Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that surprise you the most. These stir fried green beans have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen — not just because they’re easy, but because they taste like something you’d get at a good restaurant, only fresher and faster.
I’ve made these so often that my kids now hover around the stove while I’m cooking, waiting for me to “accidentally” leave a spoonful in the pan for them to grab. Half the time, the beans never make it to the table. That’s how you know you’ve got a winner.
Why These Green Beans Hit the Spot
I love these green beans for busy nights when I want something flavorful without spending much time. The recipe is flexible — some days I toss in shiitake mushrooms or slivers of bell peppers, other days I make it a full meal by stirring in shrimp or chicken and serving it over brown rice.
The magic is in the balance of the sauce — salty soy, a little kick from the chili garlic sauce, and the deep, nutty aroma of sesame oil that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s quick, fresh, and endlessly adaptable, which is why this dish shows up in my meal rotation at least once a week.
What You’ll Need
Green beans – Fresh, bright green beans are the star. I trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Soy sauce – Regular soy sauce works, but if we’re feeling a little lighter, I use the low-sodium kind. Tamari works well if you’re avoiding gluten.
Chili garlic sauce – This is what gives the dish that subtle heat. If I’m cooking for someone spice-sensitive, I swap it for a mix of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
Oils – Avocado oil is my go-to for stir frying, but peanut oil works beautifully, too. Just don’t skip the drizzle of sesame oil at the end — that’s where the real flavor comes in.
Fresh ginger – There’s no substitute for fresh. It adds that bright, zingy undertone that ties the whole dish together.
Optional extras – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and a lovely nutty finish.
My Favorite Tools
Large skillet – I use a heavy nonstick skillet more often than a wok because it lets me cook with less oil and clean up faster.
Wooden spatula – This is one of those “forever tools” in my kitchen. It moves everything around without scratching my pans, and it just feels right in my hand.
Tips From My Kitchen
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make stir frying much easier — and tastier:
Prep first – Chop your veggies, mince your garlic and ginger, and whisk your sauce before you even turn on the stove. Stir frying happens fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling while the beans are charring.
Batch cook the sauce – I keep a small jar of my homemade stir fry sauce in the fridge so I can pull together a quick dinner anytime.
Heat matters – Medium-high to high heat is your friend. It gives you that perfect char without overcooking the beans.
Layer your cooking – Start with the ingredients that need the longest time, and add quicker-cooking items later. This is how you keep everything crisp and colorful.
How I Cook These Green Beans
Heat a splash of avocado or peanut oil in a hot skillet.
Toss in the green beans, stirring to coat them in oil, then let them sit long enough to get that little bit of char. Stir every 45 seconds or so for about 3 minutes.
Add the sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, and cook for another minute to bring out their aroma.
Pour in the sauce, stir everything together, and serve right away.
The key is to keep the beans tender-crisp — not limp. That slight crunch makes all the difference.
Make It a Meal
If you want to turn this side dish into dinner, here’s what I often do:
Cook shrimp or thin slices of chicken first, set them aside, and then stir fry the beans.
Toss the protein back in with the sauce and serve it over brown rice or noodles.
It’s a full meal in under 20 minutes, which is exactly what I need on those nights when I don’t want to think too hard about what’s for dinner.
Storage Tips
These beans are best right out of the pan, but leftovers keep surprisingly well. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, toss them quickly in a hot skillet instead of microwaving — it keeps the texture closer to fresh.
Common Questions
Are these green beans vegan?
Yes! As long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, the dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Can I make them less spicy?
Absolutely. Just leave out the chili garlic sauce and use garlic and a dash of soy alone, or replace the heat with a sweet soy glaze for a milder flavor.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best, but if frozen is what you have, thaw and dry them well before cooking so they don’t steam instead of char.
Stir-Fried String Beans
Bright, crisp, and packed with flavor, these stir-fried green beans make the perfect side dish for any meal. With fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil (or canola/grapeseed oil)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1½ teaspoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and chili garlic sauce; set aside.
- Heat a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high until hot. Add the oil and let it warm for a few seconds.
- Toss in the ginger and green beans, stirring to coat them evenly with the oil. Spread the beans out in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, stirring briefly every 45 seconds, until they’re lightly blistered but still crisp.
- Add the sesame oil and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to release all those wonderful aromas.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture, toss everything together until well coated, and serve immediately while hot and tender-crisp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 371mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables can make something that feels special. Whether you’re making it as a quick side dish or building it into a full dinner, these stir fried green beans are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — the way I have.
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