Spicy Szechuan Green Beans Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Stir-Fry

Spicy Szechuan Green Beans Recipe is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the vibrant crunch of green beans with the fiery heat of Szechuan spices. This popular Chinese takeout-style dish is known for its mouthwatering balance of spice, umami, and subtle sweetness. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the classic Szechuan technique of dry-frying, which enhances the texture of the green beans and intensifies their taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a plant-based main course, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare at home with just a few essential ingredients.

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Nutrition & Instructions

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: None
• Cuisine: Chinese, Szechuan
• Course: Side Dish, Appetizer
• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 dried red chilies, sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Wash and trim the green beans, ensuring they are completely dry before cooking.
2. Mince the garlic and ginger, and crush the Szechuan peppercorns using a mortar and pestle.
3. Slice the dried red chilies and set aside.

Step 2: Dry-Fry the Green Beans

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat (without oil).
2. Add the green beans and dry-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop wrinkles and slight charring.
3. Remove the green beans from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Szechuan Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar (if using), and cornstarch slurry.
2. Stir well until combined.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same wok, add vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, ginger, crushed Szechuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in the dried red chilies and stir-fry for another 10-15 seconds.

Step 5: Combine & Finish Cooking

1. Return the green beans to the wok and stir well to coat them with the aromatics.
2. Pour in the prepared Szechuan sauce and vegetable broth.
3. Stir-fry everything for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beans evenly.
4. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and mix well before removing from heat.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Transfer the spicy Szechuan green beans to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve hot as a side dish or pair it with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Spicy Szechuan Green Beans

• Dry-Fry Technique: This method enhances the beans’ texture, making them slightly chewy and intensifying their flavor.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Control the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and dried chilies.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have Szechuan peppercorns, you can use a mix of black pepper and a pinch of ground coriander for a similar effect.
• Pairing: This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, fried rice, or alongside stir-fried tofu or chicken.

Final Thoughts

The Spicy Szechuan Green Beans Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavors. This quick and easy dish is great for those who love bold, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and bring authentic Szechuan flavors to your table!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.