Easy Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans (Gan Bian Si Ji Dou) Without a Wok Recipe
Unraveling the mysteries of home cooking through science.
Blistered and tender green beans with Sichuan-style aromatics. [Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]
Gan Bian Si Ji Dou—Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans with chilies and pickles—are one of the best and most mistranslated vegetable dishes in the world. The real version should be bright and light, featuring beans with blistered skins and snappy interiors, and tossed with chili-flavored oil, Sichuan peppercorns, scallions, garlic, ginger, and chopped preserved mustard root. It's a pretty far cry from the oily, drab, pork-smothered versions you find in Chinese take-out joints. Today gan bian si ii and I are on a road trip back to authenticity, and we're going to be driving that minibus over some uncharted territory.
Why this recipe works:
- Broiling the green beans instead of deep-frying them gives them the blistered, lightly charred surfaces, without the need for cups of oil and a hot wok.
- Cooking the sauce slowly in a saucepan develops better flavor than the standard high-heat method.
Note: Sichuan peppercorns can be found in most Asian markets or spice markets or ordered online. Discard any dark black seeds or stems before using (use the reddish brown husks only). Preserved mustard stems can be found at a well-stocked Asian grocer either in a fresh refrigerated bulk bin or in cans, or it can be ordered whole or shredded online. If you can't find them, a mixture of 2 1/2 tablespoons minced mild kimchi and 1/2 a tablespoon of minced capers will work in its place.
Read more: The Food Lab: For the Best Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans, Ditch the Wok and Turn on the Broiler
What's New On Serious Eats
- Yield:Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Total time:15 minutes
- Rated:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon toasted whole Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided
- 6 whole dried small hot chili (such as árbol)
- 4 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 scallions, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons finely minced whole or shredded Sichuan preserved mustard stems (see note)
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground white or black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Directions
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1.
Crush half of Sichuan peppercorns in a mortar and pestle into a rough powder. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil, remaining whole Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until sizzling and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, scallions, and mustard root and cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
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2.
Adjust rack to as close as possible to broiler and preheat broiler to high. In a large bowl, toss green beans with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and white pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan. Broil until beans are blistered and very lightly charred, 2 to 5 minutes depending on strength of broiler. Return beans to bowl.
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3.
Using a rubber spatula, transfer Sichuan peppercorn mixture to bowl with beans. Add sugar and remaining crushed peppercorns. Toss to coat the beans thoroughly in the mixture and season to taste with more salt and white pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
This Recipe Appears In
The Food Lab: For the Best Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans, Ditch the Wok and Turn on the BroilerAll products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.
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