7 chinese string bean recipe
String beans, also known as green beans, are a versatile vegetable commonly used in Chinese cooking. They add a crisp texture and vibrant color to any dish, while easily absorbing the flavors of seasonings and sauces. Whether stir-fried, steamed, or simmered in a sauce, string beans are a staple ingredient in many traditional Chinese recipes. This article highlights 7 Chinese string bean recipes that will add freshness, crunch, and flavor to your meals. From classic stir-fries to savory stews, these dishes showcase the diversity and creativity of Chinese cuisine.
1. Stir-Fried Chinese String Beans with Garlic
One of the simplest and most popular ways to prepare string beans in Chinese cuisine is by stir-frying them with garlic. This recipe, called "干煸四季豆" (Gan Bian Si Ji Dou), is a classic Sichuan-style dish that is bold, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It is a favorite at Chinese family dinners and restaurants, offering a perfect balance of crunch and savory flavors.
To make stir-fried Chinese string beans with garlic, start by blanching the beans briefly in boiling water to retain their color and crispness. Drain and set aside. In a wok or large skillet, heat some vegetable oil and fry minced garlic until aromatic. Then, add the string beans and stir-fry over medium-high heat. To season, use soy sauce, dark soy sauce, a bit of sugar, and sesame oil for depth. For an extra layer of flavor, chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns can be added for heat and fragrance.
This recipe is perfect when served as a side dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. The high heat stir-frying method ensures that the beans remain crisp, while the garlic and seasonings create a deliciously savory coating. This dish is a great introduction to Sichuan cuisine, showcasing the bold flavors and techniques that define the region.
2. Chinese String Beans with Ground Pork
For a heartier dish, try Chinese string beans with ground pork. This dish is a flavorful combination of tender string beans and savory ground pork cooked together in a rich soy-based sauce. It is a versatile recipe that can be made with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version, but the ground pork adds the perfect richness and depth.
To make this dish, begin by browning the ground pork in a wok or pan with garlic, ginger, and green onions. Once the pork is cooked through, add the string beans and stir-fry until they are tender but still crisp. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little bit of hoisin sauce, and a dash of sugar create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. For extra heat, add a bit of chili paste or dried chili peppers.
This dish is excellent when served with steamed rice or noodles. It’s a one-pan meal that combines protein and vegetables, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. The savory sauce enhances the flavor of the string beans, making each bite burst with richness. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need something hearty and comforting.
3. Chinese String Beans with Black Bean Sauce
If you enjoy bold, umami-packed flavors, then Chinese string beans with black bean sauce will quickly become one of your favorite recipes. Fermented black beans (also known as douchi) are commonly used in Chinese cooking to add depth and a distinct savory flavor. In this dish, the string beans are cooked with fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and a variety of seasonings to create a sauce that coats the beans perfectly.
To prepare this dish, start by sautéing minced garlic and ginger in a hot wok. Add fermented black beans and let them cook until they release their flavor. Then, stir in the string beans and continue cooking until they are tender but still crisp. Soy sauce, rice wine, and a little sugar balance the salty, tangy, and sweet flavors of the black bean sauce. For extra spice, add some chili peppers.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, as the rich black bean sauce adds a complex flavor that complements the freshness of the string beans. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the deep, savory taste of fermented ingredients in Chinese cooking.
4. Dry-Fried Chinese String Beans with Pork Belly
For a more indulgent and savory version of stir-fried string beans, try dry-fried Chinese string beans with pork belly. This dish features crispy pork belly paired with string beans, creating a perfect contrast of textures—crispy, tender, and juicy. The dry-fried method adds a caramelized flavor to both the pork and the beans, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.
To make this dish, begin by slicing pork belly into thin strips. Stir-fry the pork in a hot wok with garlic, ginger, and scallions until the pork is crispy and golden. Add the string beans and stir-fry until they’re slightly blistered, enhancing their flavor. For seasoning, use soy sauce, dark soy sauce, a bit of rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. This combination creates a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce that glazes the pork and beans.
This dish is typically served with steamed rice, allowing the sauce to be absorbed and enhancing the overall experience. The richness of the pork belly complements the crispness of the string beans, making it a well-rounded and deliciously satisfying meal.
5. Chinese String Beans with Shrimp and Cashews
If you prefer seafood, Chinese string beans with shrimp and cashews is an excellent choice. This recipe is a light and flavorful stir-fry that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the crispness of string beans and the crunchy texture of cashews. It’s a healthy and refreshing dish that works well as part of a larger Chinese banquet or as a main course.
Start by stir-frying the shrimp in a hot wok with ginger and garlic. Once the shrimp is nearly cooked through, remove it from the wok and set it aside. In the same wok, stir-fry the string beans until they are tender-crisp. Then, return the shrimp to the pan and add cashews, soy sauce, rice wine, and a touch of sesame oil for depth. The cashews add a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the shrimp and the fresh, crisp string beans.
This dish is ideal when paired with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. The combination of shrimp, cashews, and string beans creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for any seafood lover.
6. Chinese String Beans with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce
For a vegetarian-friendly dish, try Chinese string beans with mushrooms in oyster sauce. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms with the fresh, crisp texture of string beans. The oyster sauce provides a savory and umami-rich glaze that ties the ingredients together.
To make this dish, begin by sautéing mushrooms in a wok with garlic until they soften and release their juices. Add the string beans and stir-fry until tender. Season with oyster sauce, soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a splash of rice wine for balance. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the oyster sauce coats the beans with a flavorful glaze.
This vegetarian dish is perfect when served with steamed rice or noodles, offering a delicate, savory option for those who prefer plant-based meals. The mushrooms add richness, while the beans provide a satisfying crunch, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
7. Chinese String Beans in Spicy Sichuan Sauce
For lovers of spicy food, Chinese string beans in spicy Sichuan sauce will provide the perfect heat. This dish, known as "干煸四季豆" (Gan Bian Si Ji Dou) in Sichuan cuisine, features string beans stir-fried in a spicy and tangy sauce made from Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and garlic. The numbing sensation from the peppercorns adds a unique twist to the heat, making it a distinctive and flavorful dish.
To prepare, heat chili oil in a wok and fry Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. Add the string beans and stir-fry until they develop a slight blistered texture. Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to balance the heat and tang. The addition of dried chili peppers intensifies the spice, making this dish a flavorful choice for those who love bold, fiery flavors.
This dish is best served with steamed rice to cool the heat and enhance the overall experience. The Sichuan peppercorns provide a numbing heat that adds an extra layer of flavor, making this a unique and exciting dish to try.
Conclusion
These 7 Chinese string bean recipes showcase the versatility of this vegetable in Chinese cooking, from simple stir-fries to savory stews and spicy dishes. Whether you prefer a quick stir-fry with garlic, a rich pork belly dish, or a spicy Sichuan-style creation, these recipes offer something for everyone. With a wide range of flavors, textures, and seasonings, string beans remain a beloved ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Try these recipes today and add a taste of authentic Chinese cooking to your meals!
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