Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe

This Stir-fried Szechuan Green Beans recipe offers a delightful mix of tastes and textures. Crisp green beans are stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, then tossed in a spicy, aromatic sauce. The perfect side dish to add a burst of flavors to your meals.

Photos of Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe

The ingredients for this dish are mostly commonly found, but there might be few you would need to look for. Dry sherry can be found in the alcohol aisle in most supermarkets. Shiitake mushrooms are located in either fresh produce section or in the canned goods aisle. Dry mustard might also be a little harder to find, but it's usually in the spices section.

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.

Water: Used to thin the sauce.

Dry sherry: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma to the dish.

Sugar: Balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick.

Dry mustard: Adds a tangy, heat.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the beans and mushrooms.

Green beans: The star of the dish, they add a crisp texture.

Shiitake mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and chewy texture.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor.

Fresh ginger: Gives a warm, spicy flavor.

One reader, Elmo Orr says:

This stir-fried Szechuan green beans recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are bold and the texture is perfect. The combination of soy sauce, sherry, and sesame oil creates an explosion of taste. The beans and shiitake mushrooms are cooked to perfection. It's a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, Asian-inspired dishes.

Elmo Orr

Techniques Required for Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

How to prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, water, dry sherry, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and mustard in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

How to stir-fry the green beans: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over high heat, then add the green beans and cook until tender, puckered, and browned. Transfer the beans to a plate.

How to cook the shiitake mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a little oil and cook the shiitake mushrooms until slightly browned. Then, reduce the heat, add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.

How to combine and finish the dish: Return the green beans to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and toss until the sauce is slightly thickened and the vegetables are evenly coated. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.

How To Make Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans

These Szechuan green beans has a bite of spiciness and is paired with the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms to make a delightfully tasty side dish!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3tbspsoy sauce
3tbspwater
1½tbspdry sherry
½toasted sesame oil
1¼tspsugar
½tspcornstarch
¼tspred pepper flakes
¼tspdry mustard
vegetable oil
1lbgreen beans,ends trimmed
7ozshiitake mushrooms,stems removed, sliced
3garlic cloves
1tbspfresh ginger,grated

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, water, dry sherry, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes and mustard together. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot and shimmering. Add the beans and cook, stirring frequently, for about 7 to 10 minutes, until tender, puckered and browned. Transfer beans to large plate.
Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan. Add shiitake mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly browned.
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for about 20 seconds, until fragrant. Return the beans to the pan and add the sauce.
Toss and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened and the vegetables are evenly coated, about 10 seconds.
Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 102.34kcal
Fat: 3.33g
Saturated Fat: 0.25g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.99g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
Carbohydrates: 15.21g
Fiber: 4.51g
Sugar: 6.37g
Protein: 4.39g
Sodium: 672.05mg
Calcium: 52.61mg
Potassium: 464.60mg
Iron: 1.63mg
Vitamin A: 40.33µg
Vitamin C: 14.64mg

Technique Tip for Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

When stir-frying green beans, it's important to ensure the pan is very hot before adding the beans. This allows the beans to sear and brown quickly, giving them a delicious, caramelized flavor. Additionally, stirring frequently ensures even cooking and prevents the beans from burning. If you're using a non-stick pan, be sure to use a wooden or silicone spatula to avoid scratching the surface of the pan. Lastly, remember to dry your green beans thoroughly before adding them to the hot oil to prevent any oil splatter.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the garlic, ginger, and any other ingredients that require mincing.

High heat: Cooking the green beans and mushrooms on high heat will help them cook quickly and retain their vibrant color and texture.

Organize your workspace: Keep all your ingredients and cooking utensils within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items while cooking.

Multi-task: While the beans are cooking, prepare the sauce and vice versa to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe

soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, with a similar umami flavor and richness.
dry sherry - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes, like dry sherry.
toasted sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can bring a nutty flavor similar to toasted sesame oil to the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent similar to cornstarch.
shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture to shiitake mushrooms.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic in stir-fry dishes.
ginger - Substitute with lemongrass: Lemongrass can add a citrusy, aromatic flavor similar to ginger in stir-fry recipes.

Presentation Tips for Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

Elevate the green beans: Arrange the stir-fried Szechuan green beans in a neat and organized manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with shiitake mushrooms: Artfully place the sautéed shiitake mushrooms around the green beans, adding visual interest and depth to the presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped red chili or a garnish of fresh cilantro to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, creating a visually balanced and harmonious composition on the plate.
Emphasize the sauce: Drizzle the flavorful Szechuan sauce over the green beans and mushrooms, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds a glossy sheen to the dish.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a sleek, minimalist plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the stir-fried Szechuan green beans, allowing the dish to take center stage.

Essential Tools for Making Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is typically made of cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick materials.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, such as in this recipe where it's used to mix the soy sauce, water, sherry, and other seasonings.
Nonstick skillet: A nonstick skillet is a type of skillet with a special coating that prevents food from sticking, making it easier to cook with less oil.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing and combining smaller amounts of ingredients, such as the sauce in this recipe.
Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavored oil used for cooking at high temperatures, such as stir-frying the green beans and mushrooms.
12-inch skillet: A 12-inch skillet is a large, wide pan used for cooking the green beans and mushrooms. The size allows for even cooking and ample space for stirring.
Cutting board: A cutting board is used for preparing ingredients, such as trimming the ends of the green beans or slicing the shiitake mushrooms.
Knife: A knife is used for cutting and preparing ingredients, such as trimming the ends of the green beans or slicing the shiitake mushrooms.
Grater: A grater is used for grating fresh ginger, which adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients, such as the dry sherry, sesame oil, and sugar in this recipe.

Storing and Freezing Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

To store leftover stir-fried Szechuan green beans, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, warm the green beans in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the beans and prevent them from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fried Szechuan green beans. Place the cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen Szechuan green beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat the beans in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a small amount of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the beans and prevent them from drying out.
Note: The texture of the green beans may soften slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

Here are the best methods for reheating leftover stir-fried szechuan green beans:

Microwave method: place the leftover green beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Stir the green beans halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and easy, but may result in slightly softer green beans.
Stovetop method: heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftover green beans and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help restore some of the crispiness to the green beans and freshen up the flavors of the sauce.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover green beans on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is ideal if you have a larger quantity of leftovers and want to reheat them all at once.
Air fryer method: preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover green beans in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method will help restore the crispiness of the green beans and is a quick and healthy option.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the green beans until they are steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish to help moisten the green beans and prevent them from drying out during reheating.

Random Fact about Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

The Szechuan green beans recipe is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are derived from the use of Szechuan peppercorns and red pepper flakes. This dish is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. The combination of green beans and shiitake mushrooms provides a satisfying texture and taste. The use of soy sauce, dry sherry, and sesame oil adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious vegetable dish.

Is Making Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans at Home Cost-Effective?

This stir-fried Szechuan green beans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as green beans and shiitake mushrooms, are affordable and widely available. The addition of soy sauce, dry sherry, and sesame oil may require a small initial investment, but these ingredients can be used in various other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and flavorful dish that is both economical and satisfying. Verdict: 9/10.

Are Szechuan Green Beans Healthy?

The stir-fried Szechuan green beans recipe is a relatively healthy dish, with a few areas for improvement:

Green beans are a nutritious vegetable, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Shiitake mushrooms add a good source of protein and antioxidants
Garlic and ginger provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
The recipe uses a moderate amount of oil for stir-frying
Soy sauce and sherry contribute to the sodium content, which could be reduced

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace some with low-sodium vegetable broth to maintain flavor while cutting down on sodium
Use a salt-free seasoning blend instead of regular soy sauce to further reduce sodium intake
Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, onions, or carrots for additional nutrients and fiber
Serve the dish with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete, balanced meal
For a protein boost, add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to the stir-fry
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as cumin or cilantro, to enhance flavors without relying on salt

Editor's Opinion on Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

The stir-fried Szechuan green beans recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The umami-rich shiitake mushrooms complement the crisp green beans, while the aromatic garlic and ginger add depth to the dish. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and spicy, elevating the overall taste. The cooking method ensures that the beans are tender yet retain a satisfying crunch. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Szechuan dish at home, and the result is a delicious and satisfying vegetable dish that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and butter, topped with chives for a burst of flavor.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed in a sweet and savory honey glaze, sprinkled with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon: Fresh asparagus grilled to perfection and drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating a bright and tangy side dish.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Szechuan Green Beans Dish

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: This dish is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines tender chicken with fresh Thai basil and aromatic spices. It's a perfect dish for those who love a little heat in their meals.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This refreshing salsa is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy mangoes, creamy avocados, and zesty lime juice. It's a great accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, or simply enjoyed with some tortilla chips.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this rich and creamy risotto that is packed with earthy mushrooms and savory flavors. It's a comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These crispy spring rolls are filled with a delicious combination of vegetables and protein, wrapped in a delicate, golden-brown shell. Serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce for an irresistible start to your meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent and velvety smooth chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender-crisp apples, a buttery oat crumble topping, and a hint of cinnamon. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Why trust this Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe:

This recipe for stir-fried Szechuan green beans is a trusted favorite among Chinese cuisine enthusiasts. The combination of soy sauce, dry sherry, and toasted sesame oil creates an authentic flavor profile. The use of shiitake mushrooms adds a rich umami taste, while the inclusion of garlic and ginger enhances the aromatic experience. The precise instructions ensure perfectly cooked, tender green beans with a delightful puckered texture. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a mouthwatering and satisfying Szechuan dish every time.

Share your thoughts on the Stir Fried Szechuan Green Beans Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this dish even better!

FAQ:

Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of shiitake mushrooms?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms such as cremini or button mushrooms as a substitute for shiitake mushrooms.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Certainly, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

While fresh green beans are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen green beans if that's what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying.

Can I substitute the dry sherry with another ingredient?

If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can substitute it with Chinese rice wine or dry white wine as an alternative.