Are you tired of bland, soggy green beans that lack excitement? Get ready to transform your vegetable side dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! These Chinese Buffet Green Beans are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of crispy, charred beans with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a savory soy sauce glaze that will transport your palate straight to a bustling Chinese restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the stem ends and any blemished areas. Pat the beans completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat. Add sesame oil and allow it to become shimmering hot, which should take approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet. Allow the beans to sear without moving them for 2-3 minutes, which will create delicious charred spots and enhance their flavor.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry the beans and aromatics together, continuously tossing to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Pour soy sauce over the green beans, stirring quickly to coat all beans evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until beans are tender-crisp with slight char marks.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer green beans to a serving platter, ensuring they are spread out to maintain their crispy texture.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of the green beans as a final garnish, adding visual appeal and nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, ideally as a side dish alongside other Chinese-style entrees.
Tips
- Drying is Key: Make sure to thoroughly pat your green beans dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and can lead to steaming instead of that desirable crispy char.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a cast-iron skillet or wok and cook on high heat to achieve those beautiful, slightly charred spots that give the beans their authentic buffet-style flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the green beans in a single layer to ensure they sear properly. If your pan is too small, cook in batches to maintain that perfect crisp-tender texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-minced versions can work in a pinch but won't deliver the same punch.
- Sesame Seeds Tip: Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling them on top for an extra nutty flavor and enhanced aroma.
- Serve Immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve them right away for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
