Stir-Fry Beef With Chinese Green Beans

Written by
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Rhonda Parkinson
Updated 08/13/19
Chinese beef with green beans
Peter Cassidy/Photodisc/Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 3 to 4 servings

This is the popular green bean dish that you’ll frequently find at Chinese restaurant buffets. The secret to making Chinese green beans (or long beans) is “dry-frying” the beans for about 7 to 10 minutes. This process makes them more tender. 

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound green beans
  • 3/4 pound flank steak
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (chopped)
  • 2 scallions (white parts only)
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying
  • 4 to 6 dried chilis or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili paste (according to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Wash the green beans, drain thoroughly, and trim the ends. Cut the green beans on the diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long.

  2. Cut the beef across the grain into very thin strips about 2 inches long.

  3. Chop the garlic, ginger, and scallions. In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.

  4. Heat the wok over medium heat. When hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil, drizzling the oil down the sides of the wok.

  5. When the oil is hot, add the green beans. Stir-fry for 7 to 10 minutes, until their skins pucker and turn brown and the green beans are tender without being mushy. Remove the beans from the wok.

  6. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the wok on high heat, drizzling the oil down the sides of the wok. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger, and scallions. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the dried chilies or chili paste and stir-fry for a few more seconds until aromatic.

  7. Add the beef strips to the wok. Sear briefly without moving, and then stir-fry until the beef changes color. Splash the beef with the rice wine while cooking.

  8. Add the green beans and the sauce. Stir in the scallions. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding black pepper to taste, and salt if desired.

  9. Remove from the heat and add sesame oil if using. Serve hot.