Go Back

Asian Green Beans

Asian Green Beans deliver crispy-tender vegetables coated in a savory, aromatic sauce that tastes like your favorite takeout but takes just 15 minutes to make at home. This dish combines fresh green beans with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for an irresistible side that pairs with rice, noodles, or any protein you're serving.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Garlic mincer or microplane (optional)

Method
 

  1. Trim the ends off your green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes; then stir in the water and cornstarch to create your sauce base.
  3. Place your skillet over high heat and let it get really hot for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add 1.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot skillet, then add half the green beans in a single layer.
  5. Let the green beans sit undisturbed for 2 minutes so they develop a nice char and brown spots.
  6. Stir the beans around and cook for another 2 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp, then transfer them to a plate.
  7. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining oil and green beans, then set all cooked beans aside.
  8. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the minced garlic and ginger to the remaining oil in the pan.
  9. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant but not browned.
  10. Add the cooked green beans back to the skillet with the garlic and ginger, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
  11. Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans and toss constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every piece.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired by adding more red pepper flakes, soy sauce, or rice vinegar.
  13. Transfer your Asian green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions as garnish.

Notes

Serve alongside steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or as a side to grilled proteins. For best texture, cook green beans in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.