Green Beans Mandarin
A quick, flavorful stir-fry featuring green beans, almonds, celery, and a savory-sour sauce, perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour liquid from the can of green beans and save it.
- Lightly brown the almond halves or slivers in oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery to the almonds and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the saved bean liquid, chicken stock base, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the green beans and heat until hot.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the pan; cook just until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Green Beans Mandarin, consider toasting the almond halves a bit longer for a nuttier taste. If you don't have blanched almonds, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or walnuts. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken stock base with vegetable broth. Adjust the sugar to taste based on your preference for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Beans Mandarin dish pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry or Golden Chicken And Vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the texture of the green beans. You can add a splash of water to help rehydrate the dish and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Mandarin contains roughly 904 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 100g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp before adding them to the dish. This will ensure they remain vibrant and maintain their texture when cooked with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for chicken stock base?
If you don't have chicken stock base, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also use a mix of water and a little soy sauce to mimic the flavor, adjusting to taste based on your preference.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha when you add the soy sauce and other liquids. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).