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Chinese Buffet Green Beans
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Buffet-style green beans are a quick and tasty side dish for any Asian meal. If you start with fresh green beans it makes all the difference. A quick stir-fry with garlic and soy has them ready for the table in no time.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
1 review
ingredients
1 tablespoon peanut or sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
directions
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 20 seconds.
Add the green beans and cook, stirring constantly, until the beans are crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine the sugar, oyster sauce, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Mix until combined. Add to the wok and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Serve the Chinese green beans hot.
recipe tips
Be careful not to overcook the green beans; they should remain vibrant green and crisp-tender.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the wok, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter or saltier flavor, you can modify the amounts of sugar and soy sauce.
If using peanut oil, be mindful of any allergies among those who will be eating the dish. Sesame oil provides a great flavor alternative that also complements the dish's Asian theme.
For an extra touch of flavor, garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds or a light drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
common recipe questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans as an alternative to fresh green beans. There's no need to thaw them first; just extend the cooking time by a few minutes to make sure they're cooked through to a crisp-tender texture. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different from using fresh green beans.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for oyster sauce?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms, also known as mushroom sauce. This provides a similar umami flavor that complements the dish without using any animal products.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the Chinese buffet green beans, you can include a few slices of fresh chili pepper, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dab of chili sauce when you add the garlic. Adjust the amount to taste.
What's the best way to serve these green beans?
Chinese buffet green beans are versatile and can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, including grilled meats, stir-fries, or rice dishes. They're also delicious when served as part of a larger Chinese-themed meal or buffet.
nutrition data
78 calories, 4 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
March 10, 2012
Great recipe for green beans just like you would expect at a Chinese Buffet! Very yummy - always one of my favorite things at the buffets - made them at home tonight! I used frozen whole green beans (thawed prior to stir-frying) - they turned out very well!