sweet sour green bean recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet sour green bean recipe

I’ve been making this sweet and sour green bean recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic Chinese dish that has been adapted to suit our tastes and dietary needs.

The combination of tangy and sweet flavors, crunchy texture, and vibrant colors makes it a hit with my family, especially my kids. They love helping me prepare the ingredients and stirring the sauce while it simmers on the stovetop.

I appreciate how easy it is to make this recipe, as it requires minimal preparation time and can be ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the green beans, bell peppers, and onions. My kids have been eating this recipe since they were toddlers, and now they’re grown adults who still request it when they come home for visits.

My husband loves how versatile this recipe is – we can serve it as a side dish or add protein like chicken or tofu to make a complete meal. I’ve also experimented with different variations by adding other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to keep things interesting.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its health benefits; green beans are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is also vegan-friendly, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and those who follow plant-based diets.

Sweet and Sour Green Beans

4.5 from 1715 votes

Fresh green beans are quickly blanched then stir-fried in a glossy sweet and sour sauce. This vibrant side dish balances tangy vinegar with a touch of sugar for a bright, addictive flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2 minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
3Drain immediately in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process; set aside.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sugar has mostly dissolved.
5Set the sauce mixture aside.
6Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
7Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
8Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute, tossing to coat them with the garlic oil.
9Pour the prepared sauce over the beans and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beans evenly.
10Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sweet and sour green beans to a serving dish.
11Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or wok
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. You can also substitute the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Green Beans Works

This sweet and sour green bean recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.

I love serving this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal; my kids enjoy helping me prepare the ingredients and stirring the sauce while it simmers on the stovetop.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Green Beans

1. What is the origin of sweet and sour green bean recipe?

This dish has its roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, where sweet and sour flavors are commonly used in many recipes.

2. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans as a substitute for fresh ones; just thaw them first by leaving them in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving them according to package instructions.

3. How do I adjust the level of sweetness and sourness to my taste?

You can adjust the balance of sweetness and sourness by adding more or less sugar or vinegar according to your preference.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

5. Can I add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this recipe; just adjust the cooking time according to their texture.

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