Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Name: Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 pound green beans, ends trimmed; 1/4 cup peanut oil

Published: January 7, 2026

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory experience.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with various main courses, from stir-fries to grilled meats.
Healthy Option: Low in calories yet high in flavor, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that are easy to find.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Wok or large skillet: Ideal for achieving the high heat needed for blistering the green beans quickly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping garlic and trimming beans.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for efficient prep work.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements enhance flavor balance in the sauce.

Ingredients

For this delicious recipe, you will need the following:

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

For the Green Beans

1/2 pound green beans, ends trimmed
1/4 cup peanut oil, avocado oil, or safflower oil, for frying

How to Make Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Trim the ends of the green beans and finely chop the garlic.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Soy sauce
2. Chicken broth (or your choice)
3. Cornstarch
4. Sesame oil

Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a wok or large skillet, heat your chosen frying oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.

Step 4: Blister the Green Beans

Add the trimmed green beans to the hot oil:
1. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are blistered and tender-crisp.
2. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Sauce

Once the green beans are cooked:
1. Add chopped garlic to the pan.
2. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture.
3. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until well coated and aromatic.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove from heat and serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meals! Enjoy!

How to Serve Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce make a vibrant and flavorful side dish that complements many meals. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy this delightful dish.

Pair with Rice

Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy and fragrant, jasmine rice is the perfect base to soak up the garlicky sauce.
Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Add Protein

Grilled Chicken – Tender grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the green beans for a satisfying meal.
Stir-Fried Beef – Savory beef stir-fry enhances the umami flavors of the garlic sauce.

Create a Colorful Platter

Mixed Vegetable Medley – Serve alongside a mix of sautéed bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli for added color and nutrition.
Fresh Salad – A crisp salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the warm green beans.

How to Perfect Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

To elevate your Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce, follow these simple tips for best results.

Use Fresh Green Beans – Fresh beans provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen or canned options.
Blister Them Well – Cooking until they are slightly charred enhances their natural sweetness.
Adjust Sauce to Taste – Feel free to modify soy sauce or broth amounts based on your preference for saltiness.
Experiment with Aromatics – Adding ginger or scallions can introduce additional layers of flavor to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Complement your Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice loaded with vegetables makes an excellent pairing.
Egg Drop Soup – A light and comforting soup that balances the richness of the green beans.
Tofu Stir-Fry – Crispy tofu tossed in a savory sauce adds protein while keeping it plant-based.
Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles drizzled with peanut sauce create a delightful contrast in temperature.
Cucumber Salad – A tangy cucumber salad refreshes the palate with its crunch and acidity.
Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat complement the texture of the green beans beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the trimming – Not trimming the ends of the green beans can lead to tough and unappealing bites. Always trim them for better texture and taste.
Overcooking the beans – Cooking the green beans for too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture by sautéing just until they are blistered.
Using low-quality oil – A poor quality oil can affect the flavor of your dish. Choose a high-quality peanut, avocado, or safflower oil for frying to enhance taste.
Ignoring garlic timing – Adding garlic too early may cause it to burn, creating bitterness. Add it at the right moment for a fragrant and savory sauce.
Not adjusting seasoning – Every broth is different in sodium content. Taste your sauce before serving and adjust with more soy sauce or broth if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until heated evenly.
Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce that you might find helpful.

How do I make Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce spicy?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking to give your dish a spicy kick.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms alongside the green beans for added flavor and nutrition.

What type of broth is best for this recipe?

Chicken broth works well for depth of flavor, but you can also use beef or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preferences.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just store them separately and cook right before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Green Beans With Garlic Sauce recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with delicious flavors. It’s versatile enough to pair with various main dishes or serve as a stand-alone side. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning!

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