the string beans and soaks up the sauce.
Fried Rice: A vegetable or shrimp fried rice can add a hearty component to the meal.
Lo Mein or Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables and protein create a satisfying accompaniment.

Appetizers:

Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls add a delightful crunch and fresh flavors.
Dumplings: Pan-fried or steamed dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables are always a crowd-pleaser.

Sauces and Condiments:

Soy Sauce: A small dish of soy sauce can enhance the flavors of the meal.
Chili Oil or Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, serving with a side of chili oil or Sriracha adds a spicy kick.

Tips for the Best Chinese Green Beans

Choose Fresh Beans: Select vibrant, firm green beans that are bright in color. Avoid those that look wilted or have blemishes. Chinese long string beans are a great option for this dish.
Blanch for Brightness: Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stir-frying. This step not only brightens their color but also helps maintain their crispness.
Use High Heat: When stir-frying, use high heat to quickly cook the beans while retaining their crunch. A wok or heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for even heat distribution.
Minimal Oil: Use a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or sesame oil, to avoid greasy beans. A non-stick pan can also help reduce the need for excess oil.
Sauté Aromatics First: Start by sautéing aromatics like minced garlic, ginger, and onions before adding the beans. This infuses the oil with flavor and enhances the dish's overall taste.
Seasoning Balance: Balance the savory and sweet flavors with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil. A touch of sugar can help enhance the natural sweetness of the beans.
Avoid Overcooking: Stir-fry the beans just until tender-crisp, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes after blanching. Overcooked beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.

By following these tips, you can elevate your Chinese green beans recipe, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques to make it your own.

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