Pak Ruam Tua Yao, or long bean stir-fry, is a staple in Thai cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. This seemingly humble dish showcases the magic of Thai cooking, transforming readily available ingredients into a symphony of textures and tastes. The key lies in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy notes, achieved through a masterful blend of aromatic herbs, garlic, chilies, and a touch of fish sauce. Beyond its deliciousness, this stir-fry is incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a satisfying addition to any Thai feast.
This recipe offers a straightforward guide to creating an authentic Pak Ruam Tua Yao, even for those with limited Thai cooking experience. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of crisp-tender long beans and a fragrant, flavorful sauce that will leave you wanting more. Let's dive into the recipe and create a delicious Thai stir-fry together!
Tools Needed
- Large sauté pan or wok
Ingredients
- Long beans: As needed
- Garlic: Lots
- Soy sauce (e.g., Maggi, Golden Mountain): To taste
- Oyster sauce: To taste
- White pepper: To taste
- Sugar: A pinch
- Shrimp paste (optional): A small amount
- Salted duck eggs (optional): 1-2, or to taste
- Oil: For cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Cut long beans into 2-inch pieces on a bias.
- Add shallots)
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, Golden Mountain sauce (or Maggi seasoning), shrimp paste (optional), and white pepper in a bowl.
Step 2. Stir-fry Long Beans
- Heat oil in a wok or sauté pan. Add garlic and cook until golden brown.
- Add long beans and a splash of water. Stir-fry briefly to steam the beans.
- Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
Step 3. Add Sauce and Duck Egg
- Pour sauce mixture over beans. Add a pinch of sugar to balance saltiness.
- Cut salted duck eggs into chunks and add to the stir-fry.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with additional salted duck egg if desired.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- This recipe works well with regular green beans or French beans.
- Adding a little oil to the oyster sauce container helps it slide out easier.
- Shrimp paste is optional but adds umami flavor.
- Salted duck eggs add creaminess and a salty burst; adjust amount to taste.
- The amount of sauce is adjustable; add more water if you prefer a saucier dish.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute long beans with other vegetables?
Yes! String beans, green beans, or even asparagus can work well. Keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
3. How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Adjust the amount of chilies according to your preference. For milder, use fewer or remove the seeds. For spicier, add more or use a spicier chili variety.
This easy long bean stir-fry is a testament to the delicious simplicity of Thai cuisine. With its vibrant flavors and quick preparation time, it's a recipe you'll return to again and again. Enjoy this satisfying and healthy dish as a side or a light main course!