Forget limp, boiled green beans! This recipe for Crispy Garlic Green Beans elevates this humble vegetable to a delicious side dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. We're talking perfectly tender-crisp green beans, bursting with the fragrant, savory punch of roasted garlic. This recipe is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients and minimal prep time, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of garlicky spice that everyone will love.
The secret to these incredibly flavorful green beans lies in a simple roasting technique that maximizes their natural sweetness while achieving that coveted crispy texture. Ready to transform your green bean game? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create the most addictive crispy garlic green beans you've ever tasted.
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Baking sheets or plates
- Bamboo chopsticks or utensils
- Paper towels
- Bowl or jar
Ingredients
- Green beans: Enough for desired servings
- Garlic: A lot (finely chopped)
- Cooking oil: ½ to 1 inch depth in wok
- Larry's Garlic Salt: To taste
- Toasted sesame seeds: Optional
- Korean red pepper flakes (Kochikaru): Optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Green Beans and Garlic
- Select tender, young, slender green beans. Avoid those with bulging seeds.
- Snap off the stem ends of the green beans, then snap each bean in half.
- Rinse the green beans thoroughly and spread them out to dry completely on baking sheets or plates.
- Finely chop a generous amount of garlic.
Step 2. Flash-Fry the Green Beans
- Pour ½ to 1 inch of oil into a wok over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by inserting bamboo chopsticks; rapidly forming bubbles indicate readiness.
- Working in batches, carefully add the green beans to the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes, until the skins start to wrinkle. This flash-fries them for extra texture.
- Remove the green beans and shake gently to remove excess oil; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining beans.
Step 3. Sauté Garlic and Season
- Pour the used oil into a bowl or jar. Sauté the minced garlic in the wok for 30 seconds to a minute, until lightly golden.
- Turn off the heat, add the fried green beans to the wok, and toss with the garlic.
- Season with Larry's Garlic Salt (or your preferred seasoning). Add toasted sesame seeds and Korean red pepper flakes (optional).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Crispy Kang Kong: A Simple Vietnamese Recipe
Tips
- Thoroughly drying the green beans prevents splattering during frying.
- The more garlic, the better!
Nutrition
- Calories: 100-150 (per serving, estimate varies with oil and bean quantity)
- Fat: 7-12 (g, estimate varies with oil quantity)g
- Carbs: 7-10 (g, estimate varies with bean quantity)g
- Protein: 2-3 (g, estimate varies with bean quantity)g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting to ensure they crisp up nicely.
2. How do I prevent the green beans from burning?
Keep a close eye on them while roasting and adjust the oven temperature if needed. Don't overcrowd the pan, and ensure even spacing for proper air circulation.
3. What can I substitute for garlic?
While garlic is key to the flavor, you could try using shallots or even a sprinkle of garlic powder if you're out of fresh garlic. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
These crispy garlic green beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet sophisticated side dish for any meal. From weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!