Sally'S Szechuan String Beans
Sally's Szechuan String Beans offer a spicy, savory combination of crispy beans, ground pork, and bold Szechuan flavors, perfect for those who enjoy vibrant, flavorful stir-fries.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. fresh string beans ⓘ
- 3 oz. dried baby shrimp
- 5 c. oil ⓘ
- 5 oz. ground lean pork ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ginger, chopped ⓘ
- 2 oz. chopped Szechuan preserved vegetable ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. scallions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut string beans into 5-inch sections.
- Soak dried baby shrimp in warm water for 5 minutes and chop into small pieces.
- Heat oil in wok until very hot (315°F) and deep fry string beans until just wrinkled, about 1 minute.
- Remove beans and drain oil.
- Put 3 tablespoons of oil back into the skillet and stir-fry ground lean pork until cooked.
- Add chopped ginger, shrimp, Szechuan preserved vegetable, soy sauce, salt, sugar, sherry, water, and cooked string beans.
- Stir well over high heat until the sauce is absorbed and gone.
- Add vinegar and sesame oil and sprinkle chopped scallions over all, stirring evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the string beans, as this helps to maintain their crunch. If you can't find Szechuan preserved vegetables, you can substitute with pickled mustard greens for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the spice level by adding a bit of chili oil if you like it hot. This dish pairs well with other Chinese recipes like Tofu And Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Szechuan string beans hot, garnished with extra scallions for freshness. This dish makes a fantastic side to complement your main, like Sweet And Sour Pork (Chicken) or Chinese Sweet 'N Sour Beef. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir-fry the beans in a hot skillet with a splash of oil for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beans soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sally'S Szechuan String Beans contains roughly 1253 calories, with 2g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% 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 shrimp instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding to the dish. Fresh shrimp will provide a different texture and flavor, enhancing the dish's overall appeal.
What can I substitute for ground lean pork?
You can replace ground lean pork with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh, seasoned with soy sauce to mimic the savory flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add some Szechuan peppercorns while stir-frying, or drizzle in some chili oil at the end. You can also toss in sliced fresh chilies during the cooking process for a more intense spice.
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).