Garlic Green Bean Stir Fry

Garlic Green Bean Stir Fry

A quick, vibrant weeknight stir fry that transforms fresh green beans into a savory, garlicky side or light main. High heat gives the beans a satisfying tender-crisp texture while a simple soy-sesame sauce adds bold umami depth. On the table in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

4 servings · Prep 10 min · Cook 12 min · Total 22 min

Chinese · Dinner · Side Dish

Main

  • 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed, ends snapped off
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil such as avocado or vegetable oil

Finishing

  • 1 tsp sesame oil toasted, for finishing
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp cornstarch

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Wok
  • Paper Towel
  • Serving Plate
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the @[Soy Sauce], @[Oyster Sauce], @[Rice Vinegar], @[Sugar], and @[Cornstarch] in a small bowl until the @[Cornstarch] is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside. Trim the @[Green Beans] and mince the @[Garlic].
  2. Bring a large #[Pot] of salted water to a boil. Add the @[Green Beans] and blanch for ~[2 minutes] until bright green and just barely tender. Drain immediately and spread on a paper towel-lined plate to dry completely — excess moisture will cause splattering in the wok.
  3. Heat a #[Wok] or large #[Skillet] over ^[high heat] until smoking. Add the @[Neutral Oil] and swirl to coat. Add the dried @[Green Beans] in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for ~[1–2 minutes] until lightly blistered. Toss and cook another ~[1 minute].
  4. Push the @[Green Beans] to the edges of the #[Wok] and add the minced @[Garlic] to the center. Stir the @[Garlic] in the @[Neutral Oil] for about ~[30 seconds] until fragrant and just golden — do not let it burn. Toss everything together.
  5. Pour the sauce over the @[Green Beans] and toss quickly to coat. Cook for ~[1–2 minutes], stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings to the @[Green Beans]. Remove from heat and drizzle with @[Sesame Oil]. Toss once more.
  6. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted @[Sesame Seeds] and @[Red Pepper Flakes] if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or as a standalone side.