Szechwan Green Beans
Szechwan Green Beans offer a bold, spicy, and savory flavor profile with crunchy vegetables and a flavorful gravy, perfect for those who enjoy Chinese-inspired, veggie-packed dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. string beans, tips cut off ⓘ
- 2 onions, sliced medium thick
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms or 16 oz. can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 hot chili peppers
- 1/4 tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry cooking wine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or potato starch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a wok or skillet with nonstick spray.
- Pour a tablespoon of cooking oil into the wok and heat over low heat.
- When the oil becomes hot, add the green beans and some onions, and stir.
- After about 3 minutes, add the rest of the green beans and onions, and continue to stir.
- After about 2 minutes, add all the mushrooms (and broccoli florets if using), and stir until the vegetables lose their rawness.
- Chop the hot chili peppers into very small sections and add them to the wok, then stir.
- Add the chopped garlic, ground ginger, lemon juice, soy sauce, and sherry cooking wine; stir for 30 seconds.
- Cover the wok and cook for 3 minutes.
- Lift the cover and gradually add the cornstarch, stirring to create a gravy.
- Cook until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding more chili peppers or a splash of chili oil. If string beans aren't available, you can substitute with green beans. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. To make this dish vegan, ensure your cooking wine is vegan-friendly. Pairing with Szechuan Cucumber Slices can enhance the meal's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Szechwan Green Beans over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with Fried Won Tons for added texture and flavor. Consider offering a refreshing side like Chinese Cucumber Salad to balance the heat of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently stir-fry in a pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beans soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Green Beans contains roughly 180 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2160mg per serving (94% 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 green beans, but be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand. They may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness. Fresh beans will provide a crisper texture, but frozen beans are a convenient alternative.
What can I substitute for sherry cooking wine?
If you don't have sherry cooking wine, white wine or rice vinegar can be good substitutes. For a non-alcoholic option, use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. The goal is to add acidity, so adjust to taste and remember to incorporate a little extra sweetness if needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more hot chili peppers or include a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Additionally, a drizzle of Szechuan pepper oil can elevate the spiciness and add a unique flavor. Adjust the heat according to your preference, ensuring it balances well with the other flavors.
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).