Craving a dish that’s both delicious and quick to prepare? Look no further than PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans! This vibrant, aromatic dish is made with fresh green beans that are perfectly crisp and tossed in a sweet-and-spicy sesame glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. Not only can you whip it up in minutes, but it also brings a restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen. Imagine enjoying those savory noodles or rice paired with this flavorful vegetable medley—it’s a win-win!
The beauty of PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans lies not just in its flavor but also in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, including garlic and ginger, this dish bursts with aromatic goodness. The balance of sweet and spicy, complemented by toasted sesame oil and crunchy sesame seeds, makes this recipe a delightful addition to your dinner table. It’s a fabulous side that pairs perfectly with various proteins, making it versatile enough for any meal. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love making these spicy green beans at home!
Why You’ll Love This PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans
There are countless reasons to adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy this dish in under 20 minutes!
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates an explosion of flavor that elevates any meal.
- Health Conscious: Fresh green beans are low in calories and high in nutrients, making this a guilt-free addition to your diet.
- Customizable: Sprinkle in more or less heat as preferred, or add your favorite protein for a complete meal.
- Impressive Presentation: The vivid green color and shiny glaze make it visually appealing for dinner parties or family meals.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools for making PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans. Start by washing your green beans thoroughly and trimming the ends to keep them tidy and appealing. A sharp kitchen knife and cutting board will help with the prep work. Set up a spacious countertop or cooking area where you can easily manage your ingredients and tools.
For cooking, a large skillet or wok is ideal, enabling even cooking and ample space to stir-fry the green beans effectively. A whisk will be handy for mixing the sauce in a small bowl, ensuring everything blends beautifully. Lastly, have measuring spoons and cups prepared to avoid hassle while cooking.
Ingredients
Gather the following fresh ingredients for PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans, ensuring that their quality is top-notch to make your dish shine:
- 12–16 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Begin by rinsing the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Ensure they are trimmed by cutting off both ends, leaving you with perfectly uniform pieces. This not only looks better but also helps them cook evenly. After rinsing and trimming, set the green beans aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), cornstarch, and water. This mixture will be your savory-sweet glaze. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until fully combined and smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, ensuring it clings beautifully to the green beans.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Now, heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics for about 1 to 2 minutes, until they become fragrant and aromatic. Be careful not to let them burn, as this can result in a bitter flavor!
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Green Beans
Next, add the prepared green beans to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the garlic and ginger mixture. Stir-fry the beans for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, cooking them until they are tender-crisp and vibrant green. The goal here is to maintain some crunch, as this adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
With the green beans cooked to perfection, pour the sauce over the beans in the skillet. Gently stir to ensure all the green beans are well-coated in sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting the sauce thicken and develop its flavors. As it bubbles, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, stirring once more to incorporate everything.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once the green beans have reached your desired sauciness, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve these spicy green beans hot as a bold side dish alongside your favorite proteins, or even as a delicious stand-alone dish over a bed of rice!
Variations
- Protein: Enhance your dish by adding sliced chicken, beef, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spices: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that the green beans are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcooking the beans; they should be crunchy for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your spicy green beans with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty, nutritious option.
Tips
- For added crunch, top the dish with toasted peanuts or cashews.
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces; teriyaki or sriracha can add a fabulous twist!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh green beans will yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spiciness can be easily adjusted by controlling the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the sauce and trim green beans ahead of time to save effort during meal prep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With fresh green beans coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, this recipe creates a vibrant addition to any meal. Whether you’re having guests over, or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, these green beans will surely impress. Don’t forget to share your experiences or variations in the comments below, and enjoy this culinary journey that brings the taste of PF Chang’s right into your kitchen!
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PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant dish of fresh green beans coated in a sweet-and-spicy sesame glaze.
Ingredients
- 12–16 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Ensure they are trimmed by cutting off both ends, leaving you with perfectly uniform pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), cornstarch, and water. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the prepared green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic and ginger mixture. Stir-fry for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour the sauce over the beans and gently stir to ensure all are well-coated. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Serve hot as a bold side dish or as a stand-alone dish over rice!
Notes
Avoid overcooking the beans; they should be crunchy for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 2 g