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Garlic-Green-Beans
Nata Fit

The Best Garlic Green Beans (Easy Chinese-Style Recipe)

Fresh, crisp-tender garlic green beans stir-fried with plenty of garlic, light soy sauce, and simple seasonings. This easy Chinese-style side dish comes together in just 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, rice, or noodles. A quick blanching step keeps the beans vibrant, tender, and prevents oil from splattering while stir-frying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500-550 g (1.1–1.2 lb) fresh green beans
  • 3 tbsp high-oleic sunflower oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp salt for blanching water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pinch of ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen tongs or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Prepare the Green Beans
  2. Wash the green beans thoroughly. Trim off both ends and cut any extra-long beans in half so they cook evenly.
  3. Step 2 – Blanch
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  5. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and blanch the green beans for 2 minutes.
  6. Drain immediately and let them dry for a minute.
  7. Tip: Blanching keeps the beans bright green, helps them cook evenly, and greatly reduces oil splatter during stir-frying.
  8. Step 3 – Prepare the Garlic
  9. Peel 5–6 garlic cloves.
  10. Finely mince about half of the garlic.
  11. Slice the remaining garlic into larger pieces.
  12. Using both textures creates a deeper garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  13. Step 4 – Stir-Fry
  14. Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  15. Add the blanched green beans.
  16. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  17. Season with:
  18. 1 teaspoon salt
  19. A pinch of black pepper
  20. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  21. Step 5 – Finish
  22. Pour in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
  23. Add the remaining minced garlic.
  24. Stir everything together for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  25. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't skip blanching. It keeps the beans bright green, crisp-tender, and helps prevent oil from splattering during cooking.
Using both sliced and minced garlic creates layers of garlic flavor instead of one overpowering taste.
High-oleic sunflower oil works especially well because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that lets the garlic shine.
Light soy sauce adds savory flavor without making the beans too salty or too dark.
Avoid overcooking the garlic—it should become fragrant, not browned, or it may turn bitter.
Fresh green beans always produce the best texture for this recipe.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.