Inspired by our favorite Chinese restaurant, these 10-minute Szechuan string beans turn fresh garden green beans into a spicy, garlicky family favorite.
When a recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely packed with flavor, you know it’s going to be on repeat—and these Szechuan string beans are just that!
Inspired by our favorite local Chinese restaurant, this 10-minute wonder has quickly become a family favorite.
And with our garden pumping out a bumper crop of green beans right now, we’ve been making this spicy, garlicky side dish a couple times a week…
and honestly, we’re not even close to getting tired of it!
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Why You’ll Love This Spicy String Beans Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful side dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes, these spicy string beans are about to become your new go-to.
Inspired by the bold flavors of our favorite local Chinese restaurant, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, garlic, and savory goodness.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh garden vegetables—especially if you’re swimming in green beans—and it’s healthy, budget-friendly, and a total family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it alongside rice, noodles, or your favorite grilled meat, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these spicy string beans, you’ll start with fresh green beans—straight from the garden if you have them—for the best flavor and crisp texture.
Then to create that Szechuan flavor you’ll need:
- soy sauce or liquid aminos
- rice wine vinegar
- sugar (or your preferred sweetener, we like Monkfruit)
- Asian chili garlic sauce
- olive oil
- fresh garlic
- ginger
- green onions
- salt and pepper
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Health Benefits of Green Beans
Green beans are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits! Here are some key perks:
- Rich in Nutrients: They provide vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate and fiber, which support overall health.
- Low in Calories: Great for weight management since they’re low-calorie but filling.
- High in Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Good Source of Antioxidants: Contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
- Supports Heart Health: Fiber, potassium, and folate in green beans contribute to cardiovascular wellness.
- Bone Health: Vitamin K and calcium help keep bones strong.
Including green beans in your meals is a tasty way to boost your nutrient intake and support a healthy lifestyle!
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How to Make Szechuan String Beans
Start by washing and trimming your fresh green beans.
Heat a skillet and add 1/4 cup of water, then toss in the beans, cover, and steam for about 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender.
Remove the lid and let any remaining liquid evaporate.
While the beans are steaming, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, Asian chili garlic sauce, and ginger in a small bowl.
Once the pan is dry, add the olive oil and stir the beans until coated.
Add the garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the beans begin to blister and brown.
Pour in the soy sauce mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, then toss in the green onions.
Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Note: You can easily adjust the spiciness of the green beans by adding less or more of the Asian chili garlic sauce.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Spicy Green Beans
To store leftovers, let the spicy string beans cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 days.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to keep their crisp texture.
Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
This method helps maintain the beans’ blistered edges and prevents them from getting soggy, so you can enjoy their bold flavors and satisfying crunch even the next day.
They are also delicious cold as a snack!
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Healthy Spicy String Beans
Ingredients
Method
- In a hot skilled add 1/4 cup water and green beans, cover and steam for 4 minutes, until crisp tender.
- While green beans steam combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic chili sauce and minced ginger in a small bowl.
- Remove lid from skillet and allow any remaining water to evaporate. Add olive oil and garlic, cook on medium high heat until green beans, blister and start to brown.
- Pour the Szechuan sauce over the green beans and cook until sauce thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss in sliced green onions.
- Garnish with additional green onions and serve hot.
Notes
More Side Dishes You’ll Love
- Curry Butternut Squash and Kale
- Maple and Bacon Baked Beans
- Roasted Carrots and Brussel Sprouts
- The Best Deviled Eggs
- Corn Salad Recipe with a Lime Vinaigrette
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Jalapeño Lime Dressing
Final Thoughts
This spicy string beans recipe is truly a must-try for anyone who loves quick, bold, and flavorful dishes.
It’s a fantastic way to use your fresh garden vegetables and turn simple green beans into a crave-worthy side that the whole family will love.
So give this simple recipe a try and make it your own—whether by adjusting the spice level, adding your favorite protein, or pairing it with your go-to meals.
We’d love to hear how you put your own twist on this recipe, so please share your creations!
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