A homemade Szechuan sauce is good on anything…or even by itself! You can liven up any vegetable with this sauce and it is a great side or main dish. It covers the sweet & salty and umami to the tenth. I can’t get enough of this sauce. I make it on any veggies I have or even with just plain rice. It is super super delicious. When I made these Szechuan French Green Beans I ate the whole pan…DH had to fend for himself that night! This is a Vegetarian & a Vegan Recipe too.
I have made this too many times to count as a simple side and even when I just feel like a veggie overload. I am entering this in “House Favorites: Vegan” for this month, hosted by Claire on Chez Cayenne.
Delicious Rating: Easy recipe and Delicious! What more can I say?
What are French green beans and what are the different types of Szechuan French green beans
French green beans, also known as string beans, are a type of green bean that is characterized by its thin, cylindrical shape. They are typically harvested when they are young and tender, and can be found in many different cuisines around the world.
There are many different types of Szechuan French green beans, but the most common variety is the Chinese green bean. These beans are typically harvested when they are slightly older and tougher, and are often used in stir-fries and other dishes where their robust flavor can shine through. Other popular varieties of Szechuan French green beans include the American green bean and the European green bean.
Szechuan French Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb french green beans ends trimmed
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp red wine
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 5 tbsp scallions minced
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Steam green beans for 5-minutes.
Make sure not to overcook your green beans. Keep them firm but cooked!
- Rinse with cold water and drain.
- Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, wine, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in large skillet and stir-fry beans for 1 minute.
- Set beans aside on a platter.
- Reheat oil and add onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Return beans to skillet and fry for an additional minute.
- Add sauce and coat beans well.
The sauce smells and tastes delicious. Don’t leave out the fresh ginger. It really gives this recipe exactly what they need to be delicious!
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for preparing Szechuan French Green Beans quickly and easily
Szechuan French Green Beans are a popular dish from the Szechuan province of China. They are typically made with green beans, garlic, ginger, and a variety of other spices.
If you’re ready to add some zing to your French green beans, Szechuan style is the way to go! Here’s how to give your beans that extra kick:
- Trim and Clean: Start by giving your French green beans a good rinse and trim off the ends. These beans are known for their tenderness, so they’ll cook up nicely.
- Blanching: To maintain that vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture, blanch your beans in boiling water for just a few minutes. Then, shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Dry Them Off: Make sure your beans are thoroughly dried off before stir-frying. Any excess water can cause the oil to splatter, and we don’t want that!
- The Szechuan Sauce: For that authentic Szechuan flavor, you’ll want a sauce that’s a blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, a bit of sugar, and the all-important Szechuan peppercorns. These peppercorns aren’t like your regular black pepper; they have a unique numbing effect that’s characteristic of Szechuan cuisine.
- Stir-Fry to Perfection: Heat up some oil in a wok or large pan, toss in your green beans, and stir-fry until they start to get those lovely blistered spots. Then, add in your aromatic Szechuan sauce and continue to stir-fry until everything is well-coated and fragrant.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
And there you have it – Szechuan French green beans that will tantalize your taste buds with their spicy, bold flavors. Just remember to keep a glass of water nearby to cool down the fire!
FAQs about French green beans answered by experts in the field
If you’re like most people, you probably have a few questions about French green beans. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, answered by experts in the field.
What are French green beans?
French green beans are a type of green bean that is grown in France. They are also sometimes called string beans or haricots verts.
What do French green beans taste like?
French green beans have a slightly nutty flavor that is similar to regular green beans. They are also a bit more tender than regular green beans.
How do you cook French green beans?
French green beans can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. You can also add them to soups or salads.
What are some health benefits of French green beans?
French green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
How to Store Green Beans ? To keep your French green beans fresh and ready for cooking, proper storage is key. First, wash and dry your beans thoroughly. Then, place them in a plastic bag or a container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you need to store them for longer, consider blanching and freezing them for extended shelf life.
With these expert insights, you’re all set to enjoy French green beans to their fullest, from selecting and cooking to storing them for future culinary adventures.
