Chinese Takeoutstyle Garlic Green Beans

Chinese Buffet Green Beans Better Than Takeout
By Priya Desai

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of chinese buffet green beans goodness without leaving your house? Ever wonder how to recreate that amazing flavor? It’s easier than you think and tastes amazing!

Brief Overview

These garlic green beans are a classic, inspired by authentic chinese takeout green beans and make the perfect chinese buffet side dishes .

This easy green bean recipe takes about 25 minutes and serves 4. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Main Benefits

These asian green bean recipes are surprisingly healthy, packed with vitamins and fiber. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, and they are completely vegetarian.

These vegetarian chinese green beans are special because they're quick, easy, and full of garlicky flavor.

Mastering the Art of Crisp Tender Green Beans

Okay, let's talk green bean stir fry magic! It all starts with getting that perfect crisp tender texture. Overcooked beans? No thanks! It’s gotta have that crunch, you know? Remember, blanching is your friend to recreate an amazing version of your favorite chinese green beans recipe

Getting Started: The Dream Team of Ingredients

So, what do we need for these bad boys? You'll need a pound of fresh green beans. Don't forget the garlic.

The recipe has 2 cloves, but honestly, I throw in like four. Who doesn't love garlic? We also need soy sauce, green beans with oyster sauce , sesame oil, a tiny bit of sugar, and cornstarch to thicken things up.

Don't worry if you don't have oyster sauce! We can use hoisin sauce instead.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk ingredients for these Chinese buffet green beans . Seriously, who doesn’t love a good chinese green beans recipe ? This recipe is so quick! It will be ready in 25 minutes .

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed. Look for bright green, firm beans, not the sad wrinkly ones.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil. Any neutral oil works fine, like sunflower or rapeseed.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons ). Fresh is best. Trust me on this.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Adds a nice kick, if you’re brave!
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce. Use a good quality one for the best flavour.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oyster sauce (or vegetarian hoisin sauce). This is a key ingredient!
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil. Adds that authentic Asian flavour.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) granulated sugar. Balances out the savoury flavours.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth. Adds moisture and flavour.
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) cornstarch. To thicken the sauce, obvs.
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish). Adds crunch and looks pretty!

I remember once trying to make these with frozen beans. HUGE mistake! They turned out mushy. Fresh is the way to go for that crisp tender green beans texture.

Seasoning Notes

Garlic and soy sauce are the heroes here. Don’t skimp! The oyster sauce adds that umami depth. No oyster sauce? Hoisin is a decent sub! For vegetarian chinese green beans , use hoisin.

Experiment to your liking.

These asian green bean recipes are adaptable. A touch of ginger can be nice, too.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot. For blanching the beans.
  • Colander. To drain the beans.
  • Wok or large skillet. Gotta get that stir fry going!
  • Measuring cups and spoons. Precision is key-ish.
  • Cutting board & Knife. For prepping those beans.
  • Small bowl. For preparing the sauce.

Don’t have a wok? A large skillet is fine, honestly. My mum used a saucepan for years, it was just a green bean stir fry .

No need to buy fancy stuff. This easy green bean recipe is all about simple equipment.

For a change-up, try drizzling a bit of green beans with oyster sauce . It gives it that authentic chinese takeout green beans flavor.

Speaking of authentic, this tastes just like those chinese buffet side dishes ! Happy cooking, mates!

Whip Up Some Chinese Takeout Style Garlic Green Beans!

Fancy some chinese takeout green beans without the guilt? Honestly, sometimes you just crave that chinese buffet green beans flavour.

But, you know, homemade always tastes better. And you know exactly what's going in it. So, let's ditch the greasy takeaway and make our own ridiculously tasty garlic green beans ! This is even better than anything you'd find on the chinese buffet side dishes , pinky promise!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: Mise en place, darling! It's french but it means get everything ready. Chop your 1 pound of green beans (450g), mince those 2 cloves of garlic, and measure out the rest of your ingredients.

Whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for the veggies), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth in a small bowl.

Having everything prepped will make the actual cooking super speedy. Safety first keep those fingers away from the sharp bits when chopping!

Stir Fry Magic: step-by-step

Alright, let's get cooking! This chinese green beans recipe is so easy!

  1. Blanch the beans: Chuck those trimmed beans into boiling salted water for 3- 4 minutes . You want them bright green and slightly tender crisp.
  2. Shock 'em: Immediately drain and rinse with cold water. Pat them dry, they'll stir fry better.
  3. Garlic sizzle: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok (or large frying pan) over medium high heat. Add garlic and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like some heat) and cook for about 30 seconds . Don't burn the garlic!
  4. Bean time: Toss in the beans and stir fry for 1- 2 minutes .
  5. Sauce it up: Pour your sauce mixture over the beans and cook for 1- 2 minutes , until the sauce thickens. The sauce should coat the beans nicely.
  6. Sesame shower: Take the wok off the heat. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Epic Green Bean Stir Fry

Wanna take your asian green bean recipes game to the next level? Firstly, don't overcook your beans. Crisp tender green beans are the key.

Secondly, high heat is your friend when stir frying. And, thirdly, for a flavor explosion, toast your sesame seeds before sprinkling them on.

My mum always toasts hers! Also, you can make the sauce ahead of time. This is an easy green bean recipe !

Honestly, sometimes I just eat a whole bowl of these. These vegetarian chinese green beans with green beans with oyster sauce , are so good. They're amazing! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Okay, so you're ready to tackle these takeout style chinese buffet green beans . Awesome! Here are a few extra tidbits. They'll help you nail this chinese green beans recipe like a pro.

Honestly, these tips are what separate "meh" from "OMG that's good!".

Serving Them Up Right

Right, let's talk serving. Plating is key! Arrange those shiny garlic green beans nicely. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds always looks good. This isn't just food, it's a vibe .

As for sides? Steamed rice is a no-brainer. It soaks up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, your family will thank you for it.

Or, why not try making a whole spread of chinese buffet side dishes ? Some spring rolls would go great!

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Right, what about leftovers? Let's be honest, sometimes you make too much . These crisp tender green beans will last a few days in the fridge.

Just pop them in an airtight container. Make sure they're cool first. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works, or you can gently reheat them in a pan.

Reheating in a pan will help keep them green bean stir fry texture.

Freezing is not really recommended. Honestly, the texture changes too much. You're better off just making a fresh batch using this easy green bean recipe .

Mixing Things Up

Fancy a twist? No problem! Want spicy asian green bean recipes ? Add a good pinch more of those red pepper flakes. Or, you know, a cheeky splash of sriracha.

For our veggie pals, swap out the oyster sauce for vegetarian hoisin. It works a treat and keeps it vegetarian chinese green beans friendly.

You can even sub it out for mushroom soy sauce.

Seasonal? In the autumn, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a lovely nutty flavour.

Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, let's keep it real. These green beans with oyster sauce are actually pretty good for you. They are low in calories, packed with vitamins, and a good source of fibre.

Green beans are great!

Plus, garlic is basically nature's wonder drug, right? All in all, you can tuck into these and feel pretty virtuous.

They really are one of the healthiest chinese takeout green beans you can make! I really hope this helps and that you love this delicious recipe!.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my chinese buffet green beans crisp and not mushy?

The key to achieving that perfect crisp tender texture is blanching and high heat. Blanch the green beans for only 3-4 minutes, then immediately shock them in cold water to stop the cooking process.

When stir frying, make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot this helps them cook quickly without becoming soggy. And remember, pat them dry after blanching damp beans will steam instead of stir fry!

Can I make these chinese buffet green beans ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prep some components in advance. Blanch the green beans and prepare the sauce earlier in the day, storing them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply stir fry the garlic, add the beans, and toss with the sauce.

Keep in mind that the green beans might lose a bit of their crispness if reheated.

I don't have oyster sauce. What's a good substitute for these chinese buffet green beans?

No worries, a good substitute for oyster sauce is hoisin sauce, which has a similar sweet and savory profile. Alternatively, you can mix soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar for a close approximation.

If you're vegetarian or vegan, definitely opt for the hoisin sauce or a mushroom based "oyster" sauce, which are widely available these days.

Can I add protein to these chinese buffet green beans to make it a main course?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, chicken, or even sliced beef would be delicious additions. Just stir fry your chosen protein before adding the garlic, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. It will really take this dish to the next level!

How should I store leftover chinese buffet green beans?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispness as they sit. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave; adding a splash of water can help rehydrate them slightly.

Chinese Takeoutstyle Garlic Green Beans

Chinese Buffet Green Beans Better Than Takeout Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:10 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories110 calories
Fat6g
Fiber2g

Recipe Info:

CategorySide Dish
CuisineChinese

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