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Spicy Asian Green Beans Stir Fry - Fast, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (leave whole or cut in half)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or peanut oil)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional but great)
  • 2 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce (optional for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1–1.5 teaspoons sugar or honey (balances the heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for finishing)
  • 2 tablespoons water (or low-sodium broth)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a light glaze; optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional, but brightens everything)

Method
 

  1. Prep the beans: Rinse and trim the green beans. Pat them dry so they sear instead of steam.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat. Add the oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Blister the beans: Add the green beans in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until they develop charred spots but stay crisp-tender.
  5. Aromatics in: Push beans to the sides. Add a splash of oil if needed. Stir in garlic, ginger, and the scallion whites. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Sauce it up: Give the sauce a quick stir (cornstarch settles). Pour it into the pan. Toss constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.
  7. Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in sesame oil and the scallion greens. Taste and adjust salt, heat, or sweetness.
  8. Serve: Transfer to a plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and squeeze a little lime if you like. Eat hot with rice or noodles.