Garlic Chili Green Beans

These Garlic Chili Green Beans are a quick and flavorful side dish that takes ordinary green beans to the next level. Crisp-tender beans are sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, and dried red chilies for a savory, slightly spicy dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or anytime you want a fresh vegetable side with bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes.
• Flavorful: Garlic + chili = bold flavor.
• Healthy: A lighter side dish full of veggies.

Tips for Success

• Use a wok or large skillet so beans sear, not steam.
• Don’t overcook — beans should stay slightly crisp.
• Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.

How to Make Garlic Green Beans Without Spice

1. Skip the Chilies

• Leave out the dried red chilies or red pepper flakes completely.

2. Boost Flavor Without Heat

• Add extra garlic (4–5 cloves instead of 3).
• Splash in a little soy sauce + rice vinegar for tang.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds or toasted almonds for texture.
• Use sesame oil instead of olive oil for a nutty depth.

3. Optional Flavor Twists

• Lemon-Garlic Green Beans: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
• Butter-Garlic Green Beans: Finish with 1 Tbsp butter for richness.
• Herb-Garlic Green Beans: Toss in fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for freshness.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with roast chicken or grilled steak.
• Add to an Asian-inspired meal with rice and dumplings.
• Serve alongside holiday roasts as a fresh veggie option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry first. They won’t be quite as crisp but still tasty.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Best served fresh, but you can prep beans and sauce in advance for faster cooking.

Q: How spicy are these?
A: Mild to medium — adjust chili to your preference.

Jana Rae

Garlic Chili Green Beans

These Garlic Chili Green Beans are crisp, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. A quick stir-fry side dish with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 90

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil for more flavor
• 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• 2 –3 dried red chilies or ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar optional, for brightness
• ½ tsp sugar optional, balances spice
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Sesame seeds or sliced scallions for garnish

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Method

 

1. Blanch beans (optional): Bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch green beans for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry. (This step keeps beans crisp and bright.)
2. Sauté garlic & chili: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and dried chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add beans: Toss in green beans and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Season: Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or scallions. Serve hot.

Notes

• Blanching is optional, but it helps keep beans bright green.
• Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
• Great served with rice, grilled meats, or Asian-inspired mains.