Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans

Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans

This Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans dish features crisp, flavorful beans tossed in a spicy, aromatic sauce. It’s a quick and vibrant stir-fry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or as a side to your favorite Chinese main courses.

Vegetarian

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

5 min

Servings

2

Chinese long beans, also known as yardlong beans, are a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines due to their unique length and crunchy texture. In Sichuan cuisine, they’re often stir-fried with bold, spicy seasonings to create dishes bursting with flavor and heat. The combination of dried chillies and fragrant Sichuan peppercorns brings a distinctive numbing spice that’s a hallmark of Sichuan cooking. This particular recipe is simple yet flavorful, highlighting the natural snap of the long beans enhanced by a balance of salty soy sauce, sweet sugar, and nutty sesame seed oil. The use of peanut oil adds a subtle richness while helping to crisp the beans during frying. Traditionally enjoyed alongside steamed rice and other Chinese dishes, these stir-fried long beans make an excellent side that adds color, texture, and spice to any meal. Experiment pairing them with dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu to complete a hearty Sichuan-inspired feast.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 lb Chinese Long Beans
  • 1 tablespoon Peanut Oil
  • 6 Dried Chillies
  • 1 tsp Sichuan Pepper
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seed Oil
  • Splash Soy Sauce

Instructions

Begin by rinsing your Chinese long beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and cut the beans into manageable 2-inch pieces, allowing for even cooking and easier eating. Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a wok or a large, sturdy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 6 dried chillies and 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry them briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn them. Add the prepared long beans to the pan, tossing them quickly to coat with the spicy oil. Stir-fry vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes until the beans are tender yet crisp and have a slight char. This intense heat locks in the beans’ bright green color and crunch. Sprinkle 0.25 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of sugar over the beans, stirring to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Splash in some soy sauce to taste, enhancing the savory undertones. Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil for that toasty aroma and gently toss once more before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, bold flavors at their peak. Tip: If you don’t have a wok, a large sauté pan with at least a two-inch lip works perfectly. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the ingredients for a perfect stir-fry. Adjust the number of dried chilies to suit your heat preference.

Quick Info

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2