Garlic Szechuan Green Beans Recipe — Quick Stir-Fry Side Dish

Quicker, cheaper, and healthier than takeout: Chinese Garlic Green Beans are my go-to vegetable side when I make restaurant-style Chinese food at home.

I enjoy recreating takeout favorites at home. It’s more economical, lighter, and often tastier. Cooking at home also lets me control the vegetables—important since many places in my area limit options to celery, bell peppers, and onions. Bell peppers, especially, are not for me.

Because I wanted a simple, flavorful vegetable side that would pair with any main dish, I perfected these Chinese Garlic Green Beans. They’re inexpensive, fast to prepare, and don’t require specialty ingredients. The sesame oil, fresh garlic, and ginger give bold flavor without heat, while a touch of soy sauce adds savory depth.

This recipe closely matches the green bean side served at PF Chang’s—a pleasant surprise since I’d been making my version for years before trying theirs. If you like green beans, you might also enjoy my Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet or Green Beans with Almonds variations.

Recipe

Garlic Ginger Green Beans

A super simple Asian-style vegetable that delivers plenty of flavor without any heat.

Course: Vegetable

Cuisine: Asian

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Servings: 2

Author: Basil and Bubbly

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced or pressed fresh garlic
• 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 10 ounces green beans

Instructions

1. Cook the green beans according to package directions, but shorten the cooking time by one minute. For fresh beans, steam or boil them just until nearly tender—one minute less than you normally would. (If using canned beans, you can skip this step, though fresh or frozen are recommended.)
2. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the green beans and sesame oil. Toss to coat the beans evenly.
3. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Toss continuously for about two minutes so the flavors coat the beans and the garlic and ginger become fragrant.
4. Turn off the heat, and continue stirring for another minute with the pan off the burner to let the flavors settle.
5. Serve warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds if desired.