Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe

Spicy Sichuan Green Beans are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, crisp, and spicy flavors. This popular Chinese dish combines the crunch of green beans with the fiery punch of chili garlic paste and red pepper flakes. The flavors are enhanced with soy sauce and rice vinegar, giving it a distinct Asian flair. It's a recipe that is sure to awaken your taste buds and bring a bit of Sichuan cuisine to your home.

Photos of Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe can be found in a well-stocked pantry or local supermarket. However, the chili garlic paste might be something new for you. It's a type of Asian condiment made from a blend of coarsely ground chili, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. You can typically find it in the Asian aisle of your supermarket or in Asian grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with a mix of regular chili paste and minced garlic.

Ingredients for Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Green beans: These are the star of the dish. They should be fresh and crisp.

Canola oil: It's used for stir-frying the beans. It has a neutral flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Chili garlic paste: This adds a spicy kick to the dish. It's made from coarsely ground chili, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

Green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Garlic: An essential flavoring in many dishes, it brings a savory depth.

Soy sauce: This gives the dish its salty, umami flavor.

Rice vinegar: It adds a tangy note to balance out the heat and salt.

Sugar: A pinch of it enhances the other flavors.

Water: Used to create a sauce with the other liquid ingredients.

Red pepper flakes: These add another level of heat to the dish, use as per your heat preference.

One reader, Debbie Reeves says:

This spicy Sichuan green beans recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of heat and flavor makes it a standout dish. The green beans are cooked to perfection, and the spicy kick is just right. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold, authentic Chinese flavors.

Debbie Reeves

Techniques Required for Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe

How to stir-fry green beans: Heat canola oil in a wok on medium-high heat, then add the green beans and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until they start to shrivel up a bit.

How to make the garlic mixture: Add garlic, green onions, and chili-garlic paste to the stir-fried green beans and stir to combine. Cook the garlic mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

How to create the sauce: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and chili flakes to the wok with the garlic mixture. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until most of the liquids are completely cooked off.

How to garnish: Garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds if desired.

How To Make Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Put together an easy side with these Sichuan green beans stir-fried and tossed with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbgreen beans,trimmed
2tbspcanola oil
2tspchili garlic paste
2green onions,thinly sliced, white parts only
1tbspgarlic,thinly sliced
2tbspsoy sauce
1tbsprice vinegar
1tspsugar
¼cupwater
½tspred pepper flakes,crushed

Instructions

To a wok, add the canola oil and heat on medium-high heat.
Add the green beans and stir fry them for 3 to 5 minutes or until they start to shrivel up a bit.
Add in the garlic, green onions, chili-garlic paste and stir to combine.
Cook the garlic mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute then add in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water and chili flakes.
Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until most of the liquids are completely cooked off.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 113.97kcal
Fat: 7.33g
Saturated Fat: 0.58g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.45g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.14g
Carbohydrates: 11.13g
Fiber: 3.42g
Sugar: 5.03g
Protein: 3.10g
Sodium: 448.81mg
Calcium: 57.10mg
Potassium: 310.80mg
Iron: 1.46mg
Vitamin A: 44.72µg
Vitamin C: 16.37mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

When stir frying your green beans, make sure to keep them moving in the wok. This will ensure they cook evenly and don't burn. If you notice the beans are starting to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Remember, the goal is to get them tender-crisp and slightly charred, not burnt. Also, when adding the chili garlic paste, be sure to spread it evenly over the beans to distribute the flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sichuan Green Beans

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

High heat: Use a wok or a large skillet to quickly cook the green beans and retain their vibrant color and crunch.

Multi-task: While the green beans are cooking, prepare the garlic, green onions, and chili-garlic paste to save time.

Flavor balance: Adjust the level of spiciness and sweetness to suit your taste preferences for a personalized touch to the dish.

Quick garnish: Keep sesame seeds ready for a quick and easy garnish to add texture and visual appeal to the dish.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe

green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can hold up well to the spicy flavors in the dish.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe as it has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point.
chili garlic paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for chili garlic paste to add heat and flavor to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for green onions to add a mild onion flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar to add sweetness to the dish while also providing a unique flavor.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for water to add extra flavor to the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes to add heat and spice to the dish.

Best Way to Present Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Elevate the green beans: Arrange the green beans in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Introduce vibrant elements such as red chili flakes and green onions to create a visually striking presentation.
Utilize negative space: Leave areas of the plate empty to allow the vibrant green of the beans to stand out, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds in a deliberate and artistic manner to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Consider plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the vibrant colors of the dish and allows the green beans to be showcased effectively.

Essential Tools for Making Sichuan Green Beans

Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used in Chinese cuisine for stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts.
Canola oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying and high-heat cooking methods.
Chili garlic paste: A spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, commonly used in Sichuan cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes.
Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Green onions: Also known as scallions, these add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
Soy sauce: A savory and salty condiment made from fermented soybeans, used to enhance the umami flavor in the dish.
Rice vinegar: A mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds a tangy flavor to the dish.
Sugar: Used to balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Water: Used to create a sauce and help cook the green beans.
Red pepper flakes: Adds heat and a pop of color to the dish.

How To Store and Freeze Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for spicy Chinese Sichuan green beans:

Allow the cooked green beans to cool completely before storing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or mushy.
Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible if using a bag to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later.
Store the green beans in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They will retain their flavor and texture best when consumed within this timeframe.
To freeze, place the airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the freezer. The green beans can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen green beans in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely defrosted.
Reheat the thawed green beans in a skillet or wok over medium heat until warmed through and crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes. You may need to add a splash of water or oil to help revive their texture.
Serve the reheated green beans immediately for the best flavor and quality. Enjoy your delicious spicy Sichuan green beans once again!

How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Reheat the spicy chinese sichuan green beans in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of canola oil or water to the pan to prevent the beans from sticking and to help them reheat evenly. Stir-fry the beans for 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, microwave the leftover green beans in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the beans from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the beans are heated to your desired temperature.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the sichuan green beans in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with a small amount of canola oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the beans are heated through and slightly crispy.
For a flavorful twist, add some extra garlic, soy sauce, or chili garlic paste to the beans while reheating. This will help to refresh the flavors and make the dish taste as delicious as when it was first prepared.
If you have a lot of leftover green beans, consider incorporating them into a new dish. Chop the beans into smaller pieces and add them to a stir-fry, fried rice, or noodle dish for a quick and tasty meal.

Random Fact About Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Sichuan green beans are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and are often served as a side dish. They are known for their spicy and flavorful taste, which comes from the combination of chili garlic paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. These green beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. The dish is a perfect balance of heat and flavor, making it a favorite among those who enjoy spicy food.

Is Making Sichuan Green Beans at Home Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this spicy Chinese Sichuan green beans recipe is quite high. The main ingredient, green beans, is affordable and readily available. The addition of chili garlic paste and soy sauce adds depth of flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe is budget-friendly and provides a delicious and satisfying dish for a family. Rating: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10.

Are Spicy Sichuan Green Beans Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spicy Chinese Sichuan green beans recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to the nutrient-rich green beans that are the star of the show. Green beans are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The garlic and green onions add flavor and provide additional health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The canola oil used for stir-frying is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. Consider using a healthier oil, such as avocado or coconut oil, which are more stable at high temperatures and have a better fatty acid profile.
The soy sauce and chili garlic paste contain sodium, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount used to minimize the dish's overall sodium content.
The sugar adds unnecessary calories to the dish. You can easily omit it or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a smaller quantity.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the amount of green beans used in proportion to the other ingredients to boost the dish's fiber and nutrient content
Add other colorful vegetables, such as red bell peppers or carrots, to provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
Include a lean protein source, like tofu or chicken, to make the dish more balanced and satisfying
Serve the green beans over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a complete, wholesome meal

Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Sichuan Green Beans Recipe

This Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans recipe is a delightful balance of heat and flavor. The combination of chili garlic paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a complex and aromatic sauce that perfectly coats the tender-crisp green beans. The addition of garlic and green onions adds depth to the dish, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine and is sure to impress anyone who enjoys a bit of spice in their meals.

Enhance Your Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice steamed to perfection, with a hint of fragrant aroma to complement the spicy Sichuan green beans.

Garlic Ginger Bok Choy: Tender bok choy stir-fried with garlic and ginger, providing a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the bold flavors of the green beans.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken: Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and spicy honey sriracha sauce, adding a protein-packed element to the meal.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Spicy Sichuan Green Beans

Spicy Kung Pao Chicken: This dish is a spicy, stir-fried Chinese dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.

Crispy Orange Beef: This recipe features crispy strips of beef tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for a delicious dinner option.

Sesame Ginger Glazed Salmon: A flavorful and healthy option, this recipe features salmon fillets glazed with a delicious sesame ginger sauce, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect way to start off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: These crispy coconut shrimp are a delightful appetizer that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. The crunchy coating and tender shrimp inside make for a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a velvety smooth cheesecake, swirled with a vibrant strawberry sauce and topped with fresh strawberries. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Why trust this Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe:

This recipe for spicy Chinese Sichuan green beans is a trusted favorite among green bean enthusiasts. The combination of chili garlic paste and soy sauce creates an explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The use of rice vinegar adds a delightful tanginess, while the touch of sugar balances the heat perfectly. With the added crunch of the green beans and the aromatic garlic, this recipe promises an authentic Sichuan experience. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and the simplicity of the cooking process to deliver an unforgettable culinary delight.

Share your thoughts on this Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum. Let's discuss tips, variations, and experiences with making this flavorful dish!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as vegetable oil or peanut oil if you prefer. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the green beans?

You can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less chili garlic paste and red pepper flakes according to your preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to achieve the desired level of heat.

Can I substitute the rice vinegar with another type of vinegar?

If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor profile may vary slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.

What can I serve with the spicy Sichuan green beans?

These green beans pair well with steamed white rice or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu. They also make a delicious addition to a Chinese-inspired meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the green beans are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and trim the green beans in advance to save time. When you're ready to serve, simply stir-fry the green beans and combine them with the prepared sauce.