A few years back, I shared a dry fried green bean recipe which is a signature Szechuan dish that is quite unknown outside of China. I received many emails from my readers, asking whether it is possible to cook it ahead and serve it later, and whether it’s possible to cook it in the oven.
The answer to both questions is a big YES!
To create delicious green beans that are blistered on the surface and tender in the center, we usually use a wok to slow roast the beans on the stove top, to create a similar texture. When I learned the proper way to roast vegetables in the oven, I was immediately hooked. It is SO MUCH easier, and creates perfect results every single time.
Today I want to share the oven version of the Szechuan dry fried green bean recipe. These green beans are roasted until blistered, and then drizzled with a garlic soy glaze. It is fuss free and can be prepared ahead of time. I promise you these beans are so flavorful and addictive, that you can even serve them as a main dish over steamed rice.
If you’re tired of your usual green bean side dish, give this recipe a try. You’ll love it!
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon chicken stock, or rice wine, or water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- Preheat oven to 230 degrees C (450 F).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, if needed.
- Dry the green beans thoroughly with a paper towel. Spread onto the baking sheet. Pour on olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to mix well. Shake the pan and use a pair of tongs to arrange the green beans into a single layer, to ensure even roasting.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until browned and almost tender.
- While baking the green beans, prepare the garlic sauce. Mix soy sauce, chicken stock, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Add garlic. Stir for a minute or until fragrant. Add the soy sauce mixture. Let cook until boiling. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the green beans. Toss to mix well. Place them back into the oven and let bake for another 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
- You can cook these green beans ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. Reheat at 180 C (350 F) in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
The nutrition facts are calculated based on 1 of the 3 servings generated by this recipe.
