Chinese Green Bean Stir Fry / Dry-Fried Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the star of the dish, providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir fry.

Oyster sauce: A thick, savory sauce that brings depth and richness to the dish.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant and slightly spicy note to the stir fry.

Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the beans, helping them to blister and cook evenly.

When stir-frying green beans, make sure to use a wok or a large skillet to ensure even cooking. The high sides of the wok help to toss the beans easily, allowing them to blister and cook uniformly. Additionally, preheat the wok until it is very hot before adding the vegetable oil; this helps to achieve the characteristic blistered texture of the beans.

• trimmed green beans - Substitute with asparagus spears: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same manner as green beans.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a sweet and salty flavor profile that can mimic the richness of oyster sauce.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it lacks the fresh intensity of minced garlic.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note that complements the dish.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir fry.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the beans soggy.
• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Spread the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This step, known as flash freezing, prevents the beans from sticking together.
• Once the green beans are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a hot wok or pan until heated through.
• Avoid reheating multiple times as it can affect the texture and flavor of the green beans.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover green beans.
  4. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through, ensuring they don't become too soft.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if they are heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are hot.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over boiling water.
  2. Place the green beans in the basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel essential for stir-frying, allowing for even heat distribution and quick cooking.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for stirring and flipping the green beans to ensure they cook evenly.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, and sugar accurately.

• Garlic press: A handy tool for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used for trimming the green beans and preparing the garlic.

• Knife: A sharp tool for trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic.

• Serving dish: A plate or bowl used to serve the finished green bean stir-fry.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the green beans while stir-frying to ensure they are evenly cooked.

Prep ingredients in advance: Trim and wash the green beans ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Measure sauces beforehand: Have the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar ready in small bowls to streamline the process.

High heat efficiency: Ensure your wok is properly heated before adding the vegetable oil to speed up cooking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.