Craving for a tantalizing side dish that brings a spark to your dining table? Look no further than this homemade version of P.F. Chang’s Spicy Green Beans. Known for its vibrant flavors and the perfect crunch, this dish is a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets flavor. Not only is it mouthwateringly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a short amount of time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this restaurant favorite right at your home.
Ingredients
To bring this dish to life, you’ll need:
- Green Beans: 1-2 pounds, fresh, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces. The star of the show, green beans should be vibrant and crisp.
- Green Onions: 2, chopped thin. These add a mild, yet essential flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon. This is where the “spicy” in Spicy Green Beans comes from.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced. Garlic adds a depth of flavor that’s irreplaceable.
- Sesame Oil: 2 Tablespoons. It lends a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor to the dish.
For the Asian Sauce:
- Salt & Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon each, to season.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: 2 Tablespoons, for that umami-packed soy flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 Tablespoon, introducing a slight acidity.
- White Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the flavors.
- Water: 1/4 cup, to dilute and distribute the flavors evenly.
Optional:
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Directions
Creating this dish is as straightforward as it is delightful:
- Sauce Prep: Begin by whisking together the salt, black pepper, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This concoction will be the heart of the dish, enveloping the green beans in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce.
- Sauté Time: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Toss in the green onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. It’s crucial to stir continuously for about 30 seconds to prevent the garlic from burning, as this could introduce a bitter taste.
- Green Beans Galore: Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for them to be nearly fully cooked, marked by a change to a more vibrant green color. This ensures they retain their delightful crunch.
- Final Touches: Push the green beans to one side of the skillet. Give the Asian sauce a good stir (to reincorporate any settled ingredients) and pour it into the skillet. Stir well to coat the green beans evenly and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This last step allows the sauce to thicken slightly, clinging to the beans for that perfect bite.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the spicy green beans garnished with sesame seeds, if using, either on a plate or in a bowl.
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
This dish is not only a burst of flavors but also friendly on the calorie count, with approximately 75 kcal per serving. The recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or as a part of a larger meal spread.
Prep and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Bringing the bold and spicy flavors of P.F. Chang’s into your kitchen has never been easier. This Spicy Green Beans recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish that’s fresh, fast, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering, these green beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crunch, savor the spice, and indulge in the symphony of flavors that this dish brings to your table.
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P.F. Chang’s Spicy Green Beans
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of heat and crunch with our P.F. Chang’s Spicy Green Beans recipe. This dish brings the bold flavors of Asia right to your kitchen, featuring tender green beans tossed in a tantalizing sesame-infused sauce, punctuated by the fiery kick of red pepper flakes. It’s an ideal side dish that promises to elevate any meal with its rich, complex flavors and visually appealing presentation.
Ingredients
1–2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and beans cut into 2 inch pieces
2 green onions, chopped thin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons sesame oil
For the Asian Sauce:
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
Sesame Seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Asian sauce by mixing the salt, black pepper, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add green onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
Add green beans to the skillet, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until nearly fully cooked. The beans will turn a vibrant green.
Push the beans to one side of the skillet. Stir the Asian sauce well and add to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove from heat and serve the green beans with sauce on a plate or in a bowl, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 75 kcal