Twice-Fried Green Beans

Twice-Fried Green Beans are a beloved Chinese classic, known for their crispiness and delicious flavors. Traditionally made with pork, this recipe offers versatile options for substitutions, allowing you to use chicken, turkey, beef, or even extra-firm tofu for a delightful vegetarian version. The beans are first deep-fried until they turn golden and crispy, then quickly stir-fried with your choice of protein and a savory sauce. The result is a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as part of a larger Chinese-inspired feast.

Makes: 4 servings

Time: About 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn, for deep-frying
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
• Salt
• 4 to 5 ounces minced or ground pork or extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh chile (like jalapeño or Thai), or to taste, or hot red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a countertop deep-fryer or a deep pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the oil to 350°F, as described in “Deep Frying” on page 19.
2. Fry the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the hot oil all at once. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden brown, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beans from the oil and let them drain. Sprinkle the fried beans with a pinch of salt for added flavor.
3. Sauté the Protein: Allow the oil to cool slightly, then pour off all but 2 tablespoons of it. Turn the heat up to high and add the minced or ground pork (or tofu if using a vegetarian option). Stir constantly and cook until the pork is no longer pink and turns gray in color.
4. Add Aromatic Flavors: Add the chopped garlic, scallions, and minced chile to the pan with the cooked protein. Sauté everything together for about 30 seconds, stirring to combine the flavors.
5. Combine and Season: Add the fried green beans back into the pan with the protein and aromatics. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes to ensure even distribution of the flavors. Now, add the sugar and soy sauce to the mixture, stirring everything together until well combined. Turn off the heat.
6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the Twice-Fried Green Beans and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, chile, or soy sauce if desired. Once the flavors are perfectly balanced, the dish is ready to serve.

SERVING TIPS:

• Serve Hot: These Twice-Fried Green Beans are best served hot and fresh. Enjoy them immediately after preparing for maximum crispiness and flavor.
• Accompaniment: Serve the green beans as a delectable side dish alongside steamed rice or as part of a Chinese-inspired meal with other stir-fried dishes.

VARIATION:

• Twice-Fried Green Beans with Sausage: Substitute chopped Chinese sausage or Spanish chorizo for the pork. Cook the sausage in Step 2 until it just starts to brown.
• Twice-Fried Green Beans with Cashews: For a delightful crunch, substitute 1/2 cup of cashews for the pork, or add the cashews as an extra ingredient. After frying the beans in Step 1, fry the cashews separately until they turn golden brown. Drain and sprinkle the fried cashews with a pinch of salt. Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with the cashews to add a delightful nutty flavor and texture.

These Twice-Fried Green Beans offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any Chinese-inspired meal. Enjoy the crispy and savory beans with your choice of protein, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the suggested variations to suit your taste preferences.