Pagoda Beans
Pagoda Beans is a savory vegetable dish featuring green beans, water chestnuts, onions, and mushrooms in a flavorful soy-ginger sauce, perfect for a quick, tasty side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take 1/2 cup liquid from the canned beans and heat it in a large saucepan.
- Add 2 beef bouillon cubes, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir until the bouillon cubes are dissolved.
- Add the sliced water chestnuts, quartered onions, and sliced mushrooms to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until hot.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, then add this mixture to the saucepan.
- Add the drained green beans or peas to the saucepan.
- Heat until everything is hot and well combined, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some garlic or a splash of sesame oil. If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, vegetable bouillon works well for a vegetarian version. You can also substitute any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or chickpeas, to give this dish a unique twist. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste to keep it low sodium if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pagoda Beans as a side dish alongside grilled meats or alongside a simple salad dressed with Mattie'S Slaw Dressing for a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a perfect addition to any Asian-inspired meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Macaroni And Cheese(Club Member: Nicholas).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, covering to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pagoda Beans contains roughly 160 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2840mg per serving (123% of the Daily Value).
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 vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch them before adding to the dish to ensure they cook evenly. Fresh green beans, bell peppers, and snap peas would add great texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the saucepan to prevent clumping.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook the vegetables while reheating. This can be a great make-ahead side for gatherings!
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).