When it comes to simple yet flavorful dishes, Spicy Stir-Fried Long Beans are a perfect fit. This dish is inspired by classic Asian stir-fries, featuring crunchy, vibrant long beans tossed with spicy sauces and seasonings. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to add variety to your meals, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Stir-Fried Long Beans recipe is ideal for anyone who loves quick and healthy side dishes. The long beans, also known as Chinese long beans, are firmer and crunchier than regular green beans, making them a delightful texture addition to your meal. This recipe is spicy, savory, and has the perfect balance of flavors thanks to ingredients like toban djang (Chinese chili bean sauce), oyster sauce, and garlic. The best part? You can whip up this dish in under 10 minutes!
Whether you’re serving it alongside rice, noodles, or as a standalone snack, this dish will be the highlight of your meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor.
Full Ingredient List
- Chinese long beans – 1 lb, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Toban djang (Chinese chili bean sauce) – 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce – 2 tbsp (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Thick center-cut bacon – 6 slices (or regular bacon), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
- Shallot – 1 small, chopped (or substitute with ¼ small onion)
- Chicken stock – ¼ cup
- Oil – 1 tbsp (optional, if not using bacon fat)
- Sesame seeds – for garnish (optional)
Prep and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 8 minutes | 18 minutes |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Fat | 15 grams |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
How to Make Spicy Stir-Fried Long Beans: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine toban djang, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon
- Heat a wok over medium-high heat. If using center-cut bacon, there’s no need to add oil. For regular bacon, add 1 tbsp oil to the wok before adding the bacon.
- Fry the bacon until the edges are crispy and the fat has rendered. Remove the bacon from the wok and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Aromatics
- In the same wok with the bacon fat, add garlic and shallots. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Beans
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry for 30 seconds until it slightly caramelizes.
- Add the long beans and chicken stock. Stir to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
- Cover the wok with a lid and steam the beans for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you don’t have a lid, add an extra ¼ cup of water to create steam.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once the beans are tender but still crisp, remove the wok from the heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and the fried bacon pieces. Serve hot with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stir-Fried Long Beans
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires a very hot wok to cook the ingredients quickly without overcooking the beans.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon: Bacon adds a savory depth of flavor that balances the spiciness from the toban djang.
- Customize the Heat: For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chilies or chili flakes.
- Keep the Crunch: Stir-fry the beans just enough to keep them crisp. Overcooking will result in mushy beans.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve the spicy beans over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a flavorful side dish.
- As a Side for Meat Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or beef.
- With Noodles: You can mix these beans into a noodle stir-fry or serve them alongside fried noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
Variations of Spicy Stir-Fried Long Beans
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use tofu or mushrooms for added texture and protein. Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian.
- With Ground Meat: You can substitute bacon with ground pork or chicken to create a heartier version of this dish.
- Green Beans: If long beans are unavailable, you can use regular green beans. They have a similar flavor but a slightly different texture.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: Long beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
- High in Protein: The bacon and beans provide a good combination of protein and healthy fats.
- Packed with Antioxidants: The garlic, shallots, and chili bean sauce add antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Conclusion
Spicy Stir-Fried Long Beans is a quick, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special meal. The combination of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and spicy toban djang creates a delightful flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or looking to add more veggies to your meals, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out, and enjoy the rich flavors and textures in every bite!
