Chinese buffet restaurants are known for having some of the tastiest green bean dishes around They are always a favorite side at the buffet line The green beans have a sweet and salty glaze that makes them irresistible.

Luckily, you can easily replicate these delicious Chinese-style green beans at home with just a few ingredients. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy sweet, tangy buffet-style green beans anytime without leaving your house!

An Authentic Chinese Restaurant Flavor

This homemade recipe captures the authentic flavor of green beans you’d find at a Chinese buffet’s food line Here’s how it recreates that signature taste

• A savory sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce gives the dish its salty, umami depth of flavor. This is the key ingredient that mimics the Chinese restaurant taste.

• Garlic adds a rich aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with green beans Mince it finely so it cooks up nicely,

• A quick toss in a hot skillet helps the beans caramelize while infusing them with the sauce.

Follow the recipe steps below to get green beans just like the buffet! The flavor is spot on.

Easy 4-Ingredient Chinese Green Beans

Part of what makes this recipe so great is that it uses just 4 main ingredients:

• Green beans – Fresh is best, but frozen works too. Trim the ends first.

• Olive oil – For cooking the garlic and green beans. Any vegetable oil works.

• Garlic – Minced or pressed garlic adds tons of flavor.

• Soy sauce – Use regular or reduced sodium.

• Oyster sauce – Adds an extra depth and sweetness.

That’s it! Brown the garlic, simmer the beans, then toss them in the savory sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Chinese restaurant-style green beans is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the green beans. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until tender.

3. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce until combined. Cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Remove from heat and serve immediately, sprinkled with sesame seeds for crunch. Enjoy!

It only takes about 15 minutes of active cooking time. The full recipe is at the end of this article.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chinese green beans taste fantastic paired with classic Chinese dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• Spoon them over a bowl of steamed rice.

• Serve alongside chicken fried rice, lo mein noodles, orange chicken, etc.

• Pair them with potstickers, egg rolls, or wontons.

• Use as a veggie side for General Tso’s chicken or beef with broccoli.

For American-style meals, they make a tasty side to roast chicken or pork, burgers, meatloaf, and more.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

Like any vegetable side, leftover green beans hold up well for several days in the fridge. Here are some reheating tips:

• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

• Skillet: Sauté over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up.

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot.

The glaze may thicken when reheated, so add a bit of water as needed.

Customize the Flavors

Once you master the basic technique, play around with adding other seasonings to make these green beans your own. Try:

• Minced fresh ginger or garlic
• Toasted sesame oil
• Rice vinegar or lemon juice
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Ground Sichuan peppercorns
• Chopped green onion
• Toasted cashews or peanuts

You can also switch up the sauce. Try coconut aminos with brown sugar for a gluten-free version. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for the Best Chinese-Style Green Beans

Follow these tips for buffet-worthy green beans every time:

• Don’t overcook – Keep the beans crisp-tender, not mushy.

• Use a hot pan – This helps brown the garlic and caramelize the glaze.

• Coat evenly – Toss the beans well in the sauce to get full coverage.

• Use fresh garlic – Jarred doesn’t have the same punch as fresh minced.

• Add some crunch – Toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds are perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Green Bean Recipe

These green beans make an easy, addictively delicious side dish. Here’s why they’re so hard to stop eating:

• The flavor – Sweet, salty, savory, and garlicky. Just like the Chinese buffet!

• Easy to make – Comes together in 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.

• Kid-friendly – Little ones love the sweet glaze on these beans.

• Versatile – Serve with American or Chinese meals. Works with any protein.

• Endlessly customizable – Change up herbs, spices, nuts and sauces.

Once you give these green beans a try, you may never settle for boring boiled beans again. The Chinese buffet-inspired flavor will liven up any meal.

Looking for more easy homemade Chinese food? Check out these recipes:

• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Beef with Broccoli
• Egg Drop Soup

So next time you get a craving for Chinese takeout, save money and make these green beans instead. You’ll be amazed how authentic the flavor is.

Enjoy!

Chinese Buffet-Style Green Beans

Easy homemade green beans with an addictive sweet and salty glaze, just like the Chinese buffet!

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add green beans. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce and mix well to coat beans. Cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these restaurant-worthy Chinese green beans as a side dish to your favorite meals!