These Asian-inspired green beans are steamed green beans that are quickly stir-fried in an umami mixture of garlic, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms and fermented black beans (which are fermented and salted black soybeans). They’re a great side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Asian Green Beans on a plate

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Why We Love These Asian-Inspired Green Beans

These savory Asian-style green beans are steamed then quickly stir-fried with heady umami and deeply savory aromatics including finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, dried fermented black beans and garlic. The combination is outstanding! Pair with Coconut Lime Skirt Steak, Maple Soy Glazed Salmon, Sesame Noodles or Teriyaki Marinated Chicken.

If you want to try something even easier, don’t miss these Simple Skillet Green Beans.

Recipe Highlights

  • These Asian green beans come together in only 30 minutes.
  • Incredibly umami and so delicious.
  • A great side dish for big get togethers.

Key Ingredients

fermented black beans on a sheet tray
  • Green Beans: Any fresh green beans will do. Don’t use frozen.
  • Peanut or Canola Oil: These are both fairly neutral, although peanut oil will add a nice nuttiness to the dish. Don’t use olive oil here as the flavor will be off and it has a lower smoke point.
  • Shiitake Mushrooms: You could also use white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms if shiitake can’t be found.
  • Dried Fermented Black Soybeans: Common in Chinese cooking, fermented black beans are fermented and salted black soybeans. They are salty, so use them in moderation. Also, like a lot of fermented food, they have a funk factor that in small doses is totally amazing. Look for them in Asian markets or specialty or health food stores. Sub in a good dollop of fermented black bean paste if you cannot find them- but add the paste with the green beans and sherry as it will stick to the pan.
  • Dry Sherry or Shao Shing Wine: You could use either of these in this recipe. Shao shing wine is a Chinese rice wine that you could find at any Chinese market or possibly large grocery store.
  • Seasonings: Garlic, red pepper flakes, ground white pepper and kosher salt.
a close up of Asian Style Green Beans

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make These Asian-Style Green Beans

Step 1: Boil green beans

Bring several inches of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add green beans and steam, covered until bright green and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the steamer basket from the pot and open it up to let the beans cool.

Step 2: Stir-fry Shiitake mushrooms and Aromatics

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, mushrooms and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often until the mushrooms are browned and about half their original volume, 4 to 6 minutes. Add black beans, pepper and salt and stir to coat.

Step 3: Stir-fry green beans with fermented black bean mixture

Add the green beans and sherry or shao shing and stir-fry, stirring often until the green beans are heated through and coated, about 1 minute longer. Serve the Asian green beans while they’re still warm.

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a close up of Asian Style Green Beans with tongs

FAQs and Expert Tips

Storing instructions:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Make ahead instructions:

I would recommend making this dish to serve as it’s best eaten immediately and only takes 30 minutes. However, it can be prepared through step one up to one day in advance, then store beans in a sealed container in the fridge. The beans will take a bit longer to reheat in step 3.

Variations to try:

For a variation on these Asian green beans, add a teaspoon of fresh ginger to the sauteed aromatics and finish off with a few sesame seeds or sesame oil.

More Green Bean Recipes to Try

At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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Dirty Green Beans with Fermented Black Beans via healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Asian-Style Green Beans with Fermented Black Beans

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5 from 11 reviews

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Description

These Asian green beans are steamed green beans tossed in an umami mixture of garlic, finely chopped shiitakes and fermented black beans (which are fermented and salted black soybeans). They’re a great side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
  • 4 teaspoons peanut or canola oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushroom caps
  • Generous pinch red pepper flake
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dried fermented black soybeans
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry or shao shing wine

Instructions

  1. Bring several inches of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add green beans and steam, covered until bright green and crisp tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove steamer basket from the pot and open up to let beans cool.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, mushrooms and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often until the mushrooms are browned and about half their original volume, 4 to 6 minutes. Add black beans, pepper and salt and stir to coat.
  3. Add the green beans and sherry or shao shing and cook, stirring often until the green beans are heated through and coated, about 1 minute longer.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Can be prepared through step one up to one day in advance. Store beans in a sealed container in the fridge. The beans will take a bit longer to reheat in step 3.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup each
  • Calories: 81 calories
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 162 mg
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g

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