Dry-Fried Green Beans

This Dry-Fried Green Beans recipe is an explosion of texture and flavor. The blistered beans provide an irresistible crunch, while the combination of dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and savory aromatics creates a bold and authentic taste experience. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based option or want to add protein, this recipe delivers deep, savory flavors that will have you reaching for more.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 dried red chilies, broken into small pieces

• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• 2 scallions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 cup ground pork or crumbled tofu (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a large, dry skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add green beans and stir-fry without oil for 5-7 minutes, until they develop blistered, wrinkled skins. Remove and set aside.

2. Add vegetable oil to the pan, followed by dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. If using, add ground pork or crumbled tofu and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Stir in garlic, ginger, and scallions. Sauté for another minute.

5. Return the green beans to the pan and toss to combine.

6. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the beans are evenly coated.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 140 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Background of Dry-Fried Green Beans

Dry-Fried Green Beans, also known as “Gan Bian Si Ji Dou” (干煸四季豆) in Chinese, is a classic Sichuan dish with a rich history. This dish originates from Sichuan province, a region famous for its bold, spicy, and complex flavors. Unlike many stir-fried dishes that rely on sauces, this method uses “dry-frying” to bring out the deep, smoky flavors of green beans. The result is a crispy, blistered texture that absorbs the aromatic spices and seasonings, making it one of the most beloved vegetable dishes in Chinese cuisine. The key to this dish’s irresistible taste is the “dry-frying” technique, which involves cooking green beans in a hot, oil-free pan until they develop wrinkled, golden-brown skins. This process enhances their natural sweetness and creates a crunchy texture. The addition of garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies further elevates the dish, giving it the characteristic numbing heat (known as “málà”) that Sichuan cuisine is famous for.

Why This Recipe is the Best

• Authentic Sichuan Flavor – This recipe brings the true taste of Sichuan cuisine to your kitchen. The combination of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies creates a perfect balance of heat and numbing sensations, making each bite a bold and flavorful experience.
• Perfect Texture – The dry-frying technique gives the green beans a blistered, crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside. This unique texture is what makes the dish stand out from traditional stir-fries.
• Quick and Easy – With only a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes of total cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, delicious side dish.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. They are low in calories but high in essential nutrients, making this dish a great choice for a healthy diet.
• Versatile Dish – This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu or mushrooms for an equally delicious experience. It can also be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice.
• Minimal Oil, Maximum Flavor – Unlike deep-fried dishes, this recipe uses minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative while still delivering deep, smoky flavors.

The Health Benefits of Sichuan-Style Green Beans

Green beans are a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers several health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber – Green beans aid digestion and help maintain gut health.
• Low in Calories – Ideal for weight management and a healthy diet.
• High in Antioxidants – Helps reduce inflammation and supports overall health.
• Good for Heart Health – Contains flavonoids that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Boosts Immunity – Packed with vitamins A and C to support immune function.

Additionally, Sichuan peppercorns, one of the key ingredients, have antibacterial properties and can aid digestion, making this dish not only tasty but also beneficial for gut health.

How to Customize This Dish

• Protein Options – While ground pork is traditional, you can use ground chicken, beef, tofu, or mushrooms.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations – Simply skip the meat or use plant-based alternatives like tempeh or crumbled tofu.
• Adjusting Spice Levels – Reduce the dried chilies for a milder dish or increase them for extra heat. Adding a drizzle of chili oil can also enhance the flavor.
• Additional Flavor Enhancements – A splash of Chinese black vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an extra layer of depth.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Authentic Sichuan Flavor – The combination of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns creates a bold, numbing spice that sets this dish apart from standard green bean stir-fries.

• Blistered and Crispy Texture – The dry-frying method gives the green beans a crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside, making them more enjoyable to eat than traditionally steamed or boiled beans.

• Healthier Alternative to Deep-Frying – Unlike deep-frying, which requires large amounts of oil, dry-frying uses minimal oil, making this dish a healthier option while still delivering incredible texture and taste.

• Easy to Customize – Whether you prefer a vegetarian version with tofu or a traditional version with ground pork, this dish can be tailored to different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

• Quick and Simple to Make – With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful dish fast.

Serving Suggestions

Dry-Fried Green Beans pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or as a side dish to complement heartier Sichuan dishes. They also make a fantastic vegetarian meal when served with a bowl of garlic noodles or stir-fried tofu. For an authentic experience, serve them with chili oil on the side and a cold glass of iced tea to balance the spice. This recipe embodies the essence of Sichuan cuisine—bold, aromatic, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy green beans, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Conclusion

Dry-Fried Green Beans is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether you’re new to Sichuan cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a foolproof way to enjoy an authentic, healthy, and delicious dish. With its perfect balance of crunch, spice, and umami, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!