Spicy Szechuan Green Beans with Scallions
This delightful dish features vibrant green beans and crunchy scallions stir-fried to perfection with a bold Szechuan-inspired sauce. The combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, complemented by the fiery kick of red pepper flakes, creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this recipe can serve as a zesty side dish for four or as a satisfying vegetarian main course for two. Ideal for pairing with rice or quinoa, it’s a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Green beans
3/4 lb (cut on bias into 1.5-inch pieces)
Scallions
4 (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
Peanut oil
1 teaspoon (for frying garlic)
Garlic cloves
3 (mashed)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until well-mixed and set aside.
2
Preheat a heavy 12-inch skillet or wok over high heat until it is extremely hot.
3
Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil to the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom completely.
4
Add the cut green beans to the skillet, ensuring that they are spread evenly. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes, using a wide spatula to flip them every 30 seconds until they are slightly charred and crisp-tender.
5
Stir in the scallions and continue to cook, flipping occasionally, until the scallions are charred and the beans are tender, approximately 2 more minutes.
6
Make a well in the center of the pan, and in this space, combine the mashed garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon of peanut oil. Fry for about 5 seconds until fragrant, then stir into the vegetables.
7
Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the vegetables, tossing everything to evenly coat. Cook for an additional 15 seconds until the sauce is reduced by half.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
2.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Szechuan Green Beans with Scallions?
It is a stir-fried vegetable dish featuring green beans and scallions tossed in a spicy Szechuan-inspired sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan and contains no animal products.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as gluten-free, provided you use a gluten-free soy sauce.
What gives the dish its spicy flavor?
The heat comes from a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes included in the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
It serves four people as a side dish or two people as a main course.
What type of oil is used for stir-frying?
Peanut oil is used because of its high smoke point and suitability for stir-frying.
How should the green beans be prepared?
The green beans should be cut on a bias into 1.5-inch pieces.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 5.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2.3g of protein.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Three garlic cloves should be mashed before cooking.
What are the ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and water.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of rice wine vinegar.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the sauce includes two teaspoons of sugar.
What equipment is recommended for cooking?
A heavy 12-inch skillet or a wok is recommended.
How hot should the pan be before adding oil?
The pan should be preheated over high heat until it is extremely hot.
How long do you stir-fry the green beans initially?
The green beans should be stir-fried for about 4 minutes until slightly charred.
How often should I flip the beans during cooking?
You should use a wide spatula to flip the beans every 30 seconds.
When do I add the scallions?
Add the scallions after the initial 4 minutes of cooking the beans.
How long do the scallions need to cook?
They should be cooked for approximately 2 more minutes until they are charred.
How is the garlic added to the pan?
Make a well in the center of the pan, add a teaspoon of oil and the mashed garlic, fry for 5 seconds, then stir it into the vegetables.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 6g of fat per serving.
How do you finish the sauce?
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and cook for an additional 15 seconds until the liquid is reduced by half.
What is a good side dish for these green beans?
Rice or quinoa are excellent pairings for this Szechuan dish.
Can I garnish the final dish?
Yes, you can garnish with extra scallions if desired.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, ideal for weeknight dinners.
What texture should the beans have?
The beans should be crisp-tender and slightly charred.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients.
How large should the scallion pieces be?
The scallions should be cut into 1.5-inch pieces.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses fresh vegetables and light seasonings.