Dry Fried Green Beans Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it gives those humble green beans a total glow-up with the perfect kick of garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat. Plus, the savory blend of soy and oyster sauce reminds me of that cozy feeling I get from my favorite takeout, all while being super easy to whip up at home!

This colorful recipe for Dry Fried Green Beans is one of my go-to choices when I need a quick, healthy side dish. These beans are full of bold, delicious flavors—garlic and ginger, mingling with soy sauce and oyster sauce, somehow make this dish taste twice as good and twice as savory as it should be.

Those flavors are nicely balanced with the heat of red pepper flakes and the fabulous freshness of scallions. Each bite is so good!

Ingredients

Green Beans: They are rich in fiber and vitamins C and K, and are low-calorie and nutritious.

Garlic: Imparts fragrant taste; is rich in antioxidants; and is good for heart health.

Spicy and warm, ginger helps digestion and is an anti-inflammatory.

Soy Sauce 1.

Adds umami richness 2.

Contains sodium 3.

Enhances flavor
Oyster Sauce: Sweet, with savory depth; adds richness with essential minerals.

Sesame Oil has a nutty scent; it’s loaded with healthy fats and API nutrients.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat; capsaicin boosts metabolism but use in moderation.

Green onions: Crisp, gentle flavor; full of nutrients and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. A large skillet or wok should be heated over a medium-high flame.

2. When the oil is hot, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet.

3. Sauté the green beans for approximately 5-7 minutes, until they begin to bubble and blister and become tender-crisp. Keep stirring constantly.

4. Move the green beans to one side of the skillet and place the minced garlic and ginger in the center.

5. Fry the garlic and ginger for approximately 30 seconds until you can smell them, and stir them constantly so they don’t burn.

6. Toss the garlic and ginger with the green beans. Combine them enthusiastically.

7. Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in the skillet.

8. Stir thoroughly to cover the green beans uniformly with the sauce.

9. If you desire heat, add the red pepper flakes, and mix well.

10. Scallions should be sliced and sprinkled on top. Salt only if necessary, and serve the dish straightaway.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or wok
2. Measuring spoons
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Stirring spoon or spatula
6. Mixing bowl
7. Tongs or slotted spoon

FAQ

• What are dry fried green beans?A popular dish is dry-fried green beans. In it, the beans are cooked with little to no liquid, allowing them to brown and blister while maintaining a delightful crunch.
• Can I use frozen green beans?You can use frozen green beans; however, they must be thawed and patted dry to remove extra moisture. A minimal amount of moisture is needed for frying so that the green beans achieve an adequate level of doneness without the steaming effect. The same basic techniques apply to frying fresh green beans.
• What is the purpose of sesame oil in this recipe?Adding sesame oil to the dish gives it a distinctly nutty taste and aroma, elevating its overall flavor profile.
• Is the red pepper flakes necessary?No, the red pepper flakes are optional. They are added for a bit of heat, and so you can adjust or leave them out according to your spice tolerance.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?The optimal time to serve it is fresh for the highest amount of crispness. Nevertheless, you can prepare the elements in advance and fry the beans just prior to serving.
• What can I serve with dry fried green beans?Pair them with steamed rice, or serve them alongside proteins dishes like grilled chicken or tofu.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute the oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative, such as mushroom sauce or a vegan oyster sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Oil: Use canola or peanut oil instead of vegetable oil.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a lower sodium alternative.
Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, substitute with hoisin sauce, which gives a slightly sweeter flavor. If you want to go vegetarian, use mushroom stir-fry sauce.
Sweeten with natural alternatives: honey or maple syrup.

Pro Tips

1. Blanch the Green Beans For extra vibrant color and better texture, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process before sautéing. This will help them remain tender-crisp and bright green.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Make sure your garlic and ginger are fresh for maximum flavor. Pre-minced or jarred versions tend to lack the aromatic qualities that fresh ingredients provide.

3. Pre-Mix the Sauce Before you start cooking, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. This ensures the sugar fully dissolves and allows you to add the sauce quickly when the time comes, preventing the garlic and ginger from overcooking.

4. Control the Heat Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the garlic and ginger. If the pan becomes too hot, reduce the heat to medium when adding these ingredients and only increase it again when you mix them with the green beans.

5. Add Texture with Toasted Sesame Seeds For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish just before serving. This will enhance the nuttiness provided by the sesame oil.