String Beans With A Chinese Flavor
A flavorful Chinese-inspired string bean dish featuring tender beans, savory soy sauce, ginger, and garlic salt, perfect for a quick, healthy side or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the French-cut green beans, chicken stock or consomme, and sliced onion until tender-crisp.
- Moisten the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry.
- Add ginger, garlic salt, and soy sauce to the cooked vegetables.
- Pour in 1/4 cup hot chicken stock and stir until combined.
- Return the mixture to a hot state and cook until thickened.
- Season to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth can be a suitable alternative. You can also use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a fresher taste. Serve this dish alongside Creamy Oriental Chicken for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside other Chinese recipes like Shanghai Chicken Stew or Cashew Chicken(Oriental) for a family-style dinner. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of String Beans With A Chinese Flavor contains roughly 63 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2971mg per serving (129% 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen French-cut green beans. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the recipe. They may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari works well as a substitute for soy sauce. Alternatively, you can use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor or liquid aminos for a similar taste profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or Sriracha into the sauce. You could also sauté some diced chili peppers with the onions at the beginning to infuse the dish with spice right from the start.
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).