Tender-crisp green beans are tossed with fragrant garlic, red pepper flakes, and buttery seasoning. This easy Chinese garlic green beans recipe is ready in just 10 minutes without deep-frying. It's a lighter alternative to restaurant-style deep-fried green beans and makes a flavorful vegetable side dish.
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Chinese garlic green beans are a popular vegetable side dish served at Chinese restaurants like Din Tai Fung, where the beans are typically deep-fried before being tossed with garlic and seasonings.
Unlike restaurant-style versions, I cook the green beans in a pan with a little water instead of deep-frying them. I also add a bit of butter for a rich, garlicky flavor without needing soy sauce or oyster sauce.
My husband and I love eating green beans, so I enjoy making this version at home to serve with rice and other takeout-style dishes, like Orange Chicken.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Green Beans: Choose fresh, whole green beans that are bright green, firm, and crisp for the best results. Frozen whole green beans also work and can be cooked directly from frozen, but they may turn out softer.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the green beans the best garlicky flavor and aroma. Jarred minced garlic also works but is less flavorful.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the garlic. This isn't a traditional ingredient, but I love using it in this recipe. Vegan butter also works.
- Vegetable Oil: Or use any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, refined avocado, or peanut oil.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a spicy kick to the green beans. Red chili flakes also work. Adjust to taste or omit for a non-spicy version.
- Cold Water: Helps steam the green beans until tender without deep-frying.
- Salt
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the finished green beans. Avoid untoasted sesame oil, which tastes milder. Omit if allergic to sesame.
Expert Tips
- Prepare all ingredients in advance because the garlic and red pepper flakes cook quickly.
- Don't overcook the garlic or it can burn and turn bitter. SautƩ briefly until fragrant.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent the butter and garlic from burning.
- Add more water if needed to prevent the green beans and garlic from burning as they cook.
- Taste-test the green beans at 6 minutes for a tender-crisp texture. Cook another 2 minutes if you prefer softer beans.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make Chinese garlic green beans:
- Prepare the green beans: Wash the green beans, trim off the tough ends, and drain well. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- SautƩ the aromatics: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and vegetable oil, allowing the butter to melt. Add the minced garlic and sautƩ for 10 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 5 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Cook the green beans: Add the green beans and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter mixture. Pour in the cold water, cover, and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, tossing occasionally. Cook for 6 minutes for tender-crisp beans or 8 minutes for softer beans. If the pan dries out before the beans are tender, add another splash of water. Once tender, remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate before seasoning.
- Season and serve: Season the green beans with toasted sesame oil and salt. Toss well to combine and serve hot.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Chinese garlic green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I don't recommend freezing these green beans as they can become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until hot, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Chinese garlic green beans with:
- Steamed White Rice: Balances the rich, garlicky green beans.
- General Tso's Chicken: Sweet and spicy chicken complements the savory beans.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light starter to round out the meal.
FAQ
The green beans may be undercooked. Add a splash of water, cover, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they reach your preferred tenderness.
Yes, but they're best enjoyed freshly cooked for a tender-crisp texture. You can wash and trim the green beans and mince the garlic in advance to save time.
Yes, cook them directly from frozen and reduce the cooking time since they're smaller and cook faster. Check for doneness until they reach your preferred texture.
More Like This
Check out my other vegetable recipes:
š Recipe
Easy 10 Minute Chinese Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 14 oz green beans
- 6-8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- Ā½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoon water cold
- Ā¼ teaspoon salt
- Ā½ teaspoon sesame oil toasted kind
Instructions
- Wash the green beans, trim off the tough ends, and drain well. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and vegetable oil, allowing the butter to melt.
- Add the minced garlic and sautƩ for 10 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 5 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter mixture. Pour in the cold water and cover.
- Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, tossing occasionally. Cook for 6 minutes for tender-crisp beans or 8 minutes for softer beans. If the pan dries out before the beans are tender, add another splash of water.
- Remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate. Season with toasted sesame oil and salt, toss well, and serve hot.
Gloria
Quick and easy, but so, so DELICIOUS! These have become my husband's favorite way to eat green beans (and mine) š Thank you for sharing!
Christie Lai
Thanks so much for making my recipe, Gloria! Glad you both enjoyed it!
Ashley
My 6 y.o. loved these! Iām so glad I found your recipes, his favorite is Asian food and you make everything so approachable for a beginner like me to actually cook what he loves!
Thank you, from one very happy mom!
Christie Lai
This comment made my day and I'm so happy to read this! Thank you for making my recipes and glad they've helped you cook more Asian food for your child š
Kathryn
Simple, but absolutely delicious. Such a good side!
Christie Lai
Thanks so much for taking the time to make my recipe and leave a positive review! So glad it was simple and delicious š
MAGGIE LINDNER
Made these last night! Absolutely delicious! I did add chopped onions also! Thanks for the recipe!
Christie Lai
I am truly so pleased to read this! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for making them Maggie!
Joan C
I love watching your videos I love that all of your recipes are easy to follow .
Christie Lai
Thanks so much Joan! I appreciate this kind review and glad they're all easy to follow š