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Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

A vibrant and spicy stir-fried green beans recipe that brings a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors. This quick 20-minute dish features fresh green beans tossed in a fragrant sauce made with ginger, garlic, tamari, and a hint of maple syrup, finished with crunchy sesame seeds. Ideal as a flavorful side or a healthy main when paired with grains or protein.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 12 oz. green beans, ends trimmed (about 4-5 cups trimmed)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or store-bought
  • 2 Tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce (ensure gluten-free as needed)
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 2 large cloves or 9 g)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp maple syrup

Other

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil or other neutral, high-heat oil
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, raw or toasted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the green beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly and dry them completely to prevent oil splattering later. Trim and discard the ends of the beans.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the vegetable broth, tamari, minced ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and maple syrup. Stir well to integrate all the flavors.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or wok on high heat. Once hot (test by sprinkling a few drops of water to confirm it sizzles), add the avocado oil and swirl it around to create a thin oil layer on the surface.
  4. Cook the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet. Toss them occasionally, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they develop some brown spots but remain crisp and vibrant.
  5. Add the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-high and quickly pour in the prepared sauce mixture. The sauce will steam upon contact. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the beans are tender but still have a slight crunch (al dente) and most of the liquid has reduced.
  6. Finish with sesame seeds: Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame seeds to add a nutty crunch and extra flavor to the dish.
  7. Serve: Serve the spicy stir-fried green beans warm alongside grains like rice, millet, or quinoa, or cauliflower rice. It pairs wonderfully with protein options such as baked crispy peanut tofu, peanut & lemongrass tempeh, or crispy skin salmon.
  8. Storage: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Note that this dish is not suitable for freezing.

Notes

  • Drying the green beans thoroughly before cooking helps prevent hot oil splatters.
  • Tamari is used here for a gluten-free soy sauce option, but regular soy sauce can be substituted if gluten is not a concern.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Use avocado oil or another neutral high-heat oil to withstand the high cooking temperature without smoking.
  • For added texture and flavor, try toasting the sesame seeds before adding them.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated but are not freezer-friendly as the green beans may lose texture upon freezing.