Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe? Look no further! This recipe for long beans, also known as string beans or yardlong beans, is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy cooks who still want to enjoy homemade cooking and delicious dishes. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound long beans, trimmed and washed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, for added spice)
- 2 tablespoons water (or more, if needed)
Instructions:
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Prep the Long Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the long beans. You can snap them in half or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Shorter pieces will cook faster.
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.
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Add the Long Beans: Add the prepared long beans to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. This initial stir-fry helps to slightly wilt the beans.
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Season and Simmer: Add the salt, pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat the long beans evenly. Add the chopped chili (if using) at this stage. Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
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Cook Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the wok, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the long beans are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if needed to prevent the beans from drying out. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your beans.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the long beans are cooked to your liking, remove from heat and serve immediately. This simple side dish or main course pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Long Beans:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked long beans will become mushy and lose their vibrant green color. Aim for tender-crisp texture.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
- Add other vegetables: Enhance this dish further by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers along with the long beans.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh long beans will yield the best results.
Variations:
- Garlic Ginger Long Beans: Add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger along with the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spicy Long Beans: Increase the amount of chili or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Long Beans with Meat: Add cooked ground meat, chicken, or shrimp to the long beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. However, this dish is generally low in calories and fat, making it a great option for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
This simple recipe for long beans is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes. It's a quick and healthy meal perfect for weeknights, demonstrating that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!