‘Chinese Buffet’ Green Beans
This side dish may appear simple to make, but it’s much more than that. If you enjoy dining at Chinese restaurants, you may have tasted this delicious side dish served with classic Chinese cuisine. By making this easy side dish at home, you can save money and enjoy it even more. Plus, if you grow your own green beans, it’s an added bonus!
Ah, the classic Chinese Green Beans – a delightful side dish that brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of those delectable beans often enjoyed at Chinese buffets. The combination of tender green beans with a savory garlic sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that's both comforting and satisfying. It's a wonderful addition to any meal, and the simplicity of the recipe ensures that you can enjoy this culinary gem with ease.
The Best Chinese Green Beans Recipe
These green beans are an excellent choice for a side dish. They are tender and have a well-rounded flavor with a hint of garlic. The recipe is easy with only a few simple ingredients, making it a quick and convenient option for any meal. The beans are boiled to perfection and then coated with a savory garlic sauce, enhancing their natural flavor. The umami taste of the sauce perfectly complements the freshness of the green beans, making this dish a satisfying and healthy addition to any menu.
This recipe for Chinese green beans is a delicious side dish that perfectly complements your favorite Asian dishes. If you like your green beans spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes to give it a little kick. This recipe is so simple and easy to follow, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before!
How to Make Chinese Green Beans
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and brown lightly. Add green beans. Reduce to medium heat. Stir often.
Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Reduced sodium soy sauce is also fine. See recipe card for exact measurements.
After the tenderizing process, turn off the stove. You may sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and serve the dish over rice or any preferred base. Enjoy!
Storing/Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Chinese green beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They last up to 2-3 days when stored properly.
- Microwave: Place in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You can check if they are warm enough after 30 seconds.
- Skillet: Cook the green beans on medium heat until they become tender and warm. Don’t forget to stir and flip the beans while cooking.
- Oven: If you want to reheat food in the oven, preheat it to 350°F and bake for 15 minutes.
Can I add meat along with green beans?
When preparing this dish, you can incorporate cooked chicken, beef, bacon, ham (which is particularly good for using up leftover ham), or shrimp. Add your preferred protein when you add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and cook until heated through.
How to Serve Chinese Green Beans
“We usually serve Chinese Green Beans as a side dish with white rice or lo mein noodles. I like to add sesame seeds on top for extra crunchiness. You can serve it with other dishes if you want to make a complete Chinese buffet meal.”
- Chicken and Broccoli
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Chinese Pepper Beef
- Wonton Soup
Recipe Tips for Chinese Green Beans
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic, or it will ruin the green bean dish. Cook it until it’s fragrant.
- Avoid cooking the beans on low heat to achieve a crispy texture instead of a steamed one.
- If you prefer them softer, once they blister over medium-high heat, reduce to medium and cook until tender.
- If you want a different flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds. Spread them out on a baking sheet and cook them at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can dry sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for a minute or two.
NOTES
If you have fresh green beans in season, you can substitute them in this recipe. To do so, start by blanching them instead of following step one in the instructions. After blanching, you can proceed with the recipe as usual. This will add a touch of freshness to your dish and enhance its flavor.
A fantastic side dish recipe that works well for both the classic Mediterranean diet and any low-carb diet plan (including keto). If you're looking to lose weight, complementing this dish with any easily digestible source of protein (seafood or fish are ideal) will make it an exemplary dinner. You can also use this recipe to create a healthy plate for any meal. For instance, combining 'Chinese Buffet' Green Beans with an omelet or scrambled eggs and a slice of whole-grain bread makes for a well-balanced breakfast. You can also use 'Chinese Buffet' Green Beans as the vegetable component of your healthy lunch.
1 Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for about a minute, until lightly browned.
2 Add green beans to the pan and stir often over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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To elevate the texture and flavor of your Chinese Green Beans, try blanching them briefly in boiling water before stir-frying. This quick step helps to preserve their vibrant color and ensures a perfect tender-crisp bite. Also, when adding sesame seeds for that extra crunch, lightly toast them in a dry skillet beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor. Experiment with different proteins like chicken or shrimp for a personalized touch, turning this side dish into a complete and delicious meal.
