Name: Pf Changs Spicy Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12-16 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar or honey; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Introduction

This recipe for Pf Chang’s Spicy Green Beans is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines crisp green beans with a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for adding a touch of Asian-inspired flair to your meal.

The image shows a close-up view of cooked green beans covered in a thick, shiny, dark brown sauce with visible small white sesame seeds scattered all over. The green beans are placed side by side, filling the frame, with the sauce clinging to their smooth surfaces, making the green color vibrant and fresh. The sauce texture looks glossy and slightly sticky with tiny bits that appear to be spices or minced vegetables suspended within it. The dish is in a white bowl, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-16 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar or honey
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. You can snap them by hand if you prefer a rustic look.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar or honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the toasted sesame oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat with the garlic and ginger oil. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender yet still crisp.
Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans. Stir well to coat evenly, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly.
Step 6: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the beans according to your preferred spice level. Finish by adding sesame seeds and toss gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
Substitute honey with granulated sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra nutty aroma.
Try using snap peas in place of green beans for a variation in texture.

Storage

Store leftover spicy green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crunch, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish featuring bright green whole green beans covered in a thick, glossy dark reddish-brown sauce with visible sesame seeds scattered all over. The green beans are fresh and shiny with a slight gloss from the sauce, which pools slightly at the bottom, adding a rich texture. The dish is served in a white bowl, and the background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans are best for retaining the crisp texture this dish requires. Frozen green beans tend to become soft and less vibrant, but you can use them if necessary—just adjust cooking time to prevent over-softening.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added. You can easily control the heat by adding more or less according to your taste.