Chinese String Beans Recipe: Delicious and Easy to Make

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy vegetable dish to add to your meal plan, you can't go wrong with a Chinese string beans recipe. This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine and is known for its bold flavours and crispy texture. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-eater, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

One of the key ingredients in a Chinese string beans recipe is garlic. Garlic is used to add a savoury flavour to the dish and is often sautéed in vegetable oil or sesame oil. Soy sauce is also a common ingredient in this dish, adding a salty, umami flavour to the beans. If you're looking to add some protein to your dish, you can even try adding seafood such as shrimp or scallops.

To prepare this dish, you'll need to start by trimming the ends off the string beans and washing them thoroughly. Then, you'll need to sauté the garlic in oil and add the string beans to the pan. Once the beans are cooked through, you can add soy sauce and any other seasonings or garnishes you like. This dish is best served hot and pairs well with rice or noodles.

Key Takeaways

• A Chinese string beans recipe is a healthy and flavourful vegetable dish that is perfect for any meal.
• Garlic and soy sauce are common ingredients used to flavour the beans.
• Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish for extra protein.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to Chinese string beans, the right ingredients can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to choose your ingredients and some substitutions you can make if necessary.

Choosing the Right Beans

When selecting your beans, look for fresh green beans that are firm and free from blemishes. You can use regular green beans or French green beans (haricots verts) which will cook more quickly. If you can't find fresh beans, you can use frozen beans, but they won't be as crispy as fresh ones.

Sauce and Seasoning Variations

The sauce and seasoning are what give the dish its flavour. Soy sauce is a common ingredient in most recipes, but you can use light soy sauce for a milder flavour or dark soy sauce for a richer, more intense flavour. Oyster sauce is another popular seasoning that adds a sweet and savoury taste to the dish. If you're vegan, you can use vegan oyster sauce instead.

For a spicy kick, you can add dried red chillies or Sichuan peppercorns. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a pinch of sugar or brown sugar to the sauce.

Protein Add-Ins

Chinese string beans can be a vegetarian dish, but you can also add protein if you like. You can use chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. If you choose to use seafood, you can use shrimp, scallops, or squid. Make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish at the end to avoid overcooking.

Oil Selection for Frying

For frying the beans, you can use sesame oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil. Sesame oil will give the dish a nutty flavour, while peanut oil is a neutral-tasting oil that won't overpower the other flavours. Avocado oil is a good option if you're looking for a healthier oil with a high smoke point.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious Chinese string beans dish that suits your taste preferences.

Preparation Techniques

Trimming and Cleaning

Before you start preparing your Chinese string beans recipe, you need to trim and clean the beans. Trim the tough ends off the string beans, and then cut them in half (each piece should be about 3 inches long). Wash them and pat them thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel to get rid of any water. This process will help you get rid of any dirt or debris that may be present on the beans.

Blanching Beans

Blanching the beans is an important step in preparing Chinese string beans recipe. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the beans to the boiling water and cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are tender. Once the beans are tender, remove them from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will help to stop the cooking process and prevent the beans from becoming overcooked.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your Chinese string beans recipe, you can add some shrimps or scallops to the recipe. Simply sauté the seafood in some oil and garlic until they are cooked through and then add them to the green beans. This will give your recipe a unique flavour and texture.

Cooking Process

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying is the most common way to cook Chinese string beans, and using a wok is the best way to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. A wok is designed to heat up quickly and evenly, allowing you to cook the beans at high heat without burning them.

To stir-fry Chinese string beans in a wok, start by heating up the wok until it's smoking hot. Add oil and swirl it around to coat the wok. Then, add the beans and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they're slightly charred and tender.

Achieving the Perfect Char

Charred green beans are a hallmark of Chinese string beans, and they add a unique smoky flavour to the dish. To achieve the perfect char, it's important to fry the beans at high heat for a short amount of time. This will allow them to cook quickly and evenly, while still maintaining their crunchiness.

To add more flavour to your Chinese string beans, you can add aromatics like garlic and ginger. Minced garlic is a popular choice, as it adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavour to the dish. Fresh ginger can also be used, but it should be sliced thinly or grated to avoid overpowering the beans.

If you're looking to add protein to your Chinese string beans, seafood is a great option. Shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish, and they pair well with the charred green beans. Simply stir-fry the seafood with the beans, or cook them separately and add them to the dish at the end.

Overall, stir-frying Chinese string beans in a wok is a quick and easy way to create a delicious and healthy dish. With the right technique and a few key ingredients, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavour every time.

Flavour Enhancers and Garnishes

When it comes to Chinese string beans, adding flavour enhancers and garnishes can take the dish to the next level. Here are some ideas to elevate the taste of your string beans.

Adding Heat and Spice

If you like your food spicy, there are several ways to add heat and spice to your Chinese string beans. One option is to use chili oil or chili flakes. You can either add them to the stir-fry during cooking or sprinkle them on top as a garnish. Another way to add spice is to use red pepper flakes. These can be added to the stir-fry during cooking or sprinkled on top as a garnish.

Sichuan dry fried string beans are a popular Chinese dish that is known for its spicy flavour. To make this dish, you can add Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and garlic to the stir-fry. This will give the dish a flavourful and spicy kick.

Final Touches

To add the final touches to your Chinese string beans, consider using garnishes such as green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes not only add flavour but also make the dish look more appetizing. You can also use chilies or red pepper flakes as a garnish for an extra pop of colour and spice.

Seafood is a great addition to Chinese string beans. Shrimp or scallops can be used to add a unique flavour and texture to the dish. Simply sauté the seafood separately and add it to the stir-fry towards the end of cooking.

In summary, adding heat and spice and using final touches such as garnishes can take your Chinese string beans to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavour combinations to find your perfect dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chinese string beans are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They pair well with steamed rice and noodles, as well as other Asian-inspired dishes. You can also pair them with simple grilled proteins like tofu or seafood.

If you're looking to add seafood to your Chinese string beans recipe, consider using shrimp or scallops. Both of these seafood options can be quickly sautéed and added to the dish for an extra burst of flavour.

When it comes to serving size, you can expect to get around 4-6 servings from a typical recipe. If you're meal prepping, Chinese string beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In terms of cuisine, Chinese string beans are a staple in Sichuan cuisine and are commonly found in Chinese restaurants around the world.

Overall, Chinese string beans are a quick and easy dish to prepare that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. With the addition of seafood, you can take this dish to the next level and impress your dinner guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices work well with green beans for a bit of a kick?

If you're looking to add a bit of heat to your green beans, try adding some Sichuan peppercorns or dried chili peppers. These spices are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and can add a nice kick to your dish. Other spices that work well with green beans include garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.

What's the best way to munch on Chinese-style green beans?

Chinese-style green beans are typically served as a side dish, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack. To munch on them, simply pick them up with your fingers and enjoy!

Should I steam or boil green beans to keep them crunchy?

Neither! Steaming or boiling green beans can make them mushy. Instead, try blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help keep them crunchy.

Can you tell me the difference between green beans and string beans, mate?

The terms "green beans" and "string beans" are often used interchangeably, but "string beans" typically refer to older varieties of green beans that have a tough, fibrous "string" running down the side of the pod. Most modern varieties of green beans have been bred to be stringless.

What's a simple method to stir-fry green beans like they do in Chinese cuisine?

To stir-fry green beans like they do in Chinese cuisine, heat up some oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to blister and turn brown in spots. Then, add some minced garlic, ginger, and soy sauce and continue stir-frying until the green beans are tender.

How can I make my green beans crispy like in a Chinese takeaway?

To make your green beans crispy like in a Chinese takeaway, make sure to blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help keep them crunchy. You can also try stir-frying them over high heat until they start to blister and turn brown in spots. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some seafood to your stir-fry, such as shrimp or scallops, to add some extra flavour and texture.