Prepare to revolutionize your vegetable game with this mind-blowing Green Beans in Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe that will make even the most veggie-resistant eaters beg for seconds! Imagine tender, crisp green beans drenched in a luxuriously creamy, fiery peanut sauce that delivers a flavor explosion in every single bite. This Asian-inspired dish isn't just a side dish - it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, all while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the ends of the beans by cutting off the stem ends with a sharp knife. This will help ensure they cook evenly.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans to the pot. Blanch the beans for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- While the green beans are blanching, prepare the spicy peanut sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and chili paste. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the green beans.
- Once the green beans are blanched, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes to heat them through and enhance their flavor.
- Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the sautéed green beans in the skillet. Toss the beans in the sauce to ensure they are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and adhere to the beans.
- Once the green beans are well coated with the spicy peanut sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or chili paste based on your preference.
- Transfer the green beans in spicy peanut sauce to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a side dish or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm green beans with a bright green color for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanching is key - don't overcook! Aim for that perfect tender-crisp consistency.
- Use a high-quality, creamy peanut butter for the richest sauce.
- Adjust the chili paste to control the heat level - start small and add more if you like it spicy.
- For extra depth, consider toasting some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts as a garnish.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a side to grilled proteins.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for quick meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
