Beef Stir-Fried Green Beans

This Beef Stir-Fried Green Beans recipe is a delicious combination of tender beef, crisp green beans, and flavorful spices. It’s a quick and easy dish that brings bold and savory flavors to your table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of beef and green beans provides a hearty and satisfying meal, while the savory oyster sauce, soy sauce, and the kick of red chili make every bite burst with flavor. The dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this stir-fry is sure to impress. Plus, the optional sweet soy sauce at the end gives the dish an extra layer of richness that elevates the flavors even further!

Ingredients

• 200 grams of beef, cut into small pieces

• 100 grams of green beans, cut into pieces

• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped

• 1 clove of onion, chopped

• 5 red chilies, finely ground

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp oyster sauce

• 1/2 tsp soy sauce

• 1/4 tsp pepper powder

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce (optional)

• 100 ml water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat cooking oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

2. Add the finely ground red chilies and stir to combine with the garlic and onion.

3. Add the beef to the pan and cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.

4. Pour in a little water and stir well to incorporate with the beef and spices.

5. Add the green beans, salt, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and pepper powder. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

6. Continue cooking until the green beans are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

7. If using sweet soy sauce, add it at the end of cooking, stirring well to combine.

8. Serve the stir-fried green beans with beef hot, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2-3 people and can be prepared in about 25 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal to whip up after a long day.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the stir-fry.

• Spicy Version: Increase the number of red chilies or add chili flakes if you like more heat in your dish.

• Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist that balances out the sweetness of the soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to bring back its moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the stir-fry.

2. Can I substitute the oyster sauce with something else?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce for a similar flavor.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more red chilies or include chili flakes. Adjust according to your taste.

4. Can I use another type of meat besides beef?

Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp as a substitute for beef in this recipe.

5. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

6. Can I add more sauce to the dish?

If you prefer a saucier stir-fry, feel free to increase the amount of oyster sauce, soy sauce, or water.

7. How do I know when the green beans are done cooking?

Green beans should be tender but still crisp. Test a piece by cutting it in half; it should not be raw inside but still have a slight crunch.

8. Can I prepare the dish in advance?

While stir-fries are best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Then, you can quickly cook them when you’re ready to serve.

9. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish stores well and makes for a great meal prep option. Just store it in individual containers for an easy lunch or dinner.

10. Can I make this dish in a wok?

Yes, a wok is ideal for stir-frying as it allows for even heat distribution. You can follow the same steps as in a regular pan but use high heat for quicker cooking.

Conclusion

This Beef Stir-Fried Green Beans recipe is the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and convenience. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s sure to please a crowd or make a delicious weeknight meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal in no time. Enjoy!