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Pf Changs Spicy Green Beans Recipe

4.6 from 91 reviews

This recipe for PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans delivers a vibrant, crunchy side dish packed with fresh green beans stir-fried with a flavorful garlic-ginger sauce, enhanced with a spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes and a nutty finish from toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds. It’s a quick and easy skillet recipe that offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a fantastic accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

  • 1216 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water

Flavorings

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Optionally, snap them for a more rustic look. This preparation ensures they are clean and ready to be cooked while maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar or honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beans.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add toasted sesame oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them, as this imparts a rich aroma and foundational flavor.
  4. Cook the Green Beans: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet. Toss well to coat them in the aromatic oil and cook for approximately 4 minutes until the beans are tender yet maintain a satisfying crunch.
  5. Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans and stir to coat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, glazing the green beans beautifully with its savory-sweet flavor.
  6. Spice and Garnish: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the heat level to your preference. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty finish before serving.

Notes

  • Green Beans: Fresh green beans are preferred for the best texture and flavor; canned or frozen beans tend to lose their crunch.
  • Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control saltiness while preserving flavor.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar: Offers a subtle, delicate acidity that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
  • Sugar or Honey: Honey provides a deeper, richer sweetness, but granulated sugar works well as an alternative.
  • Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to give it a clingy, glossy finish on the beans.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Provide both flavor and health benefits, making this a flavorful and nutritious dish.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Be generous—it imparts a distinctive nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.

Keywords: Spicy Green Beans, PF Chang's Copycat, Asian Side Dish, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Garlic Ginger Green Beans, Sesame Green Beans, Healthy Vegetable Side