Name: Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb green beans, tough ends removed; 1 tablespoon unsweetened natural peanut butter; 1 to 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 clove garlic, grated; 2 teaspoons chili crisp

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Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce is the kind of dish that instantly perks up any meal, whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or as an unexpected star at your next dinner party. Crisp-tender green beans are coated in a silky, assertively spiced peanut sauce, finished with an irresistible hit of chili crisp. Every bite marries fresh crunch with creamy nuttiness and just the right amount of heat. You’ll want to put this on the table again and again, and it’s so simple you just might!

Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something much greater than the sum of its parts. Each element brings something essential, from color and crunch to heat and depth of flavor.

Green Beans: Choose the freshest you can find; their snappy texture is the base of this dish.
Unsweetened Natural Peanut Butter: This gives creamy richness and a savory backbone—avoid sweetened versions for best results.
Water: Just a splash helps loosen the peanut butter into a pourable sauce, making everything cling beautifully.
Light Soy Sauce: Adds an umami punch and balances the nutty flavors with its subtle saltiness.
Rice Vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy lift that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
Garlic (Grated): Brings bold aromatics and a pungent kick that shines through the sauce.
Chili Crisp: This magical condiment infuses the dish with spice, crunch, and just enough intrigue to make you reach for seconds.

How to Make Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Start by bringing a pot of water to a brisk boil; you’ll want enough for the beans to have room to move around. Add your trimmed green beans and let them simmer for just 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is beans that are brightly colored and cooked through, yet still crisp in the center. As soon as they’re ready, drain them and run cold water over them to stop the cooking and preserve that vibrant emerald hue. Set aside—you’re halfway there!

Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of water, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and that wonderfully pungent grated garlic. The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and just runny enough to generously coat the beans without clumping up. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water, stirring until you reach your perfect consistency. This is where the magic of Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce truly begins.

Step 3: Dress and Top the Beans

Pour that luscious peanut sauce right over the green beans and give everything a gentle toss to coat. Drizzle the chili crisp on top—don’t be shy! Its spicy crunch is what takes these beans from good to seriously crave-worthy. Serve the dish at room temperature for the ultimate meld of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Mix and Serve

Just before serving, toss the Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce well to ensure every bean is kissed with sauce and chili crisp. Arrange them on a platter and enjoy immediately, or let them settle while you finish preparing the rest of your meal. No need for fuss—simple, sensational, and absolutely addictive.

How to Serve Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

To make your Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce pop on the plate, top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts. Sliced scallions or a shower of fresh cilantro bring even more color and a fresh, herbal note. A squeeze of lime over the top adds brightness and draws all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These beans pair perfectly with a mound of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, or tuck them alongside crispy tofu for a delicious plant-based feast. They’re also brilliant next to grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even as part of a festive holiday spread—the sauce perfectly complements bold mains and mild sides alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to riff on tradition? Try serving Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce atop cool soba noodles or wrap them up as a filling for a crisp lettuce cup. For a fun appetizer twist, pile them high on a platter with toothpicks so guests can help themselves. The vibrant colors and punchy flavors invite you to get playful with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld and intensify overnight.

Freezing

While green beans on their own freeze well, this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. The peanut sauce may change texture after freezing and thawing, becoming grainy or separating, so it’s not recommended to freeze the completed dish for best results.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the beans warm, simply reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat, stirring to distribute the sauce evenly. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up in the fridge, and let everything come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just blanch frozen green beans for a little less time—about 2 to 3 minutes should do it. This way, you’ll still keep that lovely snap without overcooking them.

Is there a substitute for chili crisp if I can’t find it?

If chili crisp is out of reach, try using your favorite chili oil or even a quick mix of crushed red pepper flakes in hot oil. The key is getting both heat and a little bit of crispy texture into your Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

Can I make this sauce nut-free?

Absolutely! Sunflower seed butter or tahini makes an excellent substitute for peanut butter. Both bring their own unique flavor but keep the creamy, nutty feel of the sauce.

Does this dish taste good cold?

It really does! Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce is wonderful served at room temperature or even straight from the fridge—the flavors deepen and the beans stay satisfyingly crisp.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Stick with natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the most authentic, savory-forward flavor. Avoid those with added sugar or hydrogenated oils, which can make the sauce overly sweet or oily.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dazzling, simple veg dish that packs a punch, Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce is destined to become your new favorite. The ingredients are basic, but their combination is pure magic. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for seconds—or even thirds!

Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of tender green beans coated in a flavorful, slightly spicy peanut sauce. It’s a perfect side dish that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Green Beans:

1/2 lb green beans, tough ends removed

For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsweetened natural peanut butter
1 to 2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, grated
2 teaspoons chili crisp

Instructions

Cook the Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and simmer until beans are cooked through but still crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain, then run cold tap water over the beans to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of water, light soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Mix well. The sauce should be able to coat a spoon but not too thick. If needed, add more water to thin it out. Pour the sauce onto the green beans. Add the chili crisp over the sauce.
Serve: Serve the dish at room temperature. Mix well before eating.