Name: Spicy Green Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice; 1/2 tsp sugar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

These spicy green beans are a vibrant, flavour-packed side dish featuring tender-crisp beans tossed in a bold, savoury seasoning blend. With a balance of heat, aromatics, and texture, they make an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of mains or can be enjoyed on their own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple green beans into a memorable, restaurant-quality side dish. The beans maintain their natural snap while absorbing a lively combination of spices and aromatics. It is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and adds a burst of colour and flavour to any meal. Whether served with chicken, beef, or vegetarian mains, these spicy green beans elevate the plate with very little effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh green beans, trimmed
carrots or celery sticks (optional for added texture)
olive oil
garlic, minced
chilli flakes or crushed red pepper
paprika
black pepper
salt
lemon zest (optional)
soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)

Directions

Rinse and trim the green beans; slice carrots or celery into sticks if using.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Add the green beans (and carrots/celery) to the skillet.
Season with chilli flakes, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Toss frequently, cooking until the beans are tender but still firm.
Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce if desired and stir well.
Remove from heat and finish with optional lemon zest before serving.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 20 minutes

Variations

– Add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
– Use smoked paprika for deeper flavour.
– Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-hot combination.
– Stir in crispy shallots or bacon bits for added texture.
– Replace chilli flakes with fresh chopped chilli for more intense heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture, or microwave briefly.
Avoid overcooking upon reheating to prevent the beans from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture while cooking.

How do I keep the beans crisp?

Cook over high heat and avoid covering the pan, which traps steam.

Can I blanch the beans first?

Yes, blanching for one minute helps preserve colour and texture.

How spicy are these?

The heat level is adjustable based on the amount of chilli flakes used.

Can I make this dish oil-free?

Use a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil, though texture may differ.

Is soy sauce necessary?

No, it simply adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with lemon juice.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, but reheating may slightly soften the beans.

What herbs work well with this dish?

Parsley, basil, and thyme complement the spice well.

Can I add protein?

Yes, stir-fried tofu, shrimp, or chicken can be added to make it a full meal.

Can I roast instead of sautéing?

Roasting at high heat creates a deeper, caramelised flavour and works well.

Conclusion

These spicy green beans deliver bold flavour, elegant colour, and satisfying texture with minimal ingredients and effort. They are versatile enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for gatherings, making them a dependable and delicious addition to your recipe collection.